A String of Pearls

Dear Friends,

We are so thankful for all our friends and family’s support throughout our pregnancy. Understandably, we know you all would love to continue your support and shower us with love and possibly gifts. We are very appreciative and want that to be evident. However, rather than having a house-full of flowers, we would rather you direct your monetary giving in another way.

When Carina’s diagnosis first was revealed, I was in touch with another mother, Laura, who had also chosen to carry her baby even though she, too, had a fatal diagnosis. After her daughter, Pearl, was born and passed away, she started A String of Pearls. This organization puts together keepsake packages for families that are choosing to carry their babies with a fatal diagnosis. In the package she includes a photo album, journal, several hand and footprint mold kits, a blanket, and other items that you would never even think of needing or would want to have to purchase for yourself during this time. Inside the package she always places a single pearl in a little plastic bag. This small symbol is a way to honor her own daughter who passed away, as well as symbolizing the many families affected by situations such as our own and Laura’s; that we are all linked together and that we’re not alone.

She then sends out these packages at no charge to the families who are grieving the upcoming loss of their child. Not only does this precious lady send out these packages, but she also is available to talk to, personally, whenever needed. She sends encouraging emails and letters to families and especially to the mothers.

This organization runs completely on donations and we would love for her to be able to continue helping others as she has helped us. If you had planned on sending flowers or any other gifts, please think about donating the money instead to this organization. Because of Laura and A String of Pearls, I had the courage to get in touch with the bereavement counselor at the hospital, who then put me in touch with another counselor who connects families with similar diagnoses. I was then put in touch with another mother whose daughter also had a lethal form of dwarfism. I was able to write to, and form a relationship with, someone just like me. When we didn’t know anyone who had ever walked this same journey, I was able to find someone. And it all began with Laura and A String of Pearls.

Thank you, again, for all of your support, love and continued prayers. If you choose to donate to this amazing organization, you can find all the necessary information on their website: http://stringofpearlsonline.org/

With much love,

Ken and Kristin