Celebrating Volunteerism & Catalyzing Change: The Coulter Crew

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

Nestled in the heart of Embrey Mills, the Coulter family epitomizes warmth, resilience, and community spirit. With Elizabeth and her partner Craig at the helm, alongside their vibrant crew- Louie, Maribel (Belle), Frankie, and Asher - their home resonates with laughter, love, and a shared commitment to making a difference, both within their family and in the wider community.

A Journey of Love and Service

Their story began in Norfolk, where fate brought Elizabeth and Craig together at a homeless picnic, both driven by a desire to serve their community. Little did they know, this chance encounter would blossom into a beautiful partnership spanning 15 years. Reflecting on their journey, Elizabeth fondly recalls their engagement in Virginia Beach, a moment she describes as magical amidst the crashing waves and endless sky.

Their commitment to community involvement runs deep. Whether it's volunteering with the organization Elizabeth founded for her son, Louie's HUWE, supporting local schools like Fredericksburg Christian School, or participating in the Stafford Baseball League, the Coulters are always eager to lend a helping hand and foster connections within their neighborhood. They’re also seemingly always on the go! 

Despite their busy schedules, the Coulter children thrive in various activities and pursuits. Louie's fascination with circles reflects his unique perspective, while Frankie and Belle's love for baseball and dance at Polaris adds rhythm and energy to their household. As for Asher, he brings endless joy and mischief, reminding the family of the beauty of simplicity and spontaneity.

Beyond their local endeavors, the Coulters cherish their travel adventures, with Williamsburg and Virginia Beach ranking among their favorite destinations. Each trip is a chance to bond as a family, create lasting memories, and recharge amidst the beauty of Virginia's landscapes.

Inspiring Change and Connection

Elizabeth Coulter's journey with her son Louie, who has a rare genetic mutation called HUWE-1, led her to establish Louie's HUWE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children affected by this condition. Reflecting on Louie's challenging health journey, Elizabeth explained, "We found out soon after his birth that there was something wrong. He had trouble breathing and was not moving his arms and legs." 

Despite facing numerous diagnoses over the years, including hypotonia, slow growth, autism, cortical visual impairment, and epilepsy, Elizabeth's determination to find a cure was fueled by a pivotal conversation with Louie's neurogeneticist. She recalled, "I'll fund the cure if you can help find the researcher."

Driven by a commitment to helping children globally affected by HUWE-1, regardless of the severity of their condition, Louie's HUWE operates under the philosophy of "Rare But Everywhere." 

Elizabeth emphasized, "We want to help every child around the globe with HUWE-1, no matter how severe their variation or how far they are." 

With a focus on funding a drug trial at Seattle Children's Hospital, the organization has already met their $250,000 goal. What sets Louie's HUWE apart is their dedication to ensuring that nearly all funds raised go directly towards finding a cure and that’s now the focus: a cure for epilepsy. 

The drug trial has begun, and a cure can’t come soon enough. Louie suffers over 100 seizures per day, averaging over 10 seizures an hour. To say the Coulters cannot wait to celebrate a cure would be an understatement.

Inviting Neighbors into the Fold

For the Coulters, living in Embrey Mill isn't just about finding a place to reside; it's about building meaningful connections and embracing the spirit of camaraderie that defines their neighborhood. They welcome new neighbors with open arms, encouraging them to get involved and become active participants in their vibrant community. They've found solace and joy in their neighbors' unwavering support, especially during challenging times with their son Louie.

As the Coulter family continues to write their story, their message to their neighbors rings clear: embrace the journey, cherish each moment, and spread kindness wherever you go. With their infectious enthusiasm and tenacious spirit for volunteering, they serve as a shining example of the transformative power of love, connection, and community. In the Coulter household, every day is an opportunity to make a difference, to share joy, and to build a brighter future together. 

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If you’d like more information about Louie’s HUWE or would like to offer your support, please visit huwe1.org.