Kiley, Spreading HOPE for Norbert

Ambassador Kiley hanish, fundraising in memory of norbert

“For me, this past year was a big one. It's been 18 years since Norbert came into my life, and I felt a stronger pull to pour myself into RTZ HOPE and dedicate my time to it like never before. Over the summer, I resigned from my full-time job as a professor in an occupational therapy doctorate program to focus my efforts on RTZ HOPE.

I am propelled by your stories to give families what I didn’t have 18 years ago after giving birth to Norbert and not bringing him home. I want other parents to have access to these resources, guidance, support, and community in their grieving and healing journey.

I find such meaning and connection within this loss community, and the people I’m closest to are bereaved parents. We understand each other on a deep level, and for these connections, I am so grateful.”

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 Kiley’s fundraiser in honor of Norbert. 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