Our Volunteers
The loss of a baby at any age or gestation is a shattering and heartbreaking reality for the parents, their families, and their communities. We are here to support you through it. Grief can impact all aspects of your wellbeing, including social, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Our HUGS volunteers are ready to hold space for you, answer questions, and simply be a source of on-going support as you embark on this grief journey. We have HUGS Bedside Volunteers who specifically support families at the bedside while in the hospital. After discharge, we can continue peer support with our HUGS Community Volunteers who dedicate their time to families in the community.
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Alissa | Community Volunteer
On October 22, 2009, I was 22 weeks along with my first child when my life would quickly be turned upside down. I went in for my late second trimester ultrasound and walked out knowing that the physicians were unable to find a heartbeat. As a bereaved mother, I have learned that grief is a journey that you must go through---not get over. I continue to walk through that journey still today as I learn to parent two rainbow babies and honor the life of my dearly missed Kennedy. May you find the comfort and support you need in the days to come. Please know I am here for you. |
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Anna | Community Volunteer
In April of 2016 we went in for the typical first ultrasound appointment and were told a heartbeat could not be found. Further ultrasounds and testing revealed we were carrying twins. My body did not want to naturally let go of my babies so medical procedures were needed. Although I never got to meet or see these little ones, I was (and still am!) extremely grateful for the HUGS volunteers who guided me before and after my procedures. I felt comforted to know I wasn’t alone and have become a HUGS volunteer in hopes that I can help ease someone else’s journey with early loss. Today, we are reminded of our blessings with a beautiful girl and two rainbow boys. |
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Anne | SSM Health St. Mary’s
Our first child, Collin was stillborn. After a spell of preterm labor the week before, I went for a checkup the following week and they were unable to find a heartbeat. We were lost. How could this have happened? Labor was induced and September 23rd, 2009 was the day that would forever change my life. I gave birth to a beautiful child but not under the circumstances we had expected. Without the amazing staff we would not have made the memories we did with our son. They helped to make the darkest day of our lives better. It was also through the support of parents in the BPoM support group that we found others who helped to hold us up and give us hope. Because they had been in our shoes… By volunteering with the HUGS program I hope to provide support, help create memories, and honor the babies whose lives were much too short. |
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Ashton | UPH Meriter, Community Volunteer
I’ve witnessed heartbreak as a nurse in the pediatric ICU, but I never truly understood what grieving families were going through until our first son, Deacon, was born prematurely and died after 3 weeks in the NICU. I am so grateful for all of the support I received from Mikayla's Grace, the hospital staff, friends, and family. Through the HUGS program, I want to reassure bereaved parents they are not alone and be a source of comfort and strength as they navigate this heartbreaking time. I hope to use my knowledge of the hospital environment and my own experience with having a baby in the NICU to help answer questions, be a comforting presence, and help bereaved parents find hope and courage. |
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Beth | Community Volunteer
In March 1999, while at a 38-week routine checkup, I learned my baby’s heart was no longer beating. So, with the incomprehensible news, I left the checkup and immediately drove myself to the hospital. Nine hours later, I delivered my stillborn daughter, Nicole. It was heartbreaking to learn there was no heartbeat at the checkup and even more unimaginable to learn I had to go through a normal delivery with an unthinkable outcome. Volunteering for HUGS will allow me to help other families in similar situations. It is my mission to ensure these families know they are not alone. Although I cannot take away the pain, I can offer support and guidance through the grieving process, and also ways to remember the joyful baby moments. “In a heartbeat you were gone, but in your brief moment, you etched our hearts and souls forever.” |
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Becky | Community Volunteer
After a complicated second pregnancy our daughter Danielle was stillborn in March 2011. Her death left me heartbroken and lost. We made many lasting memories during our short time holding and loving Danielle. Through BPoM, we were able to meet other families who had similar experiences. It was healing for us to know other people who shared our grief. Since her death we have been blessed with another daughter Arianna. Volunteering for HUGS allows me to reach out to other families to let them know they are not alone. While I cannot take away your grief, I have walked in your shoes. It is my privilege to help support you during this difficult time. |
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Cynthia | Community Volunteer, HUGS Trainer
