Colette, Spreading HOPE for Noe
Ambassador Colette Kenny verdes, fundraising in memory of Noe
“A special memory of my pregnancy journey was finding out that I was in fact pregnant with my daughter. I had long since given up the thought that a second biological child was feasible. Finding out I was pregnant in February 2021, took my breath away. What I want the world to know about my story is that even though the grief deeply hurts, I am still thankful that I had the opportunity to mother her now matter how short our time together was. I can't say there has been meaning or gifts when it comes to my journey. I no longer believe that everything happens for a reason. But I do believe that I have found purpose. Two months after losing her, I fulfilled a decade long dream of becoming a licensed professional counselor. Working with grief was never in my plan and here I am. Living with the loss was incredibly difficult especially the first days, weeks, and months. I don't believe that we ever graduate from grief nor do I want to as I grieve because I love. However, with the help of an incredible perinatal loss grief counselor and a grief group, I was able to begin to to integrate my grief and begin to hold both the pain and joy of life. I stay connected with ritual, honoring my daughter on special days and also on random ones. I have a dedicated space to her in my backyard and in my office and both are very helpful to connect. This year, I will participate in the Wave of Light which takes place three days before her birthday 10/18/23. I bought her a gift this year on what would've been her second birthday which is sweet and symbolic. I will also do service work in her name.
I have gained a lot of resources both professionally and personally via the plethora of materials on the RTZ site.”
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 Colette’s fundraiser in honor of Noe. 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.