Hazel, Spreading HOPE for Matthew
Hazel Jones, sharing her story in memory of Matthew
“Matthew was born July 28 2012 at 21 weeks gestation. He was to be my 2nd child and my husband's first and was so so wanted. We celebrated the life we were going to bring into the world daily until the day we found out his heart had stopped.. that was the day a new life began. A life I wasn't ever equipped to handle or thought I could. I was pregnant at the same time as my sister and when Matthew died she urged me to do something in his memory. On October 15 of the same year matties memory was formed. We started by helping the hospital where he was born and word soon spread and we began helping all hospitals with labor and delivery in South East Wisconsin.
I lost my sister the same year December 16 2012 and in the weeks before she died we played around with her saying she was going to meet Matthew first and tell him all about me. I thought it was a joke.
The one thing that gives me comfort is that my sweet sister is with my baby boy.
My sweet little Matthew Aaron 6 5inches long weighing 3oz. His memory will live forever.
RTZ was one of the first groups I found after the death of Matthew and once I trained at first as a bereavement doula I used their materials as part of my folders to give to loss clients.”
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 Hazel’s fundraiser in honor of Matthew. 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.