Brian, Sharing Hope in Memory of Elliot
Brian Knopick,
sharing hope
in memory of
Elliot A Knopick
TELL US ABOUT YOUR STORY
“My wife became pregnant in May of 2020 and Elliot is our 2nd child. As with many parents we were excited to add to our family soon after the Christmas season.
As the father and due to COVID protocols I was unable to attend many of the checkup appointments with my wife. This was unique and so different from our first where I was able to attend all the appointments. I can still picture receiving the call from my wife as I sat in the car, I could hear the tears in her voice and she said that I was needed in the office. She said the Dr. would meet me at the elevator. At that point I didn’t know what to expect, but was not prepared to hear those fateful words when I got to her room.
Nothing can ever prepare a person for that moment. Several memories include the doctors and staff were wonderful, taking care of our oldest son and giving us our own space and time together that we needed. They stayed with us every step of the way and offered to be there for whatever we needed. Through the delivery process as well we never felt pressured, but were kindly guided and shown our options. We were able to get his footprints, and hold him in our arms while saying our goodbyes. We were blessed with a caring staff that was supportive and respectful.
A couple of special gifts include one of our friends gifted a named star in the star registry in Elliot’s honor.
Early in 2023 we were blessed with our rainbow baby. We also have been blessed to be able to make connections with other friends and local families that have experienced losses as well. The network and support of their experiences connects us in a family bond that is hard to describe. Living with this loss never goes away, I find myself thinking about what may have been often when out with the family, from zoo trips, to sports, to dinner around the table. I have found a therapist to help talk through my grief as the holidays are especially tough. I don’t think my grief will ever disappear but I try to honor Elliot each year. Last year was with an ornament, this year I want to create a small stuffed animal or plush. To honor Elliot, this post will help let him and the journey live on for all.“
SHARE SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH RETURN TO ZERO
“I recently attended the Make Your Own Keepsake Ornament workshop. Being able to have constant access to resources to help at any time grief reappears. This group is a good way to be reminded of helpful resources throughout the year.”
HOW TO HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ELLIOT’S HONOR
Pregnancy and infant loss is a unique type of loss, leaving the grievers to feel isolated and unsure of how to move forward. We'd be grateful if you would consider making a contribution to RTZ HOPE. 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.
With your support, here’s what we were able to accomplish during 2022 (2022 Annual Report):
Fifty percent of support group participants received financial support to ensure that all parents have access to services.
Enhanced outreach to and created support services for Black, Indigenous, and other Communities of Color as a response to the alarming rate of preterm births and stillbirths caused by racial disparities in perinatal and infant health.
Offered 50 different support group programs (virtual workshops, virtual support groups, and in-person retreats) to our community of bereaved families.
Supplied our unique perinatal bereavement guides to 400 hospitals and providers to assist in caring for grieving families.
Hosted 10 perinatal bereavement education webinars to parents and providers.
Created community and spread awareness about pregnancy and infant loss through social media.