Natasha, Spreading HOPE for Leonardo
Ambassador natasha de sousa, fundraising in memory of leonardo
“I remember the day we came home from the hospital so vividly. I felt so empty. I was in a taxi, coming home with empty arms. It was October, which typically means rainy weather in Seattle. But that day, it was so sunny and everyone was out enjoying the beautiful warm autumn day. I just couldn't understand how they could all be so happy. What I saw outside did not much what I was feeling. Inside of me, there was a violent storm destroying all my dreams, it was dark and heavy. Outside my window, were people laughing and eating ice cream. None of it made sense. It's been 10 years and it still doesn't make sense to me.
Pregnancy and infant loss is a lonely place. I felt like digging a hole and staying there, by myself. RTZ HOPE will understand your need to hide in a hole, but you'll never be alone. Other grieving parents will sit and cry with you. The support groups are a way for people like us to connect with people who get it and to discuss what we are feeling. It's been a wonderful experience for me and has helped me in my healing.”
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 Natsha’s fundraiser in honor of Leonardo. 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.