The picture you see was a chalk tribute drawn by my sister-in-law less than 1 month after she & my brother held and buried their deceased baby, Julian. Friends and family, you know that last Fall, they suddenly and unexpectedly lost Julian Luke just 4 weeks before he was due to arrive crying into this world.  That day changed all of our lives, no one more than Chris and Amanda of course. It is the first time in our lived that we held a precious "sleeping" baby who never took a breath, who was so wanted and already so loved.  In the days and months that followed, I learned about the shortage of research into what causes seemingly healthy babies from suddenly dying in utero and the lack of answers that autopsies provide afterwards to prevent such tragedies.  

 

I will be joining Chris, Amanda and many of their friends and family for the 3rd Annual Taylor Morgan Hamilton 5K for Stillbirth Awareness at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, PA the morning of Saturday, August 13th. I do not take for granted that my own 3 children will be walking with me that day. Money raised from this event will be used to increase awareness, support research, promote education, and encourage advocacy and family support regarding stillbirth.

 

My personal goal as a team member is to raise $500, as that is the amount required to provide an in-room cooling unit to allow time for grieving parents and family members to see, hold, and say goodbye to their long-awaited babies. I am asking you to please support me in reaching this goal with a contribution in honor of Julian Luke Alexander and/or joining us for the walk.  Zoo admission and lunch are included.  Thank you!

~Dawn