Courage in Time
One thing I learned very quickly after we lost Georgia was that I needed to connect with others who felt the weight of this kind of loss. In the past 7 months, I have connected to women all over the globe who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. These women understand me in a way that a lot of other can’t.
Please hear me when I say that Rob and I have an incredible community of support. We are loved fiercely, and we have felt nothing but comfort and support from our friends and family, but most of those closest to us have never experienced a death of a child. That is why it is so important for me to share our story. I want to normalize the conversation around grief. I want to speak Georgia’s name loudly, so others who are looking for someone to connect with can hear me.
A lot of us loss mamas feel a deep need to raise awareness around pregnancy and infant loss. Yes, we have experienced trauma and deep emotional pain, but our bodies also birthed a child. A child we didn’t get to keep, but our bodies don’t always realize that. We have an instinct that tells us we need to take care of a baby, but what do you do when that baby is gone? You start doing a good work in their honor. It's the best way we can take care of our babies once they are gone.
That is why I would like to introduce you to an incredible organization started by a fellow loss mom, Jillian DeGroot. Jillian and her organization, Courage in Time, has inspired me and been a great resource for so many bereaved parents.
Courage in Time Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to support families who have experienced stillbirth and infant loss through curated bereavement boxes, grief and postpartum resources, and connection to other bereaved families.
Courage in Time Inc. was established in memory of Lorenzo Francisco Martinez, the warrior son of our founders, Jillian and Pedro. Lorenzo was born on 5/30/21 at 27 weeks due to life threatening hemorrhaging Jillian experienced as a complication of placenta previa. Lorenzo lived in the NICU for 12 beautiful days before being called back home to heaven.
While Lorenzo received exceptional medical care in the NICU, Jillian and Pedro were disappointed by the lack of emotional support and guidance offered to them by Jillian’s obstetrician at the time. As first-time parents they felt lost and unsupported in a journey they never imagined themselves on. Jillian was so unsettled by this that she channeled her inner advocate and mama instincts to establish Courage in Time Inc.
Professionally, Jillian is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and holds a Doctorate in Social Work. She now considers herself not only a full-time therapist, but also a full-time bereaved mama. Jillian has learned that her family is unfortunately not alone in their trauma and grief. Courage in Time Inc. will honor and celebrate Lorenzo’s life by providing courage and connection to families who endure the unthinkable loss of a child.
Currently, their largest project is their Courage Box, which is a curated bereavement box. Each item is handpicked with intention to provide small moments of courage during the darkest moments. Items typically included are a journal with custom prompts and letter to mama, book, tea, lotion/chapstick, weighted pillow, and a keepsake.
Courage Boxes are sent at no cost to bereaved parents as part of our charitable efforts and amazing donors! Each box costs $40-50 to create and ship. We ask that when you request a box for a loved one, you consider making a donation in any amount back as every dollar goes towards supporting their mission.
Please visit their website for more information at www.courageintime.com