After my first and second pregnancies ended in miscarriage, I began reaching out to other women who experienced first trimester losses to cope with the isolation and loneliness I felt. Connecting with other mothers who were walking this journey helped me work through my grief when my third pregnancy ended in miscarriage. My fourth pregnancy resulted in my now 14-year-old son, Tyler. I continued providing support to grieving families, which gave me strength as I experienced four more miscarriages trying to give Tyler a sibling. Bereaved Parents of Madison was a source of support for me, and it’s been my mission to ensure nobody experiences this devastating loss alone. |
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Emily | UPH Meriter, SSM Health St. Mary’s, On-Call Coordinator, Hospital Coordinator, HUGS Trainer
We have four children. Our son James was stillborn at 23 weeks, our daughter Josie was born and lived for 4 days in the NICU at 24 weeks before we had to make the devastating choice to let her go. Subsequently we adopted our daughters Luisa and Tessa, both at birth. Both of my pregnancies ended due to unexplained preterm labor. Connecting with parents who have experienced loss has been my saving grace as I grieve our children. After living through every parent’s worst nightmare twice, I hope to help guide newly bereaved parents through their time in the hospital and as they begin their journey through grief. |
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Erin | Community Volunteer
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Felica | Community Volunteer
My name is Felica Turner-Walton. I currently reside in Madison, Wisconsin, with my husband and youngest two children. I began my journey after the loss of my 4-month-old son Zaire Corvell on March 7, 2016. After attending numerous support groups, I soon realized that I did not have a safe space to grieve. After losing my son I decided I would devote my time to honor his life and support birthing parents in safely bringing new life into our world. I am a Full Spectrum Doula, a Pregnancy Awareness Infant Loss Advocate, and a Certified Grief Educator. I am also the Executive Director of Healing Our Hearts Foundation, a Maternal and Infant Grief Support Organization. I also own All Things Phee, LLC where I offer Reiki and meditation healing along with doula service and education. |
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Gina | Community Volunteer, On-Call Coordinator
We heard those dreadful words no expecting parents ever want to hear in August 2012. I soon went on to deliver our angel Addison, who was stillborn at 32 weeks. With no definitive explanation for our loss, we turned to our faith, family and friends to help comfort the shock and heartbreak we faced. But it was hearing similar stories from parents at the BPoM support group that made us feel like we weren't alone, nor would our daughter be forgotten. Since then, Addison has taught us so much, and I hope to share the strength and hope she gave me to help other parents face that heartbreaking loss. |
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Jen | Community Volunteer
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Jenn | Community Volunteer
After years of struggling with fertility, my husband and I were so excited to be expecting a baby in 2017. After not feeling much movement, we learned that our baby had no heartbeat at 36w5d. With the encouragement of the nurses, a HUGS volunteer sat at our bedside hours after our daughter, Lucy Jane, was born. That visit helped us discuss, understand, and voice how we’d spend our days in the hospital together. Since then, my husband and I have received HUGS support, attended BPOM group meetings, and events. We are so grateful for the support and friendships - our journey would not be the same without it. I feel so honored to be able to support other parents and get to know their stories and babies, too. |
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John | Community Volunteer
After nearly two weeks of being in and out of the hospital, my wife gave birth to our twin girls, Maddie and Maia, at 18 weeks gestation – well before either of them could survive on their own. It was our first pregnancy, and we were at a loss. Our family and friends were unbelievably supportive, and we couldn’t have made it without them. But, we felt like we didn’t have anyone to talk to who really knew what we had gone through, and many otherwise empathetic people were clearly uncomfortable hearing about our loss in any detail. Connecting with a HUGS volunteer through BPoM was a tremendous help to us, and it validated many of the thoughts and feelings we had. By volunteering for HUGS, in turn, I hope I can be that source of reassurance and comfort for others who have experienced the tragedy of losing a child. |
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Kellie | UPH Meriter, Hospital Coordinator
In the summer of 2013 I was excited to learn we were expecting our first child. Unfortunately that pregnancy ended in early loss. The following year I became pregnant with our son Kenneth, but was devastated when that pregnancy unexpectedly ended in loss shy of 20 weeks. We learned from Kenneth's loss that I had a condition called cervical insufficiency and that my body simply couldn't hold him in. In the winter of 2015 my heart was guarded with this new pregnancy of my son Gabriel, but I felt hope that there was a medical plan in place where I could have a procedure done to keep Gabriel growing inside of me. A few weeks after a transvaginal cerclage was placed and some routine extra scans we were heartbroken to find that the procedure had not worked and my body had "failed again" to hold onto another healthy baby. My world and heart were completely shattered. I learned that there is no limit to how many times your heart can break... We had some wonderful care and support by the nurses at the hospital, but after repeated loss I knew I needed to find a community of other loss moms. I then found BPOM and started attending support group. I felt validated and held being around other loss parents in being able to share our experience and feelings in a safe space. This is what I hope to give back to others in being a HUGS volunteer. I want others to know they are not alone and that there is love and light on the other side of the darkness. I have one rainbow wild child at home. |
