Caring for Families Facing Perinatal Loss

Three years ago, the Adams family faced an unimaginable tragedy. At 31 weeks, Zayne Adams was delivered stillborn at Ascension Seton Hays.

Following delivery, Crystal Adams had to decide on how to spend the few hours she had with her precious boy. Would she invite her family in? Take photographs to remember him? Knowing the clock was ticking made it difficult to grieve the way she needed to in the moment. 

Today, the Forever in Zayne Foundation stands as a testament to Zayne’s enduring memory.  Thanks to their recent gift, a new caring cradle will be available to all grieving mothers during their most vulnerable moments at Ascension Seton Hays. 

Caring Cradles are bedside cooling units that slow the deterioration process when a loss occurs. This allows parents and families to spend more time with their precious child to grieve however they need. Families facing tremendous loss find these cooling units to be valuable beyond words.

Ascension Seton Hays has seen 50% growth in its Labor and Delivery unit as the community continues to expand. Sadly, along with this growth comes the sobering reality of increased instances of fetal loss. Recognizing this need, donors—including the Forever in Zayne Foundation—have played a crucial role in establishing a comprehensive bereavement program. This program equips families with essential support, from grief materials and memory boxes containing handprints and footprints, to dedicated spaces for solace and reflection.

The impact of these donations extends beyond mere resources; it ensures that every family receives not just medical care but also the compassionate support needed to navigate their grief journey. Nurses at Ascension Seton Hays exemplify this dedication, often going beyond their duties to provide emotional comfort and lasting memories for grieving parents.

What began as a response to tragedy has blossomed into a beacon of hope for families navigating the difficult journey of loss. The new Caring Cradle will make a tangible difference in the lives of families facing unimaginable loss, all in honor of Zayne Adams. 

To learn more about Crystal and Zayne’s story and how the Forever in Zayne Foundation continues to support people experiencing pregnancy loss, visit their website.

To learn more about the perinatal bereavement program at Ascension Seton Hays, contact us or make your gift here.