LAKE HAVASU CITY – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stillbirths occur in about one to 175 five births a year. Their studies also show 21,000 babies a year are stillborn in the United States.
This is the same amount according to the national public health agency, of babies that pass away within their first year. Lake Havasu married couple Tamara and Dennis Weaver, are amongst the millions of expecting parents who have suffered this loss.
In 2014 is when Tamara Weaver suffered through HELLP Syndrome, a life-threatening diagnosis that lowers platelet levels, breaks down red blood cells, and elevates liver enzymes, which can sometimes mean damage of the liver. Weaver was airlifted to Las Vegas, Nevada for immediate treatment and was not successful in carrying her infant to term.
A practicing licensed therapist herself, Weaver wanted to help other expecting parents who have suffered the same loss as she. Weaver created the nonprofit Rae of Hope Incorporated where the organization offers a support system for individuals who have experienced the loss of an infant.
Realizing the level of grief that can be experienced with this kind of trauma, the nonprofit also aims to restore hope within the lives of the parents. This October, come out and show your compassion and support and this yearly event.
Registration for the 5k walk can be done by visiting raeofhopeinc.com. The event is free to participate for children under the age of 12. Adult participation fees are $25 dollars with a t-shirt included.
There will be a raffle drawing for a Takacat boat, and tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting https://barrettcustommarine.com. The 5k Run and Walk Support for Pregnancy and Infant Loss will be on Saturday, October 12 from 7 to 10 a.m. at Rotary Community Park.
Proceeds will go towards Rae of Hope’s mission to give financial support to family members and mothers affected by infant and pregnancy loss and provide community education about HELLP Syndrome. Rae of Hope will also be using their proceeds for CuddleCot, a portable cooling device for grieving parents to spend time with their baby. The nonprofit donates the device to hospitals to give to their patients. The 5k run and walk is also intended to inform the community that October 15 is Pregnancy Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
Phaedra Veronique
