Thank you for visiting our fundraising page!
One of the hardest things a parent has to face, is losing their child. Something so unexpected, there is no way to be prepared for such a tragedy. The costs can be outrageous for such simple services, but yet, such a small price to pay when you're saying your last goodbye to your baby.
As many of you know, we just laid our beautiful Conrad Michael Eirinn Mitchell to rest. We found out about this organization after the fact. But would like to help ease the burden for those who face this same tragedy in the future.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our fundraising efforts.
Zach and I are doing a 5 mile walk in honor of our son, Conrad Michael Eirinn Mitchell, on June 23rd. We are asking for sponsors to reach our goal of $200 but if we could go above and beyond that, you'll understand why in a minute. I found this foundation, which is not in every state yet (they are surely trying to get the word out) a couple days ago.. I have to say, they are truly a blessing to parents in this same situation.. But heres the part that, unless you are faced with the situation, you will not know or understand..
We all know funerals can be costly.. You have a choice of cremation or burial.. Casket or Urn.. Transportation from the hospital to mortuary.. To do a viewing or not.. Plot if you choose to bury or leave the remains.. and thats just the start of it.. Zach and I chose to do a cremation only, being that we have no family here in state, there was no need for a viewing.. So just for transportation costs and the cremation alone, we spent just shy of $1000. This isn't including an urn to keep him in, and other misc fees.
When we got to the hospital Thursday afternoon, we were given a piece of paper to review together and make our choice.. We had already discussed this when we found out his heart had stopped, so it was no question for us.. But we did read the paper.. It sickens me to tell you, one of the options on this paper was a mass burial.. The parents would sign their child over to the hospital, the hospital would cover all of the charges to properly bury the child, however this didn't only mean that mom, dad, grandparents whoever, would never get to have their last goodbye once discharged from the hospital, this also meant the child was kept in the hospital morgue until "enough" children where there to be burried together to save expenses for the hospital. What is even sadder is that this is the only option some families have. Times are tough! With an unborn child, you aren't given the chance to put a life insurance policy in place. Why would you if you could? You don't expect your child to die.. These costs are not only over bearing, but with the stress of a loss, also add more hardship to relationships and families. This organization raises funds through these walks, to help families give their children the proper burial if anything.
Zach and I were handed a explination of charges at the end of our appointment with the mortuary, and though they give a HUGE discount for such situations, they are one of the ONLY in town that does! The charges on the sheet were for $2700. So, I ask can you afford to skip Starbucks or McDonalds today? To donate $5, at this point every dollar helps so even $1 to sponsor us in our walk to remember Conrad, and help a family who doesn't have the financial means, be able to keep their babies where they can always visit and have quiet time with them... If you are not comfortable with online donations, you are more then welcome to mail it to me (email me for my address CMannila79@gmail.com) and I will put add it in online..