Immediately, we had family and friends asking what they could do. Our response: figure out a way to help others in similar situations. From there, a bank account was established in David's hometown and the fund grew overnight. We have been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the number of people who have responded and sent donations – seeing Anna’s life bring so many together for such a worthwhile cause is a gift all its own.

We spent the month following Anna’s death speaking with organizations and individuals who have had similar experiences. We explored how the funds could be put to the best, most-immediate use.

We decided to transfer the funds to a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization who would allow us to set up a fund in Anna’s honor and focus primarily on perinatal bereavement support during those initial stages when a parent loses a child.

We have partnered with Carolinas Healthcare Foundation to establish a Fund known as the Anna Jo Evans Perinatal Bereavement Fund. It will be administered by The Carolinas HealthCare Foundation, Inc., with David and I being part of the advisory committee, in an effort to establish the country’s leading perinatal bereavement support practice. Our goal is to provide immediate materials, tools and support for those who suffer the loss of a child.

• Patient teaching and educational materials
• Memory boxes
• Digital cameras, DVD transfer devices, and photo printers to
  provide pictures for memory boxes, etc.
• Materials for infant foot and hand molds and related keepsake
  boxes
• Funding for support group meetings, should the need arise
• Funding for additional grief support-related educational programs
  for unit nursing staff
• Funding to allow CMC staff to train and aid less fortunate hospital organizations establish a perinatal bereavement practice

To donate click here and choose Anna Jo Evans Perinatal Bereavement Fund in the pull down menu.

Although her life was so very short, in the words of a dear friend, “Many people live much longer than your daughter did and never accomplish what she will be able to do.” She brought our family and friends together in a way that is unbreakable and unconditional and we will forever be grateful.