My name is Jennifer and my husband is Leevon. We have participated in services and events with Angel Babies since our first son Brandon died on October 23, 2019. He was born too soon at almost 22 weeks. I knew about Angel Babies through my work as a social worker, but I didn't know exactly what they did until we needed their services. I called them from my hospital bed after Brandon was born and they came right away to the hospital. They brought us some memorial items, a cloth envelope, and a bear. We cherish this bear so much. They also helped us figure out a couple of Funeral Homes to call so we didn't need to call each one from the list the hospital gave us. 

We joined couples grief counseling until Brandon's 1st Birthday. This was helpful as it got us through our first year. We are so grateful for Amy who met with us for so long. We also participated in the Spring 2020 support group, but it ended early due to moving virtual. People weren't ready for virtual meetings yet so soon. We joined a couple of more groups (one virtual and the first one back in-person). We have made connections through these groups. And now The Wild Ones team consists of a group of Angel Families from that in-person group. We are so grateful for these connections. 

They offered an infertility support group for a little while as well and I joined that one on my own. We were going through fertility treatments and eventually did IVF to get pregnant with our 2nd son Phoenix. We then joined the Pregnancy After Loss group. Pregnancy After Loss is tough and this group is much needed and so helpful when talking with others who are also pregnant after loss. 

Unfortunately, at 19 1/2 weeks, Phoenix was born still on January 19, 2023. We already had a good connection with Angel Babies and called right away again. Kathy came to see us in the hospital. We joined the Spring 2023 support group after this. We also met with Amy again for a few months. 

We have particpated in every Angel Babies Walk and Butterfly Release, as well as the Lights of Love and other events through Hinds since Brandon died. We plan to keep attending all of these events with our family and friends. 

In the Spring of 2024, I started volunteering with Angel Babies as a peer facilitator for their support group. Leevon eventually joined me in the Fall. We also vounteer to help plan to Angel Babies walk and we're going on our 2nd year doing this. I also now provide bears to Angel Babies families if they request one. This is all through my employer. I'm grateful for the Angel Babies program and that we're able to give back through volunteering and through fundraising. 

If you would like to know more about Angel Babies, please get in touch with me. We hope to see you all at the walk. Thank you.

Jennifer, Leevon, Brandon & Phoenix.