Live4Lane presents volunteer award, raises $18K at annual 5K
Maranda Heil and Korben Orpin-Eakin.
Courtesy Photo
By: Karen Graham, Community Editor, Loudoun Times-Mirror
The 6th Annual Live4Lane Foundation Walk for mental health awareness was held on Oct. 4 in Sterling and was the organization’s largest event to date, raising more than $18,000, according to the nonprofit’s founder Maranda Heil.
Following the event, one 10-year-old volunteer was presented with a special award for outstanding service to the organization.
Heil said Korben Orpin-Eakin, who is in the fourth grade, became an impromptu assistant for the 5K the night before the event.
The next day, he set his alarm for 7 a.m. and arrived at the event to help set up tables, manage parking, contribute to the motivational art on the sidewalks and walk the 5k, all on his own, she said.
His tenacity and motivation inspired the board to gift him a skateboard from Alpine Ski Shop that they purchased with an original intent to raffle, she said.
Orpin-Eakin told Heil that helping with an event that supports mental health and kindness was important to him.
“I think it is really great,” Orpin-Eakin said. “Yes, we need more kindness.”
His story emulates the ideal volunteer and advocacy that Live4Lane looks for, Heil said.
Proceeds from the walk benefit the Dominion High School Mental Health Advocate Scholarship, awarded annually to a senior who demonstrates leadership in mental health advocacy and wellness. Since its founding, The Live4Lane Foundation has awarded more than $29,500 in academic scholarships, helping young advocates pursue higher education while promoting mental wellness.
Heil created the The Live4Lane Foundation several years ago after her son, Lane Burrow, died by suicide in 2019.
Seeing the need for resources to help kids like Lane, Heil started Live4Lane to help raise awareness and to help break stigmas associated with the issues related to mental health.
The nonprofit focuses on connecting with kids at Dominion High School, where Lane was a student. It offers a safe haven club, resources, opportunities for connection and scholarships for students interested in becoming active mental health advocates to help others in need.
“Our mission is to honor Lane’s memory by building connections, supporting families and breaking the stigma around mental health,” said Heil.
Looking ahead, Live4Lane will open scholarship applications for Dominion High School students on Dec. 1 and will host a Mental Health Community Chalk Art Event on May 18, 2026. A scholarship awards ceremony is set for May 19, and next year’s walk is scheduled for Oct. 3, 2026.
