Carolyn, Spreading HOPE for Niko
Ambassador Carolyn winn, fundraising in memory of Niko
“On a Thursday when I was 39 weeks pregnant, my amniotic fluids were low and blood pressure a little high. They said to prepare for an induction on Monday. I was scared to be induced early but also excited to meet my little man, Niko. However, on Saturday morning I woke up and did not feel any kicks. Concerned, I went to the hospital to get checked and they told me those horrifying words "I'm sorry, there is no heartbeat, your baby has died". I was induced the next day and vaginally delivered my stillborn son. It was the most beautiful and heartbreaking day of my life. My husband Jon and I spent several hours with him and we will cherish that time forever.
His spirit symbol is the sunset. The sun, like our Niko, is beautiful and brings warmth and life to all it touches. It is beautiful as it sets. And even after it has gone, the sky remains illuminated. The photo above was taken by a friend the day Niko was born- January 23, 2021.
Niko is embedded in every breath, thought, action, and moment of my life. It is as if I'm wearing Niko glasses. Everything I see and do now is due to my experience with Niko. I think people who haven't been through a terrible loss often don't realize this. Because of Niko, I am more confident and assertive, more protective of my boundaries, and I prioritize my wellbeing and time with friends and family. I miss him every day.
I attended a RTZ Hope retreat a few months after I lost Niko. I was terrified to attend. The organizers and other loss moms made me feel reassured that I wasn't crazy, that I wasn't alone, that I was indeed a mother, and that my baby was loved and would always be remembered.”
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 Carolyn’s fundraiser in honor of Niko. 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.