The PAIL Network - Supporting Families through Pregnancy and Infant Loss is hosting a benefit concert to start a local support group.
On January 9th, 2014, our lives changed forever when our first daughter, Braylie, was born. Braylie was diagnosed with IUGR (Intrauterine growth restriction,) when I was 20 weeks pregnant. In a normal pregnancy, 18-20 weeks is when parents find out what colour they will be painting the nursery. We found out that we were having a baby girl right after we were informed that there was also something terribly wrong with my pregnancy. We were devastated, but we named her Braylie, which by the definition I had found, means strong.
I spontaneously went into labour when I was six and a half months pregnant. Braylie was delivered in Owen Sound. She weighed just 355g and she was beautiful. We held her for a short while before she passed and our grief was immeasurable. Even though we knew that her chance of survival was weighted as 50/50, it was impossible to prepare for the loss of our baby. I never imagined holding her barely alive body, or kissing her precious little face before she passed away; I couldn't. But this was the reality we were faced with and it was brutal and unfair.
We didn't have a funeral.
It was very difficult for me to understand and to cope with our loss. I was stuck between a want for normalcy and an enormous weight caused by the despair of losing our baby. Most people didn't talk about it and when they did, I was angry. I didn't feel like anyone really understood what happened. Nobody knew her. I was alone.
Subsequent pregnancies were very difficult for me emotionally. Even though there was nothing physically wrong, I was very anxious. We've since been blessed with two beautiful children, Easton who is now two and Evie, who is just five months old.
October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month and last year during this time, I discovered the PAIL (Pregnancy and infant loss) Network. The PAIL Network is a non-profit organization based in Ontario that offers free services to families who have suffered through pregnancy loss. They have support groups across the province where families can openly talk about their losses and their fears and find support in one another.
We do not currently have one of these support groups in our area and so on October 14th, we are hosting a benefit concert for the PAIL Network. A portion of the funds raised will be used to start a group in Owen Sound and the remainder will be allocated to PAIL's patient support initiative.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase at NakdBasics in Owen Sound and through some of our volunteers.
The evening will begin at 7:00 on October 14th at the Owen Sound Legion.
Cost of admission is $20 for adults, $5 for children & students, and toddlers aged 3 and younger are free.
We have a fantastic lineup for the evening including local musicians, Steve, Dani & Larry Dickinson, Jon Jasper-Lawless, Larry Jensen, Lauren Best, Deep Blue Honey, Mickey Weppler & Johnathan Wild & More!
There will also be a raffle that will include some fantastic prizes from local businesses.
We will be offering space for families to remember their loved ones and those who wish to share are encouraged to bring photographs, ultrasounds or items of sentimental value to be included at our memorial table.
For more information, or to donate directly to the PAIL Network, please visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/waveoflightbenefitconcert
source: media release, The PAIL Network
