Butterfly’s Embrace Perinatal Bereavement Program, Spreading HOPE In Memorium

Ambassador LeighAnn Sutton, fundraising in memorium

“As a comprehensive Perinatal Bereavement Program, we truly understand the importance of remembrance and memorials in a families' grief journey. The sense of closure that these special activities can bring is impactful and necessary. Supporting a person's grief journey is one of the most special parts of our program, and includes frequent contacts by phone/text/email, monthly mailouts, and support activities. It provides a "safe space" for grieving families to come together with the intention of supporting each other in their pain. The materials provided by RTZ HOPE are included in our resources and are very helpful.

The resources made available by RTZ HOPE have greatly helped in supporting our grieving families. By providing practical and realistic tips on the emotions/feelings in the grief process, families can feel "held" and "cared for".

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 LeighAnn’s fundraiser in honor of In Memorium. 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.

Shianne Gundersen