Amalia, Spreading HOPE for Cherry Bean
Amalia Murray, sharing her story in memory of Cherry Bean
“Now two years out from losing Cherry Bean, I continue to love her and be reminded of her in little ways. Whether it’s seeing cherries, or my sister or Mom sending me little reminders, it’s heartwarming to know that she will never be forgotten.
While I shared my story last year, it wasn’t until months later that I shared my loss on social media (LinkedIn, since I got off other platforms during my intense period of grief). Once it became that public, I had old acquaintances and close friends that reached out with their support. It has not only become more freeing for myself, but others have told me how much my story has impacted them—and how they see me, as they had no idea what I’d been through.
I believe that I gained courage with the support of R.T.Z. HOPE, not only to bare my story but to honor the memory of my daughter. I’m a proud mama and am so grateful for my love for Cherry Bean.
RTZ Hope allowed me to heal to a place I would never be without their resources and support. I needed more than therapy, I felt isolated and couldn't function day-to-day. Luckily RTZ Hope was holding an in-person retreat just a few hours from home, a couple months after my loss. The 4 days and 3 nights of intensive workshops and community truly changed my mindset. It gave me tools I could use to better process the loss of my daughter, rituals, and physical reminders to keep her close, so that I could begin to turn the pain into acceptance and beauty. Most importantly, I joined a supportive and empathetic community of women that knew what I was going through, no matter how our losses differed.
Beyond the retreat, I discovered articles on their blog that I could share with my friends and family to help them understand what I was going through. I joined a support group specific to TMFR, which gave me solidarity and a commitment to our right of choice, particularly since Roe vs Wade had just been overturned. I even participated in a holiday workshop to make art that brought me closer to my baby. There is never a shortage of ways that RTZ hasn't figured out how to help us in the loss community, whether the birthing parent or partner. I consider the women I've met through the RTZ Hope community some of my closest and dearest friends today, and would encourage any person dealing with loss to find community to accelerate the healing process.”
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 making a contribution to Amalia’s fundraiser in honor of Cherry Bean. 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.