the lilah wren foundation
During our stay in the NICU, our eyes were quickly opened to a world we never knew existed. The world of having a child with a medically complex condition. We talked to numerous parents and families who were completely displaced from their everyday lives as they relocated hours away from their homes, so their child could get the care he or she needed. Many had to quit their jobs or had been sleeping on hospital couches for months as their baby received treatment. This now hit very close to home for us as we imagined what life would have looked like had Lilah been able to have the surgery she needed. We would have quickly become one of those families.
In addition to families facing a complex medical journey with their child, we were now thrown into another new reality- families who have faced the devastating loss of their child. A club that no one wants to be in. Parents facing the unimaginable. Despite our strong faith, we have been fully immersed in the waves of grief and PTSD since losing our daughter. We have realized that there is a need in our society for not only infant loss awareness but also resources for families grieving the loss of their precious baby.
AND SO, THE LILAH WREN FOUNDATION WAS BORN
In place of flowers for Lilah’s celebration of life service, friends and family donated money for us to give back to NICU families. We were able to purchase resources for these grieving families, as well as help them financially with unexpected costs due to their hospital stay. We have since stayed in contact with palliative care teams, and have been honored to hear how these resources have helped bereaved families. This was the first tug on our hearts toward creating the foundation and we knew we didn’t want it to stop there. The Lord was continuing to use Lilah to further His kingdom, just as He showed Gavin he would in that hospital waiting room.
WE FEEL CALLED TO THIS MISSION BECAUSE OF THE PROFOUND IMPACT THAT OUR LILAH GIRL HAS HAD ON OUR LIVES.
The Bible is very clear that we have an enemy, “prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” ( 1 Peter 5:8). Our enemy would love for us to focus solely on our sorrow during this tragic time, but we know that we serve a God who turns beauty from ashes. “And provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair” (Isaiah 61:3). At times, the enemy has wanted us to believe that we were not capable of running this nonprofit. However, every doubt was quickly met with confirmation from our Heavenly Father that this was exactly what we were supposed to do.
YOU INTENDED TO HARM ME, BUT GOD INTENDED IT FOR GOOD. GENESIS 50:20
On March 22nd, 2024 The Lilah Wren Foundation was approved by the South Carolina Secretary of State to become an official nonprofit organization. The Lilah Wren Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness for infant loss and providing support for grieving families. By partnering with pediatric palliative care teams across South Carolina hospitals, we provide bereavement bags that include resources, and financial assistance for greiving families.
Bereavement Bags: Compassion in a Time of Crisis
Our Bereavement Bags are a vital part of our mission to support families walking through the heartbreaking experience of infant loss. Delivered directly to families by hospital palliative care teams soon after their loss, each bag is thoughtfully assembled to provide both practical and emotional support.
Each Bereavement Bag includes:
A DoorDash Gift Card – to ease the burden of finding a meal during an overwhelming time at the hospital.
A $200 Visa Gift Card – to help cover urgent expenses such as hotel stays, gas, memorial services, or other immediate needs.
A Journal and Pen – offering a gentle invitation to begin processing their grief through writing.
A Memorial Item – to honor and commemorate the precious life of their baby.
Grief Resource Information – including a link to our website where families can learn about our ongoing support, connect with helpful grief resources, and apply for our Sponsorship Program, which provides continued assistance after their hospital stay.
These bags are more than just items—they are a tangible expression of love and solidarity, a reminder to grieving families that they are not alone.
Want to help support grieving families?
You can contribute directly to our Bereavement Bags by purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist. Every item you give helps bring comfort, care, and hope to families navigating the loss of their baby.
