Help Patrick raise money

On the night of August 16^th, Nicole and I went to the hospital.  We were more excited than either of us have ever been in our lives because we would soon be meeting our son and holding him in our arms for the very first time.

We were naturally nervous about the delivery process and being responsible for raising and caring for a baby, but more than anything…we were happy.  Right up until the moment when they could no longer find his heart rate and an ultrasound confirmed he was no longer alive.  In a single moment, we went from the happiest we’ve ever been to unbearably devastated.  We had lost our baby boy mere hours before getting to hold him.   

Arien Jack Sullivan – stillborn on August 17^th at 3:18PM.  

We left the hospital with holes in our hearts, an empty car seat, and a diaper bag full of clothes and diapers Ari would never wear.  

There is nothing we wouldn’t give or do to be able to go back and change things, but we can’t.  Nothing we do, can bring back our baby. All we can do now is hold him in our hearts and remember him. Remember how beautiful and precious he was when he was born and remember how much joy and love he brought to our lives throughout the pregnancy. 

One thing we will forever be grateful for, is the foundation Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.  They came to the hospital and took pictures of Ari free of charge. Nicole and I will forever cherish these pictures.  We wish we didn’t need them and we wish no one else in the future would ever have need for such a charity.  But unfortunately, we did need them and there will come a time when others will need them too. 

On September 24^th, Nicole and I will be participating in the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep walk, in order to raise money so they can be there for other families in the same way they were there for us.  Many people have asked us what we need, and at this point I honestly don’t know.  I know Nicole and I will get through this, but I don’t know what that road looks like and where or how others can help. What I do know is that infant loss is not going away, and the only thing worse than having to bury your baby… is having to bury your baby without any pictures to remember him or her by.  If you want to help, our ask is for you to make a donation so Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep can continue to provide priceless pictures to families who have had to say goodbye to their babies all too soon.