Experiencing a fetal loss is probably one of the most significant events in a woman's life. Kelly has a unique gift and talent which provides comfort during this devastating time. In her free time at home, Kelly makes teddy bears out of the hospital receiving blankets. Each stitched with love, compassion and empathy. Kelly has experienced the tragic loss of a son and a grandchild. Her own grief experience allows her to meet these patients wherever they are in the grieving process. While this will never be the "birth story" that any mother/family wants to tell, Kelly is there as a supportive ear, a shoulder to cry on and most importantly a compassionate heart; she is there to fill those empty arms with a teddy bear made from hope and love. These bears will never replace the great loss these patients have endured but they do provide those mothers and families an escape from empty arms and the knowledge that Kelly, a nurse at Clark Memorial Hospital, cares greatly for the patient in her darkest hour. The excerpt below is from a mother who experienced a loss and the comfort provided by one of Kelly's teddy bears.
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Daddy and I helped to get your tiny footprints on the keepsake birth certificate. Daddy got to cut your tiny umbilical cord and it was such a sad but special moment. The nurse made a little bed for you where you could rest and we received a beautiful white keepsake box with items to remind us of you. The nurses also gave us a teddy bear made from one of the hospital receiving blankets. When I hold this bear I will think of holding you, my precious one. I slept with this bear when we stayed the night in the hospital and it brought me great comfort. I am sure I will sleep with it for months to come.