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Laura | Community Volunteer
After a journey through infertility, my husband and I were excited to be expecting identical twin boys in 2017. However, we learned at a routine ultrasound around 18 weeks gestation that their hearts had stopped beating. We experienced incredible compassion from our healthcare team, who helped us preserve memories of our sons Mathew & Michael after birth. They also connected us with BPoM & a wonderful volunteer who became our HUGS support. The BPoM community, along with our family, friends, & faith, helped to guide us through some of the most challenging days of our grief. Their support has given us hope and strength as we aspire to honor our angel sons and raise their two living siblings whom we have since been blessed with. As a HUGS volunteer I hope to help other families experiencing this heartbreak feel the same support and know that they are not alone. |
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Lauren | Community Volunteer
In October 2016, at our 20 week ultrasound, we were shocked to hear that I had an incompitent cervix with signs of funneling. After 2 weeks of bed rest and daily progesterone, our son, Carter, was born on November 16, 2016 at 22 weeks. With the support of HUGS and BPOM, I was able to connect with others who knew what I was going through during a time where I felt very alone. Without the personal connection I made with my HUGS volunteer, I would not have been able to find peace within myself. I hope to be that light of hope for other families who are going through dark times and to be that personal connection they need when they are feeling lost. |
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Leah | SSM Health St. Mary’s
In October 2014, after almost 33 weeks of a seemingly perfect pregnancy, I learned that my daughter’s heart had stopped beating. She was stillborn the following evening. Over the years, with the support of family, friends, and many other bereaved parents, my grief has lightened and I’ve found ways to honor my daughter and find happiness again. I’ve also had two more children, born healthy and alive. I became a HUGS volunteer to provide support, compassion, and hope to other families grieving the loss of their baby or babies. |
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Lisa | Community Volunteer
After being a stepmom and a step grandmother for a number of years, my husband and I decided to start trying to have children together in 2016. After a short stint of infertility, my husband and I found out we were expecting in the fall of 2017. It was a boy and we were super excited to have a baby in our home. However, in June of 2018, our son was born still due to unknown complications. The fellow members of BPoM have been so kind and supportive. It's always been a safe place to share my innermost feelings and for us to grieve together. I've gained much knowledge about grief and how to be gentle with yourself. |
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Megan | UHP Meriter, Community Volunteer
My first pregnancy ended at 10 weeks in June of 2014. My husband and I were completely devastated and blindsided. I was so lost and was thrown into a really dark place. In 2016 we were blessed with our first rainbow baby. In 2018 we were thrilled to be pregnant again, but at almost 16 weeks in June (again), we would relive another nightmare. An ultrasound would confirm, there was no heartbeat found. This time a medical procedure was necessary. I was devastated and traumatized. Our Lalia Jae was born in the stars. I know what it’s like to have lightning strike twice – I felt as though there was no escape. To grieve our two lost children has been a journey, but I’ve found comfort in sharing my story. By volunteering with the HUGS program, I will aim to provide a safe outlet and support system for parents navigating through this impossible experience no one should have to, but so many do. |
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Morgan | Community Volunteer
September 10th, 2020 I was 22 weeks along and I woke up not feeling very good and could tell something was wrong. A few hours later our entire world changed. We went to the local hospital and found out that I was 10cm dilated. I was then rushed to St. Marys where we found out I had incompetent cervix and that our baby boy Weston Daniel would likely come soon. After 10 days on hospital bed rest, Weston came on September 20th. NICU tried to save him but he was just too small at only 14oz. He passed away shortly after birth as we held him. The support and love that I have received from BPoM and other grief organizations has helped my family in ways I could never imagine. I want to be able to give that same support to others that I have received over these past few years. |
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Sam Kubly | SSM Health Monroe Clinic, On-Call Coordinator, Hospital Coordinator
