Learn More About The Tiana Project
In my professional life, I’ve spent over 25+ years in the Insurance Industry and also work as a business and career development coach. One of my most heartfelt roles is as the Founder of the Tiana Project, an organization dedicated to assisting parents after the loss of a child to neonatal or early infant death.
In 2002, I was joyfully preparing to become a mom for the second time. My first pregnancy had been normal, so I had no reason to expect anything different. But at 37 weeks, I went into labor and was devastated to learn that my daughter had a rare, incurable heart condition. She passed away shortly after birth, and our lives were forever changed.
Returning to work eight weeks after this heartbreaking loss, I was faced with another blow: I was laid off from my job. I felt utterly broken—no job, no baby—but I was determined to survive. In honor and memory of our daughter, I started the Tiana Project. Even in my grief, I knew I could help others who were suffering the same pain.
Pregnancy & Infant Loss
Back in 2002, the topic of pregnancy and infant loss was not as openly discussed as it is today. There were very few support groups or online resources for women who had experienced such a loss. I spent many days at my daughter’s grave, where I noticed countless graves without memorial markers. It was then that my husband and I decided to not only connect with others who had endured a similar loss but also ensure that their babies were not forgotten.
Through the Tiana Project, we help parents by purchasing grave markers or memorial vessels for their children. We also offer grief counseling, support, and connections to other organizations that can assist them through the grieving process.
Our mission is to empower and encourage parents to face their grief and find ways to memorialize their children, helping them heal their hearts and minds during such a difficult time. Grief is a forever journey, but it needs to be addressed head-on. Each phase brings new emotions, and my hope is that we can navigate this journey together, sharing our stories and supporting each other through the path we didn’t choose, called Child Loss.
