Mother Shares Powerful Testimony of Infant Loss in the New Book, How We Got Over

DeAnne Winey-Ward's daughter Megan only lived for seven hours, "but she lived a lifetime in those seven hours." Now DeAnne is starting a foundation in Megan's name to promote awareness of pregnancy and infant loss and to help parents who are financially unable to afford a traditional burial for their infant. She shares her story in the book How We Got Over: Testimonies of Faith, Hope, and Courage.

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

Each year, hundreds of thousands of families are faced with the tragedy of pregnancy and infant loss. According to 1999 Centers for Disease Control statistics, only 62% of all pregnancies result in live births. These parents have made an investment in their unborn children. Upon learning that they are expecting, parents develop hopes, dreams and desires for their unborn children. DeAnne Winey-Ward made an investment. She had hopes, dreams and desires for Megan Alise.

DeAnne married her best friend of seven years, Jason Ward, on November 17, 2001. Seven months later, she learned she was expecting their first child on January 1, 2003. On August 15, 2002, while taking a bath, DeAnne's water broke at 20 weeks gestation. She was immediately rushed to the hospital and admitted upon arrival. DeAnne remained in the hospital bedridden for one month with the hopes that labor would be delayed at least until the babys lungs had more time to mature. The short-term goal of the physicians was hoping she could hold out at least until 24 weeks, at which time she was going to receive a steroid shot to assist with the development of the babys lungs. Megan Alise, was born just one day shy of 24 weeks gestation and only lived seven hours--passing away in her mother's arms on September 10--one week after DeAnne's 31st birthday.

"She was amazing, and lived a lifetime within seven hours." DeAnne writes in "Megan's Gifts: Our Angel of Unity and Strength." Her story, as well as others, are shared in the book How We Got Over: Testimonies of Faith, Hope, and Courage. When asked about her feelings on being a contributing author of the book she said, I feel so honored to be able to share my story in such a spiritually powerful book. I am in sheer delight that Megan is a part of something so global, as helping to raise funds to support AIDS Orphans in Southern Africa. I am really proud of her and all that she has done to impact the lives of people around us.

"Where my daughter's mission ended, mine has just begun." DeAnne is in the process of starting a foundation in honor of Megan Alise to promote awareness about pregnancy and infant loss, and to help parents who are financially unable to afford a traditional burial for their infant.

Every life deserves to be recognized and celebrated. I know every parent thinks their child is special, and they should, because children are precious gifts from God. Each gift radiates and brings its own uniqueness to a family. I am so thankful for the gift in my daughters life."

In the month of October, in several cities around the United States, committed parents, friends and family, and professionals hold a Walk To Remember" for the babies lost through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillborn, and neonatal death. Families who experience this loss need sensitive caregivers, understanding friends and supportive family members. Therefore, awareness and education are very important. A supportive environment can make all the difference in how parents cope with the loss of a child. I have encountered many people within the family, as well as outside the family circle, who view this as an unfortunate event that we will get over" in a matter of time. I believe time heals wounds, but as a parent, you never forget the life that you brought into this world. Parents who have experienced such a loss would just like the same sensitivity given to them as parents who have had 15-20 years of memories with their child."

October 15th at 7:00 p.m. is the day of candle lighting celebration recognized by the SHARE Organization. Everyone is encouraged to light a candle. The idea is to have a continuous wave of light encircle the earth in memory of the children that have passed away.