Elizabeth’s sister, Kristin, started this fundraiser in order to honor Elizabeth and Fadi’s son, Alexander Elias Yako.

One year ago, our lives all changed forever: Alexander was born and died. Following a seemingly uneventful pregnancy, Elizabeth went into labor. Our family was there waiting for the happy arrival of the newest member of our family. Somewhere in the process of labor, Alexander’s heart rate plummeted. By the time the doctor performed an emergency c-section, it was too late to revive him. We have all been left trying to process the events of that night. We should be celebrating this beautiful baby’s first birthday, and instead we are left with an enormous sense of grief and disbelief.

Unfortunately, there are no toys to be given nor birthday cake to be had to celebrate Alexander’s birthday. Instead, I would like to commemorate the date of his birth by raising money for the Star Legacy foundation. The Star Legacy Foundation is dedicated to stillbirth education, research, and awareness. Their passion comes from the memory of babies who left us too soon and the belief that every pregnancy deserves a happy ending. Please help us reach our goal. We are all wishing Alexander a happy birthday in heaven. 

In case you need my e-mail, it is kschmermund@gmail.com