Our son, Ellis, was born October 22, 2016. He was 4 pounds, 9.4 ounces, and 18 inches long, with broad cheeks and a cap of blond peach fuzz for hair. Four days earlier, Justin and I were at a regular check up when we learned Ellis had no heartbeat. Everything had been healthy throughout my 8 months of pregnancy, and he was moving actively just the day before.
Other than the doctors, Carol from Empty Arms was the first person we spoke with after learning that Ellis had died. As part of the peer companion program, she rushed to the hospital just minutes after we found out. She told us she had been through this too, and she had survived. Over the next week, she and other volunteers from Empty Arms guided us through decisions and experiences we never thought we'd have to contend with - from medical testing to finding a funeral home to making precious memories of our baby in the time we had with him. They brought flowers to our hospital room and provided comfort to our family.
At the worst moment in our lives, we should all be so lucky to have support like what Empty Arms provides.
In the more than a year since that first meeting, we have continued to benefit so much from the community of bereaved parents created by this organization. Empty Arms has helped us navigate the swells of grief and offered a place to vent or cry with people who understand. The people we have met and the friends we have made have helped us as we learn how to parent Ellis in the best way we can.
I've spent most of my adult life fighting and fundraising for reproductive justice. I also believe caring and advocating for parents who experience stillbirth is another facet of that work, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to give back to Empty Arms.
Thank you so much for helping toward our fundraising goal.
Syrup Stampede
Syrup Stampede will be a fun, family friendly 5k run/walk event. Donations and raised funds will benefit Empty Arms, an organization geared toward helping families of the Pioneer Valley grieve the loss of a pregnancy or infant. The Empty Arms Community Members not only hope to raise awareness of this awesome organization but also hope to demonstrate our want and desire to integrate our losses into poistive events surrounding the memories of our babies.
Empty Arms Bereavement Support serves members of the Western Mass community whose babies have died at any time during pregnancy or early infancy. We look to provide and create a compassionate community, fostering connections, validation, and resources to grieving parents.