Giving back to families experiencing infant or pregnancy loss

After the passing of their son Mark, Lindsey Coad and Dave Doran, wanted to support those experiencing infant or pregnancy loss. Mark’s journey began in the Fetal Medicine Unit, where ultrasounds tracked his liver haemangioma. “He was born at 32 weeks and lived for 19 hours, with an amazing team of doctors and nurses helping him at every stage,” said Lindsay, Mark’s mom. “Just as Mark has left his imprint on us, we wanted to pay it forward and ‘make our mark’ in his name by giving back to the hospital that gave so much to us.”

October 15 is recognized as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day across the globe. It is a day to heighten public awareness of the prevalence of perinatal loss and its associated grief. To support families, Mark’s Grief & Bereavement Book Collection was launched earlier this summer. Thanks to the generosity of Mark’s family and friends, over $2,400 was raised to kick start the collection that would gift families experiencing loss in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the High Risk Pregnancy and the Fetal Medicine Unit at Mount Sinai Hospital with a special book from the collection.

“Parents repeatedly tell us how grateful they are for having this support, and we know that a little can go a long way in someone’s journey of grief and loss,” said Lindsay Pollard, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Women’s and Infants’ Health program.

Mark’s family is one of many who have donated gift boxes, stuffed animals and other mementos as a way to support those going through the same loss. The Women’s and Infant’s Health program also organizes a yearly infant memorial service – this year being no different as we host the memorial online.

Multiple families have already registered for the memorial, which takes place on October 22 that features remarks by Sinai Health experts, lighting of candles and opportunity for families to contribute to a Memory Book. Mount Sinai families interested in learning more or participating can contact the event organizer.

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