Kappa Kappa Gamma - University of Kentucky

KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA 3 President Mia Zackharia VP Standards Sydney Druin VP Operations Claire Sigler VP Internal Affairs Josie Murray VP External Affairs Katie Hawes VP Finance JC Wiedmer VP Membership Haley Dynis VP Member Development Emma Kate Kollie Events Director Penelope Carrico Academic Excellence Director Bree Riegler Administration Director Chloe Young All-Member Experience Director Isabel Rochemont New Member Experience Director Lila Hollingsworth Facility Director Abby Rose Perkel Panhellenic Director Kylah Gabbard Philanthropy Director Izzy McNamara PR Director Mary Baker Risk Director Lexie Willett Ritual and History Director Sam Falkman Chapter Officers E ileen Schnettler Pitts '02 went into recruitment with Kappa at the top of her list as her grandmother, Margaret Shelton Saunier '47, and aunts Lori Saunier '79 and Nini Saunier West '81, were all Beta Chis. Though Eileen kept an open mind, after the open house, she knew she would be a Kappa. The members were comfortable being themselves, were kind and funny, and seemed to genuinely love being a part of the sisterhood. Eileen gained best friends, who have been there for her and her family through difficult times, in Beta Chi. When she and her husband, Eric, were 17 weeks pregnant with twins, they found out that one of their sons, Charlie, would be born with congenital heart disease (CHD), which included a single ventricle anomaly (his right ventricle doesn't function properly), dextrocardia (his heart is on the right side of his chest), and heterotaxy with asplenia (he doesn't have a spleen). Beginning at 6 days old, Charlie underwent the first of three open-heart surgeries, called Fontan circulation. He had his second surgery at 4 months and his third at 3 years old. When Eileen and her family were in the hospital in the thick of surgeries and recovery, she had a group text with her closest Kappas to keep them updated. "They would reply with prayers and positive messages in that text, but every one of them would text or call separately, at random times, telling me they were thinking of us, checking on Charlie, or just reminding me that they were there if I needed them. They were (and still are) everything Kappa embodies and means to me." Throughout the family's journey with Charlie's CHD, there have been many ups and downs, including two general surgeries when things didn't go as expected. "Today, he is a thriving 6-year-old boy in first grade. He doesn't have any physical limitations, although he'll never play sports with heavy contact like football or wrestling, and is reading at a fourth- grade level. He is the definition of a miracle baby," Eileen shared. All of Charlie's procedures took place at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and Eileen and Eric are grateful for the people who worked to keep Charlie alive. Eileen recalls that one day during their eight-week stay after Charlie's first surgery, Eric suggested they host a golf tournament to raise money to give back to the hospital. "I asked him how he thought we were going to take care of two babies and put together a golf tournament, and he said it wouldn't be a problem. So, in the very little spare time he has, my amazing husband created Charlie's Heart Charity and organized a golf scramble." Over the past six years, they have raised over $100,000 through the charity, with proceeds going to the Heart Institute and Child Life Programs at Cincinnati Children's, and to families who must travel for procedures or have kids in long-term hospital stays. The Pittses are most proud to have created a fund for the Single Ventricle Program with the help of their favorite nurse at Cincinnati Children's, Laurel. "Through her relationships with the families, she knows what they need most and uses the money to get food cards, gas cards, Amazon cards, and more. We've worked with her on big purchases, like strollers, but we trust her to do what she thinks is best in the moment." Eileen works in bookkeeping and accounting for The Livesay Group—a position that has proved perfect for her. "It is a small office and everyone knows about Charlie, so if we were ever in an emergency and needed to drop everything to go to the hospital, I wouldn't have to worry so much about my work because I know everyone would do whatever they could to help me." The Pittses' extended family has also been there to help them. "We spent quite a bit of time at the Ronald McDonald House in Cincinnati, but there were times when Charlie was either encountering setbacks or undergoing procedures and surgeries when he needed all our love and attention. It was incredibly comforting knowing if Robbie wasn't with us, he was with family who loved him the entire time we were apart." In her free time, Eileen loves playing golf with Eric and friends, playing sports with Robbie and Charlie, traveling (especially on girls' trips), and getting together with friends when she can. You can connect with her at eileen421@gmail.com. Giving Back Through Charlie's Heart Charity Eileen Schnettler Pitts '02 Shares Her Family's Journey Through Their Son's Diagnosis From left: Eileen, Charlie, Robbie, and Eric.

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