“While a large focus of the Share program at Advocate Good Samaritan is on patients experiencing a miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death, we also help families who experience other types of perinatal crises, including high risk pregnancies and babies in the NICU,” explained Jessica Kincaid, perinatal support services coordinator.
Share is entirely funded by donations to Advocate Charitable Foundation. At the heart of this fundraising effort is Friends of Share, a group that has raised more than $300,000 over the decades to ensure the continuation of these essential services. Through annual events and determined commitment, Friends of Share has become the program’s single largest donor.
“Words cannot adequately express how grateful I am to the Friends of Share committee and what they have done for Share for more than 35 years,” said Jessica. “As a direct result of their hard work and dedication, Share is able to help families going through incredibly difficult experiences, providing emotional support, resources, mementos, financial aid and annual events that are all made possible by the charitable fund that Friends of Share has supported over the years.”
Because of its commitment to assisting families facing unimaginable loss and crisis, Friends of Share has been named the 2024 Advocate Good Samaritan of the Year Award recipient. Since 1977, this award has honored those who exemplify exceptional community service, compassion, and leadership, and Friends of Share has embodied these values through its tireless support of the Share Perinatal Support Services program. Friends of Share has continuously gone above and beyond to provide hope and healing to countless families during their darkest times. Because of the group’s efforts, the Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital community is stronger, more compassionate and better equipped to care for those facing loss.
“All of the committee members throughout the years have been impacted by a perinatal crisis. Most of them have personally experienced having a critically ill baby in the NICU, a miscarriage or stillbirth,” said Jessica. “They somehow made their way through that trauma and grief and found a meaningful way to help others by giving back through Friends of Share. It’s a beautiful circle of love, support, grief and healing that I am honored to witness, and I know their work will continue to impact our patients and families for years to come.”
Helping families through heartache
In 2013, Becky and Jason Hansen were excited to welcome their baby boy. But at 29 weeks, Becky’s blood pressure skyrocketed, and they received devastating news: their baby, Nathanial, no longer had a heartbeat.
In 2017, Angela Novak and her husband, Greg, were thrilled to learn they’d be parents after struggling to get pregnant for some time. But at 21 weeks, Angela went into premature labor. Their son, Matthew, passed a few hours after he was born.
Both Becky and Angela found comfort and support through the Share program.
“They gave us a hat and a baby blanket. They took photos and gave us Nathaniel’s footprints,” said Becky. “We also attend the events. There’s a remembrance walk and a holiday program, which have helped celebrate him, not mourn him.”
“The events are very touching,” shared Angela. “I call them my ‘Matthew days.’ Those are days that are just about honoring him.”
The power of generosity
The Share Perinatal Support Services program would not exist without the continued compassion and support of generous donors.
“It means the world to us to have this program funded by sympathetic people who want to help,” said Becky. “We couldn’t be more thankful for Jessica and the Share program. We continue to go monthly, and it’s been eight years since our loss.”
“It is so important to have someone understand what you’re going through,” added Angela. “Share provides a place we can have that. I couldn’t imagine where we’d be today if we didn’t have them as an outlet.”
How you can help
Every donation makes a difference for families facing unimaginable perinatal challenges. Please consider making a gift to support the Share Perinatal Support Services program at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. Your generosity brings hope and healing to those who need it most.