The organization has provided about 20 bags , which include a blanket and a book titled “ We were gonna have a baby , but we had an angel instead ,” to bereaved siblings as well so that each child can have a memorial item .
“ The nurses say it really uplifts the mom ’ s spirits because they saw their living child was being recognized ,” Ibella says . “ That is really important to the mom at that moment . You are grieving for yourself , for the child you lost and on behalf of your living children . Grief is so complex ; it has many elements to it .”
The group will host a presentation on sibling grief from 7 to 9 p . m . on June 15 at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South .
The Still Remembered Project has also provided about 70 discrete care packages , which include a journal and bracelet , to mothers who have suffered a miscarriage . Often , women who suffer a miscarriage receive very little support . Not every woman may want to acknowledge her grief publicly , but the care packages allow her to do that if she decides to , Ibella explains .
Board members and volunteers have also knitted , crocheted and sewn approximately 120 blankets , 150 hats and 25 angel gowns , which were donated to hospitals , funeral homes and bereaved families .
“ It makes a lot of people uncomfortable to talk about a child they never met . It made me uncomfortable until I was part of this community .”
The organization recently launched an outreach program in an effort to raise awareness about pregnancy and infant loss . Lamar Advertising published several notices promoting the Still Remembered Project on digital billboards at highly visible locations around Pittsburgh during Mother ’ s Day weekend . Ibella says her children saw one of the advertisements and started screaming because they were so excited .
“ My oldest daughter , Lydia , said , ‘ Mommy , I ’ m so proud of you ,’” Ibella recalls . “ That just warmed my heart . It was so special .”
She hopes the outreach program makes it easier for people to talk about the issue and support the Still Remembered Project . “ We can ’ t help people if they don ’ t know about us ,” she says .
The Still Remembered Project needs donations and volunteers , but would also like to create an official headquarters . Right now , the programs take place at board members ’ homes , many of whom live in Bethel Park . Ibella wants to have a “ brick and mortar ” office so the group can host events and create a library .
The group will reach out to bereaved fathers as well . “ The dads are just as important as the moms ,” McNally Shaw explains . “ My husband suggested we organize a golf outing for the dads because he wishes there was more of a guy-bonding type of thing to do .”
The group has also partnered with the Pittsburgh Pirates to raise money by selling tickets and will appear on the field before the game against the St . Louis Cardinals on September 24 to raise awareness about pregnancy and infant loss . Tickets can be purchased at www . pirates . com / stillremembered .
“ It ’ s the classic American day out with the family ,” Ibella says .
The Still Remembered Project may also expand the support group . “ We really thrive in an environment like Pittsburgh because it is such a great community ,” she notes . “ Everyone really bands together and supports each other . ■
>> For more information , visit stillremembered . org .
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