On Jan 25, 2013 our grandson Oliver was born still at 34 weeks gestation following a healthy pregnancy with no complications. Our grief was great, both for our daughter Hilary and son in law Tyler as Oliver's parents and for ourselves as his grandparents. We did our best to remain strong in order to help Hilary and Tyler through one of life's worst tragedies. We helped to arrange for a burial, a small family service and just being there for them at every which way.
Weeks later we decided to learn more about stillbirth, something Hilary's doctor said was very rare. We were shocked to find out that in the United States there are 1 in 160 births are stillbirths and that this rate has not changed in decades. Something must be done. Hilary and Tyler founded the NY Chapter of Star Legacy Foundation after organizing a 5 K in memory of Oliver in 2015. At this event they found other families who like themselves healthy and without reason have experienced the sadness of stillbirth and wanted to make a difference. Together these families formed the first area chapter.
Why Star Legacy Foundation you may ask? In looking for ways to honor the memory of Oliver our family found Star Legacy Foundation's mission which is "to increase awareness, support research, promote education, and encourage advocacy and family support regarding stillbirth, pregnancy loss, and neonatal death." to be the focus that will help lower the incidence. May no other families feel the pain of having a stillborn baby. Together we can make a difference. Please support us by donation or participating in our once a year fundraisers.
We have begun to partner with area hospitals in Westchester, Ct, NJ, and Long Island. I am proud to say the Northern Westchester Hospital Center, where Oliver was born still was one of our first supporters. Our mission locally is to continue to grow these partnerships and add more and more area hospitals. We have been able to offer hospitals companion support for families, resource guides, professional education as well as free online grief support including Pregnancy after loss, grandparents and dadsgroups.
At a recent Star Legacy Stillbirth Summit: Partnering for Prevention internationally acclaimed researchers from around the world will share their research and our passion for ending these needless tragedies. NY Metro Chapter will be sending several area professionals to this Summit where they will bring back information to share with other area medical groups and hospitals.
Please contact me for any additional information about the Let's Not Be Still 5K and the Star Legacy Foundation. For other information please visit and like our Facebook page, Star Legacy Foundation- New York Metro Chapter or our Star Legacy Foundation Website www.StarLegacyFoundation.org
With your help we will lower the incidence of stillborns. Please consider a generous contribution. We appreciate your support. No amount is too small or too large! Thank you again on behalf of all the babies.