MaryBeth, Spreading HOPE for James
Ambassador MARYBETH STALLWORTH, Sharing in memory of JAMES BRIAN
“We were told early on our child (a son) would have some life-threatening issues. We were told and encouraged to abort our son. We repeatedly advocated for his life. We were transferred from provider to provider with no answers and our hope depleted. Our family did not offer as much support as we thought they would. We thought we were fighting on our own. But God was with us. When I delivered my son and held him for the first and last time, it was the heaviest weight I've ever held, at only 7 pounds 1 ounce it felt like 100 pounds. I look back on pictures of myself and remember every emotion while simultaneously feeling like that is a different person in those photos. I'll forever miss my son. I pray he'll visit me in my dreams. I take comfort in knowing he is experiencing the love of Jesus from heaven and while I never heard his cry or say him open his eyes, the first face he saw was Jesus. I came across a quote that says you don't outgrow grief, you grow stronger in spite of it. A piece of my heart will always be missing but one good thing that can come from it is helping others heal. I wear a ring made from his ashes and plan to celebrate his birthday every June 9th. RIP sweet baby James.
Loss will always exist. You can't take away the desperation the loss of a child creates but you can offer support. A place of love, comfort, and a reminder that you're not alone. A place that will hold space for your baby and celebrate his/her life.”
Pregnancy and infant loss is a unique type of loss, leaving the grievers to feel isolated and unsure of how to move forward. We'd be grateful if you would consider making a contribution to RTZ HOPE. 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.