Afton, Spreading HOPE for Iris
Ambassador Afton Falcon, Fundraising in memory of Iris
“It took 5 years to conceive our eldest so when we got pregnant so easily with Iris we really thought it was meant to be. I'd like the world to know that infant & pregnancy loss is more common than most think and that continuing to silence the matter is feeding the stigma. One gift is the birth of my son Sawyer, he was conceived on the year anniversary of Iris' birth/death. Living with my loss has caused me to grow in certain ways yet has proven to be challenging with my mental health. I am able to look at photos and mementos but seeing a pregnant belly is still very triggering to me. I stay connected to my loss by having an altar to Iris, it's in an old kitchen hutch with glass doors. We celebrate her birthday every year with a red velvet cake. I plan to honor my loss in the coming year by forming a local infant and pregnancy loss non-profit here in my hometown.
I found RTZ in my incessant internet searches following our loss. I attended a RTZ retreat in northern California and it really was a turning point for me. Meeting other women who've experienced something similar is so powerful and moving. It gave me the courage to come home and begin my journey of recovery and for that I am grateful. It's important that RTZ exists because it has the farthest reach and chooses to be a loud voice in a room full of silence.”
Pregnancy and infant loss is an unique type of loss, leaving the grievers to feel isolated and unsure of how to move forward. We'd be grateful if you you would consider making a contribution to Afton’s fundraiser in honor of Iris. Your gift ensures that other parents who endure loss on their journey to parenthood have the support, resources, and community they need in order to navigate life after loss.
With your support, here’s what we were able to accomplish during 2022 (2022 Annual Report):
Fifty percent of support group participants received financial support to ensure that all parents have access to services.
Enhanced outreach to and created support services for Black, Indigenous, and other Communities of Color as a response to the alarming rate of preterm births and stillbirths caused by racial disparities in perinatal and infant health.
Offered 50 different support group programs (virtual workshops, virtual support groups, and in-person retreats) to our community of bereaved families.
Supplied our unique perinatal bereavement guides to 400 hospitals and providers to assist in caring for grieving families.
Hosted 10 perinatal bereavement education webinars to parents and providers.
Created community and spread awareness about pregnancy and infant loss through social media.