Donation to Caring Cradle Initiative

I am writing to you today in the hopes that we can do something amazing together.

Earlier this summer, I was pregnant with a little girl named Charlotte. We learned early on that Charlotte was very sick with Non-Immune Fetal Hydrops, caused by a rare and lethal underlying genetic condition known as Lethal Multiple Pterygium Syndrome.

I was very fortunate to receive treatment up at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. I had an incredible team of Doctors, nurses and geneticists who all worked tirelessly to make sure that our family received care with as much compassion and dignity as possible.

We very sadly lost Charlotte in my second trimester. I gave birth to her and we were very fortunate to have the opportunity to hold her and say goodbye to her. It’s my sincere hope that no other family would ever have to walk the path we have walked this year, but sadly, I know we will not be the last.

We are working to purchase a Caring Cradle that will be donated to the Walter Reed Labor and Delivery Unity in Charlotte's memory. Caring cradles can be used in hospitals after a baby has been stillborn or has passed away. They work to keep the baby’s body cool, to slow down the processes that happen after death. The great hope is that this will give families more time to bond with their baby, to make memories and to say goodbye in the one opportunity they have to do this.

This product has been set up for those who wish to make a monetary donation without the purchase of a needlepoint canvas. 

I promise to keep you all updated through the weekend and as we work to fundraise, purchase and donate this valuable piece of medical equipment.