Alejandra, Spreading HOPE for Ronan, Cieran, Baby A, and Baby B

alejandra wilcox, sharing her story in memory of Ronan, Cieran, baby a, and baby b

“On April 23, 2020, my first son, Ronan Mateo, was born at 23 weeks and 3 days following a chronic placental abruption. Weighing in at a tiny 1lb 5oz — and with less than a 50 percent chance of survival — the odds were stacked against tiny Roo from the moment he was born.

He spent six weeks in the NICU during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, defying many of the staggering odds we had been warned about, and facing heart surgery, kidney problems, ventillator support, slow weight gain, and more. Tragically, Roo developed NEC and passed away in my arms on his six-week birthday. To say his death was devastating was an understatement.

Following Roo's death, we experienced two early miscarriages — both at 7 weeks — and an especially traumatic 13-week miscarriage and emergency D&C following a subchorionic hemorrhage. That little boy, Cieran, was gone before I made it to the hospital.

Although extensive testing has never explained why our children have died, my husband and I sought the help of a fertility clinic to support us during our next pregnancy. Once I became pregnant in October 2021, I was given a barrage of medications and daily shots throughout the first trimester. They worked. My rainbow baby, Zane Lucio, was born in May 2022 and is doing great."

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month.
Our HOPEtober annual event honors all losses on the journey to parenthood.

Even though so many of us have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, or know someone who has, it is a loss that exists in the shadows. As bereaved parents, we feel isolated and alone. But together, we can shine a light on pregnancy and infant loss, helping others to live a life that holds both grief and joy.

HOPEtober Luminaries partner with us during the month of October to be an advocate and ambassador in spreading awareness and shining a light on pregnancy and infant loss. By sharing our stories we’re bringing awareness to pregnancy and infant loss, as well as the resources and support that exist through Return to Zero: Hope. As a nonprofit, raising awareness and funds are essential to our cause and support programs.

We'd be grateful if you you would consider make a donation to Alejandra's fundraiser in honor of Ronan, Cieran, Baby A, and Baby B. 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.

This year our goal is to raise $75,000 during the month of October so that we can continue spread hope and healing by providing resources and support to grieving families and their care providers. 

Thank you for helping to shatter the silence around pregnancy & infant loss.