Heather Van Boerum ”Flower Power”

Heather was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is the 4th child of 6. As a child Heather was given the nickname of Flower. I don’t know why…maybe she can explain.  She attended Highland High School.  While at HHS she caught the eye of many a boys…one of whom would eventually become her husband. After high school she attended the University of Utah.  While at the U her older brother’s best friend Don Van Boerum finally got the guts to ask her on a date. Many dates and Sigma Chi formals later, Don and Heather were married.  Don was an inspiring doctor with big dreams…and brains.  Don attended medical school at the U.  After he graduated they hopped in their love bug and off they went to residency and all that other stuff aspiring doctors do.  They spent several years in Arizona and California where Don perfected the craft of saving lives.  During this time they became the parents to 4 amazing children.  Finally after all those years away, family members back home were able to persuade the Van Boerum clan to return to Zion.  They came kicking and screaming, but they came home.  Back home the call to procreate came a knockin and they had another kid. Don started working as a trauma surgeon at IMC and Heather was home herding cats.  Moving forward several years Heather and Don’s kids have grown up. Some are in college, some are married, and one is starting his freshman year at Olympus in the Fall.  Oh, and they are the proud grandparents to their first and only grandchild.  Wait until you hear that story from Heather.

Heather has always been a very active person.  She loves going to the gym…even if she hates to sweat.  She loves playing tennis with her friends in a local league.  You also cold find Heather on a hike, a walk and every once in awhile get her on a run.  Heather has never been one to sit around.

All kidding aside, Heather is an amazing person.  She has been her whole life.  Her family and those that know her will attest to that.  She has been a rock to so many people for so long.  Heather is always ready to help.  She can laugh with you, cry with you, give you amazing advice or just listen.  Her family is no different.  Don is always available when needed, even with his crazy doctor schedule.  Trust me, I have called him at all hours of the day and met him at the ER at all hours.  Heather and Don’s 5 children and 2 son-in-laws make up a tribe that is unbreakable.  Heather’s 5 siblings are lucky to have her in their lives and to call her their sister and friend.

On December 20th, 2021 Heather’s life, and her family’s life changed forever.  Heather was walking into Costco when suddenly and out of nowhere a car reversed into her and pinned her against another car.  I will let Heather tell the story but what proceeds from that event has been inspiring, amazing, jaw dropping, and any other word you can think of.  Most of all, it has shown what the power of positive thinking the love of family and friends can do. (It also was the inspiration of a pretty cool kit!).