When my husband and I found out we were having a boy, we were ecstatic. We could not stop smiling and grinning that day, and we excitedly shared the news with the rest of the family. It was a perfect, beautiful, happy, joyful day. But a few days shy of my third trimester, our world came crashing down on August 12, when we were told our beautiful boy’s heart had stopped beating. I still remember seeing the still and lifeless form of my son on that ultrasound machine, who only a few days ago was an active little boy who was moving, squirming, kicking and having hiccups. Shocked, and filled with so much grief, we had to quickly make decisions no parents should have to make: when do we want to deliver? Do we want to see him? Hold him? Do we want an autopsy? Do we want a cremation or a burial?
We saw and held our sweet boy, Rowan Charles, for the first and last time on August 13, 2014. He looked so much like his big sister when she was born. He had his daddy’s wavy hair. In our eyes, he was beautiful and perfect in every way. Our heart ached as we wanted so much to spend a lifetime with him, but all we had were a few precious hours. How do you say goodbye to your child, more so when you’ve barely said hello?
Not a day goes by that we don’t think of him, miss him, and ache for him. Each year in the United States, 26,000 babies are born still. That is 10 times more than the number of SIDS death. Most of these babies are near full term and are often otherwise healthy. And yet, an estimated nearly two-thirds of these deaths remain unexplained. The stillbirth rate in the U.S. has barely budged in the last few decades.
This fundraising hike is our response to “it happens” with “it doesn’t have to happen”. There is so much more that can be done to break the silence and stigma around stillbirth discussion, to support research, to promote education and awareness, and to provide support to bereaved families. There is hope to prevent many stillbirths in the U.S. and around the world, but only if we take action now and be the advocate for these babies.
Rest well in the arms of Jesus, little buddy.. until we see you again someday. We love you, Rowan. This one's for you.
Love, mama, daddy, and your big sis Alexa
(Earls family)
"There is no footprint too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world."
| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Marilee Smith | 08/25/2015 | $100.00 | With love to all Our Little Stars... | Crystal Viswanatha | 08/19/2015 | $100.00 | We were sorry not to be able to hike with you | Renee Gonzalez | 08/15/2015 | $70.00 | Kamala Krishna | 08/14/2015 | $35.00 | Colleen Christen | 08/13/2015 | $25.00 | What a special tribute to your wonderful son. | Theresa Quinn | 08/12/2015 | $50.00 | Thinking of you and Rowan right now and sending you my love and support! | Lupe Daly | 08/11/2015 | $35.00 | Lupe Daly | 08/11/2015 | $100.00 | Joeji Villanueva | 08/09/2015 | $35.00 | Alvin Timbol | 08/09/2015 | $35.00 | Karen Villanueva Tiimbol | 08/09/2015 | $30.00 | We love you Rowan | Dianne Earls | 08/07/2015 | $70.00 | Barbara Curran | 08/06/2015 | $100.00 | Rach, this is a wonderful cause. My heart goes out to you and your family. I've always known that you were extraordinary -- this is an amazing example of you trying to ensure that others don't suffer the same pain. Barbara | Jon and Becky Bunjac | 08/04/2015 | $200.00 | In memory of our dearly beloved Rowan Maniago Earls who is our guardian angel in heaven. Rowan will always be in our thoughts and hearts forever. Forever be loved and remembered. | Peggy Adams | 08/03/2015 | $25.00 | Vicki Scali | 07/27/2015 | $50.00 | For Rowan and all our Little Stars. | Cybil Fresnido-Patz | 07/27/2015 | $50.00 | Trisha Mon Santos | 07/27/2015 | $40.00 | We love you Rowan! | Melissa Caluag | 07/26/2015 | $65.00 | Anonymous Friend | 07/25/2015 | $85.00 | We love you, Rowan! | Beverly Croshal | 07/17/2015 | $50.00 | Beverly Croshal | 07/17/2015 | $50.00 | Jane MacKenzie | 07/17/2015 | $200.00 | Rach: I'm holding all of you in my heart today (Rowan and Geoffrey included). I loved the quote at the bottom of your page. You will be making an impact on others in Rowan's footprints! Love you! | Rosa Calderon | 07/14/2015 | $30.00 | Rach, I admire your faith and courage. God bless your family. Thank you for teaching us about love, forgiveness, kindness, and courage through your story. | Felicitas Vargas | 07/13/2015 | $150.00 | For a worthy cause. | Renato Maniago | 07/11/2015 | $75.00 | Phyllis Robinson | 07/10/2015 | $25.00 | Glenda Valero | 07/09/2015 | $50.00 | Hi Rach, I was very touch about your story. I didn't know what had happened. Sorry to hear that but I know there is a little angel watching out for the three of you. This seems like a great way to heal, share love, be healthy and educate others. | Reylina Arnaldo | 07/01/2015 | $50.00 | Your little angel is blessed to have such a good-hearted family. | Janet Zhu | 06/30/2015 | $60.00 | For little Rowan and his loving family. | Rowena Herrera | 06/30/2015 | $150.00 | Rach, This is a good cause you have started in memory of your son Rowan. May god be with you always Manang Reena | Sheree Lomax | 06/29/2015 | $100.00 | Such a worthy cause. | Gemma Luces | 06/29/2015 | $50.00 | For such a beautiful angel, that God gives strength to his parents and his sweet sister. | Donna Anderson | 06/29/2015 | $250.00 | In honor of a beautiful little angel in a beautiful family. | Rachelle Maniago Earls | 06/26/2015 | $65.00 | Rachelle Maniago Earls | 06/26/2015 | $435.00 | For our beautiful boy. Mama, daddy and sister Alexa love you so much! |
| Total | $3,090.00 | ||