Born still, but still alive
In 2001, the nation's pregnancy experts agreed to confront a significant but hidden issue: As many babies are stillborn each year as all other infant deaths combined, including those born prematurely or who suffer sudden infant death syndrome. Read Story
Video: Telling their stories
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Resources
BRIEF ENCOUNTERS, a support group for bereaved parents with an infant or pregnancy loss, meets monthly in the Portland area and offers telephone support. (503)-699-8006 or www.briefencounters.org
GRIEF WATCH, a ministry of the United Methodist congregation, the Metanoia Peace Community, offers bereavement resources and memorial products. The program sponsors meetings of Brief Encounters, Parents of Murdered Children and suicide bereavement. Contact at the 18th Ave. Peace House at 2116 NE 18th in Portland 503-284-7426 or www.griefwatch.com
Profiles & Images
JULIE ENDRESS
Julie Endress and her husband, Amiel Handelsman's daughter Christine, was born premature and died on Nov. 25, 2006.
Endress, 38, is a leadership coach who works with clients' holistically to further personal development. She specializes in women in transition, including those who've experienced a loss from a divorce or death.
She hopes this discussion supports women from any era in holding their experience with kindness and dignity.
• IMAGES: Christine
• Excerpts from Julie and Amiel's blog
KATHLEEN BUCKLEY
Lily Kathleen Bryan, daughter of Kathleen Buckley and her former husband, Ken Bryan, was born Nov. 28, 2005 in Portland. She died Dec. 2, 2005 from complications associated with the chromosomal disorder Trisomy 18.
Kathleen is the development director for Fruit and Flower Child Care Center in Portland. A website on Lily's life includes the original song "The Afterwards Part'' written and performed by Kathleen's oldest son, Daniel Campbell, 23. The photo essay is by photographer Amy McMullen, who captures the images before Lily died.
Buckley says that finding the support group Brief Encounters and sharing with other parents was critical. "There is a whole secret society of us who have lost children. Connecting with other people made a huge difference to me.''
• IMAGES: A memorial cast of Lily
• VIDEO: Lily
• KATHLEEN'S WEBSITE: lilykathleenbryan.com
SHANNON ZELAZEK
Shannon and Dan Zelazek’s daughter Dorothy Raine was stillborn June 1, 2007 from an apparent umbilical cord compression.
Her parents have found support by connecting with other bereaved parents through Brief Encounters and by volunteering. They were inspired by parents like Kathleen Buckley who donated a specialized couch to a neonatal intensive care unit in memory of her child.
"The best way I can honor Dorothy is to try to help others," Shannon says. "I have learned so much in these past months about life and love and I owe it all to our baby girl."
Shannon's writing:
• Dorothy's Story
• Grieving Into Giving For The Holidays