Nonprofit Rae of Hope Empowers Families Facing Pregnancy and Infant Loss

In a touching effort to honor the lives lost during pregnancy and infancy, Rae of Hope, Inc. is gearing up for its annual awareness run and walk. Spearheaded by president Tamara Weaver, the event aims to raise awareness about the profound impact of such losses, which affect one in four women.

Weaver founded Rae of Hope after experiencing her own heartbreak in 2014 when her daughter Raelyn was stillborn. Following a harrowing battle with HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening pregnancy complication, she was airlifted to Las Vegas, where she ultimately lost her child. This personal tragedy galvanized her to support other grieving families.

Since its inception, Rae of Hope has provided crucial assistance to families navigating the aftermath of loss. The nonprofit primarily utilizes funds raised to help cover funeral expenses for those unexpectedly affected by pregnancy loss.

“Historically, there has been (a) stigma around talking about this,” Weaver noted. “I’m trying to break through that stigma and show people in our community that everyone supports them.” Through the organization, families receive both physical and financial support. Notably, essential equipment such as CuddleCots has been donated to hospitals in Lake Havasu City, Fort Mohave, and Kingman. These cooled bassinets allow families additional time with their infants after loss, significantly aiding the grieving process.

The upcoming awareness event takes place this Saturday, coinciding with Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It is expected to comfort families while fostering a sense of community. “I discovered that there weren’t any resources in our town for anything like that,” Weaver recalled. As a licensed mental health therapist, she felt compelled to fill this gap for others.

This year, attendees will have opportunities to connect with related resources. Heaven’s Precious Angels, a Fort Mohave organization, will be present to accept donations of wedding gowns for conversion into angel gowns for grieving families. Weaver hopes the event will provide healing and a sense of support among participants.

The run/walk kicks off near the Tinnell Memorial Skatepark at Rotary Community Park, with in-person registration beginning at 7 a.m. and the event itself starting at 8 a.m. Participants aged 12 and older can register for $25, while entry is free for children under 11. Raffle tickets for a Takacat Boat will also be available, priced at $5 for one or $20 for five.

For more details about Rae of Hope, Inc. or Saturday’s event, visit raeofhopeinc.com or call 928-846-7773.