Karen, Spreading HOPE for Alexander James
Ambassador karen struzik, fundraising in memory of alexander james struzik
“Let me first start by saying thank you to Return to Zero Hope for all you have done for so many over the years.. I also wanted to thank you for being our voice. I wanted to share a little of our story ..
We were so excited back in August 2001, to find out we were having a baby boy! At the time I had 2 beautiful daughters, And now we were having a baby boy! We would be complete.
My pregnancy was wonderful and healthy. Alexander was strong and growing. We had wonderful ultrasound pictures. He was kicking and happy!
I was almost finished with my pregnancy. I went in for my 36 week checkup and all was well. Then came the next week. I went in for my checkup on Wednesday, April 17th 2002, and waited in that waiting room for the doctor. I knew something was wrong. Alex wasn't moving. The doctor, was speechless and he couldn’t find his heartbeat. I kept asking what was going on... I followed him out into the hall and a volunteer brought me over to the hospital in a wheelchair. I had no idea where I was...I was just crying uncontrollably. All I remember was her patting me on the shoulder.
The technician then gave me the ultrasound. I could see my baby boy on the ultrasound , in position, ready for delivery, but the heartbeat, was not there. All I saw and heard was that sound...that awful stinging sound there was no heartbeat. I screamed and screamed. Alex was gone.
The next thing I knew they had sent me up to maternity. I met 3 beautiful nurses who saved my life that day. It was these 3 nurses who got myself, my husband, and my family through this most heartbreaking experience of my life.
I was able to hold my son, for hours! I got to see him, love him and didn't want to let go. But the next morning my one nurse, came in. She said Karen.." it's time." My husband and I cried and cried. She took pictures of Alexander for me. They took footprints and hand prints, gave me pieces of his hair, birth card, his sweet blanket they wrapped him in; all currently held in a precious box which is all I have of him on this earth.
The autopsy found no signs of sickness or disease, no disformities: Alexander James was just a perfect baby, with no answers as to why he was not here.
My Alexander James is now my Angel in heaven, who will wait for me . I believe he watches down on me and my family, in good times and when we are sad. He's a Guardian Angel to my girls and to us.. In May of 2003, we were blessed with our youngest daughter , our rainbow baby Julianna , who has brought so much joy to our lives.
I started to send bookmarks out to families who have lost their babies . It is a small gift I can share to try to bring them some comfort in memory of their baby. We celebrate our son’s birthday each year and we always celebrate Waive of Light on October 15th.
Blessings and Prayers to all of you.
When I learned about RTZ we were just beginning to break the silence . It has been a long journey and I was so grateful to have people to talk to that also had a similar experience. Being able to connect to others is so important when you endure this grief . Having others understand gives strength when you have none . We have been so lucky to have RTZ Hope as a resource.”
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 Karen’s fundraiser in honor of Alexander James. 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.