Natasha, Spreading HOPE for Leonardo
Natasha de Sousa, sharing her story 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, people were laughing and eating ice cream. None of it made sense. It's been 11 years and it still doesn't make sense to me. But I have hope.
Hope is not the same as optimism. Optimism is the belief that things will be better; hope is the notion that things could get better. In my case, RTZ Hope has helped me see that things could get better - it provided a tiny little light into this darkness that I was experiencing.
Being involved with RTZ: Hope has been a way for me to honor my son Leo. During my loss, I didn't know about RTZ and wish I did. Being able to attend a support group no matter where you live is amazing, especially since grief can be such a lonely experience.”
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 Natasha’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.
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.