April 9, 2009 I delivered our daughter Sofia Jo stillborn at 34 weeks. We had been monitoring her closely for decreased activity but never expected her to pass away. I am so very thankful to the staff at the hospital who encouraged us and helped us to make memories with our daughter. We now have 2 healthy daughters after pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes. I want to give hope to families by showing them that there is life on the other side of loss and to help them to make the memories that will last a lifetime. |
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Sara Kepner | Community Volunteer
Losing babies at 9, 12, and 21 weeks of gestation has shaped who I am as a person and as a mother. Hearing the words “I’m sorry there’s no heartbeat” was a confirmation each time of what my intuition had already told me, something wasn’t right. I’m thankful to have two earth-side babies and through my losses I’ve found healing in sharing my story. Baby loss can feel isolating, even with the best support system. I want to help others know they’re never alone. I’ve found ways to remember our babies, by sending a balloon to sissy on her birthday, talking about her, or seeing signs that I feel were sent by her. It’s important to honor and remember the babies that we’ve lost, they matter and so do you! I'm hopeful that through our shared experiences I can help others to understand that honoring loss looks different for everyone, and there is support through the tunnel of grief as they find the sunshine after the storm. |
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Stephanie | Community Volunteer
On January 14th, 2021; our world came crashing down when we got the news I was no longer able to continue my first pregnancy due to preterm labor & cervical insufficiency. The next day, baby boy, Brooks, was born sleeping at 19 weeks. Since losing Brooks, I’ve suffered multiple miscarriages & struggled with infertility resulting in IUI/IVF. Throughout my grieving journey, I’ve come across many amazing individuals & resources that have tremendously helped me & my family as we walk in the same shoes others have. As a HUGS volunteer, I hope to be a resource & provide a safe outlet for other bereaved parents who are navigating the loss of their baby/ies. You are not alone, we are here to help. |
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Tanya | UPH Meriter, SSM Health St. Mary’s
I have lost three babies. In 2010 I had an early miscarriage at home and lost my first baby Sam. Two years later my son Oren Jasper was stillborn at 38 weeks. One minute he just stopped moving. He probably died due to a cord prolapse but we don't really know. I was induced and gave birth to him two days later. I was grateful for my wife and step-son's support and the photos and memory items I have of Oren. After he died I donated my breast milk to living babies in our community and found support from Bereaved Parents of Madison. As a former midwife I felt compelled to help other families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss and I quickly became involved in offering peer support. In 2014 I found out at 16 weeks that my daughter Miriam had died. I had a surgical procedure after that third loss, my final pregnancy. I hope I can help you with memory making and honoring your baby and your story. |
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Tina | SSM Health Monroe Clinic, Community Volunteer
I am mom to Shea-Tate. We found out early on that our son had Trisomy 18. Our angel came to us in September 2005 at 33 weeks weighing a tiny 2lbs 13oz. The day was everything we had planned for, though no one can truly be prepared for such a journey. We had never experienced anything so sad yet so beautiful. We were able to hold an angel in our arms and am truly blessed to have done so. He joined our family with two older brothers & now has a younger sister. Shea-Tate taught our family so much during that journey and he continues to do so. The support I hold close to my heart continues today with the friends I have gained from the Bereaved Parents of Madison. Being a part of this group has given me the courage to live what I have learned from him. It is a gift to be a member of HUGS and being there for you is simple and pure for me. I want to give you support in any way I can during this difficult time. Giving you whatever is important to you and a little peace, light and love to hold on to! You are not alone! |
HUGS Bedside Volunteers
We are fortunate to have hospital trained bedside volunteers who can visit with families while in the hospital. Our HUGS Bedside Volunteers are on-call to come to the hospital to answer questions, hold space, and offer ideas to help you through your time in the hospital. We currently serve at three facilities: UnityPoint Health Meriter in Madison, SSM Health St. Mary's Madison, and SSM Health Monroe Hospital. Whether before delivery or after, we can be there to support you. We know from experience how short and precious the time in the hospital can be, and we can support you through it. Past HUGS families have said how grateful they are for these bedside volunteers, how HUGS visits changed the trajectory of their hospital stay, guiding them in making memories and reassuring them through the many hard and bittersweet moments.
HUGS Community Volunteers
Our HUGS Community Volunteers connect with families after discharging from the hospital and will stay in touch for up to a year after your loss. On-going support is tailored to the individual needs of each family but might include text messages, email, phone calls, mailed cards, or meeting in person. Our volunteers work to meet you, the parents, where you are at, and offer support scaffolding as you re-enter life in your 'new normal.' They are knowledgeable about area resources and offer many ideas for facilitating healing.