Amanda, Spreading HOPE for Ren & Lola
Ambassador Amanda Snelson, fundraising in memory of Ren & Lola
“Ren is our son, stillborn at 21 weeks due to pregnancy complications. He rocked my world, shattered my outlook on life, and expanded my perspective in ways that I couldn't have ever imagined. It's been a journey of healing after a traumatic pregnancy with multiple ER visits due to excessive bleeding from placenta previa and subchronic hematoma.
When I went into labor and went to the hospital, I had multiple infections including sepsis--which meant we needed to deliver immediately. We held him and took pictures of him, and then collected his ashes and spread them in the Big Sur River.
Years later, I was ready to try again for a living baby. Iola grew in my belly in what was a perfect pregnancy up until 16 weeks when my water broke unexpectedly due to PPROM. We went to the hospital, and again I immediately was infected with multiple life-threatening things. This time we decided on a D&E for expediency, which in some ways was more traumatic due to the sterile aspects of the procedure, and my regrets for not asking to see or collect the remains. After that experience, we were still ready to try again for a living baby.
Once pregnant for a third time, it was hard to hope. I found RTZ Hope and their resources at this time. While pregnant, I attended a RTZ Hope retreat on Mother's Day weekend where I was privileged to be among a circle of fellow bereaved mothers. I’ve never witnessed so much grace in one place. The retreat allowed me to process my grief in new ways, and opened up more possibilities for what my growing pregnancy might be -- beyond loss.”
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 Amanda’s fundraiser in honor of Ren & Lola. 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.