DeLanee's Story

10 years ago, Becky and Tommy, were blessed to be pregnant with their second child. Shortly thereafter they learned that they were going to be parents to a little girl, but the probability of their daughter living for very long was extremely low. Their daughter was diagnosed with a condition called Dandy-Walker Cyst. The doctors believed that their baby girl would deteriorate and pass away during pregnancy, but much to their surprise DeLanee developed until 28 weeks gestation when she was delivered and lived for three hours. As you can imagine, these 3 hours was precious time that they spent as a family with their daughter taking pictures, bathing, dressing and holding her until she passed away in their arms. Upon DeLanee's passing, the nurses brought the family a box to put their daughter’s belongings in to take home with them. Because DeLanee was born in January the nurses were able to find a leftover Christmas box. That Christmas box became extremely special to them and they clung to it and the contents inside that held their daughter’s precious belongings as they left the hospital without their baby. It was because of this box that the inspiration for Lanee’s Legacy began. . .



Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Remembrance Box Making



We are so super excited to announce an event we have in the works.  We of course have had many, many box makings, but none quite like this.  This box making is unique in that you can come and create and assemble a box in memory of your baby, your grandbaby, your niece, nephew or friend.  What a great way to honor your baby while giving back to someone in need!

I remember so very clearly how alone I felt after saying hello and goodbye to DeLanee.  I felt as though I was the only person who had ever felt this pain.  I had just joined a very LARGE group of people who had experienced a similar loss, but at the time I felt very alone in my grief. Our hope with this box making is that when a future family receives a box from a family who has walked in their same shoes, they can feel comforted and loved and, most importantly not alone.  We want them to know that they were thought of and in receiving this gift they can feel how much they are cared for.

One of the greatest blessings in participating in this organization is the amazing people I have been able to meet and work with!  As we do these events, those that attend are those who share the common goal of helping others. So, not only will you be helping grieving families by attending this event, but what a great opportunity to come and connect with other families who are traveling the same path you are. 

We absolutely LOVE what we do!  I invite you come and join us and feel what we feel as we serve those around us who need it most!  Please, mark your calendars now for November 23, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mesa Marriott Convention Center in downtown Mesa.  It is really important that you pre-register for this event by clicking on the "donate" paypal button to the right.  In the comment section, please leave the name of your baby so that we may preprint stickers to go on the box.  It costs us $25.00 per box, which is the cost of this fundraiser.  Please share this event with your friends and family as well!

 
 

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Walk(s) to Remember



In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. October 15th is the specific date set aside where parents, friends and family can come together in love and support to remember a life that was cut short. 
 
Lanee's Legacy's slogan is "Healing Through Remembering" and so we welcome this special day and month as an opportunity to participate in planned events to do just that. . .REMEMBER.  We felt honored to be invited to two events this month by hospitals/groups who have went to a lot of time and effort to have a walk and event for bereaved families to come to in memory of their baby.  
 
Scottsdale's Healthcare's Walk to Remember:
 



 Scottsdale Healthcare has a very unique idea where they do a ladybug release for the children:
 
 

 
 
They had a balloon release:
 
 
"Chicks with Picks" provided the music.  This gal here was AMAZING! 
 
Thanks to Susan at Scottsdale Healthcare for letting us be a part of their special day! 
 
BANNER DESERT'S WALK TO REMEMBER:
 
On October 19, 2013 we attended Banner Desert's Walk to Remember.  This is Banner Desert's 21st year at planning this event and they certainly know how to make it so extremely special for families.   It was such a great day seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones.  It is always so humbling to see how many lives have been touched by the loss of a baby.  

 


 
We appreciated the opportunity to speak at this event as it gave us the opportunity to thank those that support us all year long!   
 
 
Our booth:
 
 
 


 
I want to especially thank those that came and helped us with our booth this day.  No member of Lanee's Legacy has ever been paid for the service and time they provide.  They haven't even ever been reimbursed for their personal expenses.  We simply love what we do!!  Thank you especially to Emery Westover, Rachel Davenport and Kami Perry for all their help!