A 60 minute virtual panel discussion on varying experiences of loss. Our panelists will share their unique stories of loss, hope, and healing while navigating grief during the holidays.
The holiday season can be a time of deep emotion — filled with both cherished memories and the ache of absence of our little ones. For those grieving, this season often brings unique challenges: the “firsts” after our loss, without our babies, the tension between traditions and tender hearts, and the balance of caring for ourselves while supporting those around us.
Join us for a thoughtful community conversation exploring how we navigate grief, remembrance, and connection through the holidays. Our three panelists will share personal reflections and insights on:
Experiencing the “firsts” — the first holiday, first gathering, first moment of remembering
How grief and remembrance evolve over time
Managing expectations and setting boundaries with family, friends, and cultural traditions
Finding ways to honor loved ones through sentimental expressions and rituals
Supporting living children, partners, and ourselves as we move through this season
Guided by our facilitator: Erin Sricharoon, this conversation offers a compassionate space to reflect, learn, and feel less alone. Whether you are newly grieving or have expreienced numerous holidays , or are walking alongside someone who is, this event invites you to find comfort, community, and hope in shared experience.
Through these conversations and the power of storytelling we hope to continue to reduce the stigma that surrounds pregnancy and infant loss. This special panel, made up of grieiving mothers, will discuss their own personal stories of pregnancy and infant loss and their experiences navigiating the holidays. Attendees will watch the panel discussion with an option to ask questions to panelists at the end.
Facilitator: Erin Sricharoon
Panelists: Bonnie Chen, Jennylyn Adviento, Joelle Croteau-Willard
Date: Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Time: 10:00am PST / 1:00pm EST
Cost: Free to attend
Thanks to generous donors, we’re able to offer events like this at no cost. If you’d like to support this work, a $15 donation helps us continue providing these meaningful conversations and resources to the community.
Give here: https://rtzhope.org/donate
Or via Venmo: @rtzhope
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Our goal for our Community Conversations is to give a voice to the grieving and break the silence and stigmas that exist in the pregnancy and infant loss community. We want our audience to feel less alone by hearing other voices in the community sharing similar stories to their own. We also want to provide helpful resources and tools that encourage overall holistic healing for those grieving.
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Erin is excited to be working with RTZ HOPE to help fund the work through grant writing. Her journey to motherhood includes two early miscarriages, which deepens her personal commitment to the mission of the organization. Erin has extensive non-profit experience including leading storytelling efforts for Maternal Mental Health NOW, and workforce development efforts for community health centers throughout Los Angeles County. Prior to that, she was a middle school and high school English teacher. Currently, Erin is also a documentary storytelling family photographer specializing in birth stories, including those of stillbirth and loss. She lives with her husband, their two living children, and an assortment of farm animals in Cherry Valley, CA.
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Bonnie Chen
Jennylyn Adviento
Joelle Croteau-Willard