Ashley, Spreading HOPE for Decklan
Ambassador Ashley Cooksey, fundraising in memory of Decklan
“Ashley Cooksey moved from St. Louis to Los Angeles six years ago. She has followed her dreams career-wise, gaining experience in the fashion industry and meeting her husband, Samuel while skiing in 2019. They were married last year and immediately became pregnant with baby boy Decklan. Ashley experienced an uneventful early pregnancy, however, at a routine doctors appointment at 25 weeks pregnant, it was determined that she was in preterm labor. Decklan was born at 26 weeks and passed away from a bacterial infection at the NICU at day five of life. Communicating and sharing her story has been healing, in addition to seeking individual therapy and support groups through RTZ. Ashley is pregnant with a baby girl "Sweetpea" due next Spring and is hopeful to bring this baby home.”
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 Ashley’s fundraiser in honor of Decklan. 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.