Participants

 

Erin Beck is the mother of Ainsley, born stillborn on December 22, 2014 at 37 weeks. She teaches in Atwood, Illinois where she lives with her husband Bobby and their kids: Parker (14), Layla (12) and Selah (6). Together they created “Ainsley’s Birthday Bags” which provides families in need with birthday gifts in Ainsley’s honor. Erin co-leads the child-loss support group, Empty Arms, in Champaign, IL. You can find more information about "Ainsley's Birthday Bags" here: https://www.facebook.com/Actsofkindnessforainsley

Kelsey Blacker is the mother to Atlee Blacker who passed away at 9 months old on December 19, 2017 and Liam Blacker who passed away at 5 weeks old on November 19, 2019. Kelsey is an advocate for bereaved parents and open to share her story to help others understand infant loss and the grieving process. Kelsey and her family live in Mansfield, Illinois. 

Kristina Bletscher is the Mother to Karolina who passed minutes before birth, Knoxlin who is her 3 1/2 year old Rebel Rainbow, and Bonus Mother to Konnor. Kristina and her Husband, Kyle have also experienced five miscarriages. After having losses in every trimester of pregnancy, Kristina feels it’s important to show that grief is a part of life- in whatever form it shows through. Kristina and her family live in Philo, Illinois. 

Bre Good is mother to 3 angel babies, a 1.5 year old and one due in December. Bre wants people to know that grief wears different disguises and it can't always be seen.  Her and her family live in Pontiac, Illinois.

MaryBess Gordon is the mother of Maggie who was stillborn in October 2019 and 18 month old twins Annie and Owen. Having gone through IVF, unimaginable tragedy, and medical complications, she tries to bring light and normalcy to situations that are anything but. MaryBess and her family live in Champaign, Illinois. 

Pamela Kerrigan is the mother to Baby K who passed away around 6 to 7 weeks gestation with her first pregnancy in 2016. She and her husband Patrick live in Bloomington, Illinois with their other five children Clint 17, Mary 14, Wyatt 11, Madison 5, and Olivia 3. She hopes sharing her story will bring attention to how common infant loss and miscarriage is so that society in general and communities can better support families who are grieving. Pamela is grateful for those who held space for her, allowing her to grieve as she needed to, remembering that we each do it differently, and that grieving is a lifelong journey not just a brief moment in time.

Lindsay Hahn is the mother to three children: Lauren, who was stillborn on January 24, 2022, Braden (14) and Madison (10). She wants her story told so other bereaved mothers don't struggle alone. Breaking the silence on child loss is very important to Lindsay. 

Stephen and Megan Haile are parents to three beautiful girls, Harper (5), Olivia in heaven, and Emerson (2). After Olivia was stillborn, Stephen and Megan received support from so many people. They feel it is important to support others through loss, to share their story, and to always remember Olivia. 

Kelley Harvey lives in Clinton, IL with her husband Ronald and their 5 children; Noah (9), Amelia (7), Mara (5), Roland (5) and Elijah (1). During her first pregnancy, they learned that their daughter had an incompatible with life diagnosis and continued the pregnancy to term. Their daughter Addison Lee Harvey was born on 5/17/13 and died shortly after birth. In her honor, they opted to use her bedroom as a safe place for foster children and eventually adopted 3 children from foster care. Kelley continues to advocate for foster care reform, while being a stay at home mother.

Stephanie Helfrich, mom of Breylie, who passed away a few days before her due date. Breylie would be 14 years old. Stephanie, and her husband Bryan, have also been blessed with their other children- Bryson (17), Audrie (13), & Averie (12). Stephanie co-leads a Child Loss Support Group, Empty Arms, in Champaign.

Hazel Huncovsky is the mother to Milo who was born still at 34 weeks gestation in the summer of 2020. She has two daughters Ella(10) and Nora(8). Hazel, along with her girls and husband, believe that in sharing their loss of Milo, they can help navigate their own grief and others'-- keeping him alive in a different way. Hazel & her family live in Pontiac, Illinois. 

Jaclyn Lindsey is mother to Malin who was stillborn at 30 weeks in 2021, and to two sons, Landon 4 years and Liam 6 months. Jaclyn believes in keeping the memory of her daughter alive, and bringing awareness and support to bereaved families. Jaclyn and her family live in Bloomington, Illinois.

Caleb and Kate Mathis are the parents of William "Liam" Mathis who passed away in their arms at 1 hour old in 2019. Liam is the twin brother of Theo and older brother to Ben. We believe it is important to talk about grief and loss, and how couples might experience and process loss differently. Our family lives in Shelbyville, Illinois. 

Kaitlyn McKeen is the mother of Bailey Diane McKeen, who passed away at 20 weeks on January 18, 2022. Kaitlyn works in death care and hopes to one day be able to help parents who also experience loss.

Beverly and Justin Messamore are the parents of Ryker, our first son and child who was born full term stillborn, and Elijah, and Avalee. We believe in talking about our story to help others know they are not alone and that is okay to speak about their loss. We live in small town named Fairbury. 

Cyndi & Steven Miller, parents of Joel Alexander born October 28,1991 with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Joel passed on December 6, 1991 due to complications after open heart surgery. Cyndi and Steven are also the parents of Abraham and Alisha. The Miller's reside in Bloomington, IL. "Giving a voice to the ones that no longer speak, can bring Hope to those just beginning the journey".

Kristine Nelson is a mother of four children: a five year old daughter, two year old son, and two angels who received their wings in 2019. After experiencing two back-to-back miscarriages, Kristine learned the only way to heal was to share her story, with hopes that it will help others along the way. Today she lives with her husband, Chad, and kiddos in Pontiac.

Haleigh Schopp is a mother to one beautiful living daughter, Alessia. She is also the mother to four angel babies. Haleigh feels it is important to raise awareness regarding pregnancy and infancy loss. Haleigh and her family live in Normal, Illinois. 

Isaac Shields is the father to Cam, who passed away at five days old in 2019, and his two year old son, Benjamin. Cam is remembered in various ways and is a continued presence in Isaac's life. Isaac and his family live in Normal, Illinois. 

Lizzy Talgert lost her daughter, Lily, in pregnancy in 2020. She enjoys finding ways to honor and parent Lily and looks forward to a reunion in heaven one day. Lizzy and her husband Joe also have been blessed with two very active little boys, Fulton and Cody. 

Madison Tome is mother to Bennett who had a developmental abnormality and passed at 21 weeks.  She is also mother to Finley, age 1 1/2, and expecting their third baby in February. Madison believes it is important to support other families in their loss and share the hope that she has experienced as a mother after infant loss. 

Melissa Welker is the mother to Max Harley whom passed away when he was an hour and fifty five minutes old on December 10, 2004. Melissa now has a 15, 13, 12, and 11 year old. Melissa encourages others whom are bereaved parents to share their stories to help others. Melissa and her family live in Beason, Illinois.