To Our Donors,

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As the seasons begin to change and Fall settles into Cleveland, we wanted to take a moment to share an update on The Fitz Foundation. Fall is a beautiful time of year, but it is also a season of remembrance for many families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.

 

For those who may not know, October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, with a dedicated day of remembrance observed on October 15th. Pregnancy and infant loss can take many forms, including miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, neonatal loss, ectopic pregnancy, chemical pregnancy, embryo loss, and SIDS. Pregnancy and infant loss affect 1 in every 4 women. To those reading this who have experienced loss, please know this: we see you, we remember with you, and you are not alone.

 

In September, The Fitz Foundation was honored to serve as a sponsor of the 4th Annual Remembrance Walk at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The walk provides families with a meaningful opportunity to honor and remember their children while connecting with others who share a similar journey. While the day was emotional, it was also incredibly uplifting. Hearing the names of children gone far too soon spoken aloud was a powerful reminder that every life, no matter how brief, leaves a lasting impact. The event also gave us the opportunity to reconnect with many of the nurses and bereavement staff from University Hospitals who played and still play such an important role in our own family's journey. Their compassion and support continue to inspire The Fitz Foundation today.

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In our last letter, we shared that we would be taking time to thoughtfully refine the focus and mission of The Fitz Foundation. While we remain committed to supporting organizations and events that serve families who have experienced loss, we have felt called to create an even more tangible and lasting impact.

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Over the past several months, one area has continually risen to the forefront: supporting NICU nurses. During some of life's most difficult moments, these extraordinary caregivers walk alongside families with compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication. While they may not be parents or family members themselves, they care deeply for each child and family entrusted to them. They celebrate milestones, share in heartache, and experience loss in ways that are often unseen. As we have reflected on our own journey, we have become increasingly aware of the unique emotional challenges NICU nurses face and the importance of ensuring they have the support they need to continue doing their vital work.

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With that in mind, we are incredibly excited to announce a new partnership with UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. While still in the early stages, this collaboration represents an important step forward in transforming the foundation's resources into something meaningful. We have begun meeting with hospital leadership, NICU nurse managers, and frontline staff to better understand where the greatest needs exist and how The Fitz Foundation can help fill those gaps. Several promising ideas are beginning to take shape, but we believe the most impactful solutions start by listening. Rather than assuming what is needed, we are committed to learning directly from those who live this work every day. We are energized by these conversations and look forward to sharing more about this partnership and our plans in the months ahead.

 

As always, Alex and I are profoundly grateful for your generosity. Your support has helped transform an idea born from loss into something that is already making a difference. Fitz remains at the heart of everything we do. He is present in the shirts we wear that spark conversations about the foundation. He is reflected in the smiles of his big brother, Johnny, and his little brother, Grady, who joined our family this past May. He is there whenever a shamrock catches our eye and reminds us that love endures beyond what we can see.

 

Most importantly, Fitz's name continues to be spoken and remembered, just as the names of all children should be. Though they may no longer be with us physically, their impact remains woven into the lives of the families who love them. They are remembered in stories, in traditions, in quiet moments, and in the work we do each day to honor their lives.

 

Thank you for helping us ensure that Fitz, and so many other precious children, are never forgotten.

 

With grateful hearts,
 

Katy and Alex