Alejandra, Spreading HOPE for Ronan, Cieran, Baby A, and Baby B
Ambassador alejandra wilcox, fundraising in memory of Ronan, Cieran, baby a, and baby b
“On April 23, 2020, my first son, Ronan Mateo, was born at 23 weeks and 3 days following a chronic placental abruption. Weighing in at a tiny 1lb 5oz — and with less than a 50 percent chance of survival — the odds were stacked against tiny Roo from the moment he was born.
He spent six weeks in the NICU during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, defying many of the staggering odds we had been warned about, and facing heart surgery, kidney problems, ventillator support, slow weight gain, and more. Tragically, Roo developed NEC and passed away in my arms on his six-week birthday. To say his death was devastating was an understatement.
Following Roo's death, we experienced two early miscarriages — both at 7 weeks — and an especially traumatic 13-week miscarriage and emergency D&C following a subchorionic hemorrhage. That little boy, Cieran, was gone before I made it to the hospital.
Although extensive testing has never explained why our children have died, my husband and I sought the help of a fertility clinic to support us during our next pregnancy. Once I became pregnant in October 2021, I was given a barrage of medications and daily shots throughout the first trimester. They worked. My rainbow baby, Zane Lucio, was born in May 2022 and is doing great."
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 Alejandra’s fundraiser in honor of Ronan, Cieran, Baby A, and Baby B. 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.