Embracing Hope: Supporting Empty Arms of Greater Bangor in Honor of Bea & Poppy
Life has a way of delivering unexpected blessings and heartbreaking challenges. For our family, the journey to parenthood began with a miraculous surprise: our daughter, Bea Hassen. After years of battling PCOS and facing the devastating news that pregnancy might not be possible, Bea’s arrival was an answered prayer, filling us with unimaginable joy and excitement as we prepared to embark on this new chapter.
But our world shattered when we lost Bea. The pain of losing our first pregnancy, the life she would have had, after years of infertility, and so many failed fertility treatments it left us feeling utterly alone and lost.
In time, we bravely pursued fertility treatments again, a mix of nervousness, hope, and longing for our rainbow baby. And then, a beacon of hope: a positive pregnancy test, after so many failed fertility attempts yet again. Our second baby, Poppy, was due on the very same day as her older sister, Bea would have been. This felt like a sign, a promise that we were finally out of the woods, ready to embrace the joys of pregnancy and plan for a future as parents.
Tragically, our world shattered once more when we lost Poppy. Hearing those devastating words – “sorry mom and dad this little one no longer has a heartbeat” – is a moment no parent should ever experience.
However, through this profound loss, we were given a lifeline: Empty Arms of Greater Bangor. They provided us with a comfort box to help us get through the days following our unfortunate loss, but more importantly, they gave us the invaluable gift of knowing we were not alone in our grief. My partner Patrick and I are eternally grateful for the support Empty Arms of Greater Bangor provides to families like ours. Their dedication is a true blessing.
Empty Arms has created a sacred space for healing, a garden with butterfly memorials where we can go to remember our daughters, Bea and Poppy, and feel closer to them when our hearts ache with longing. This garden is a testament to their compassionate work, offering solace and connection when we need it most.
We are inviting you to join us in raising money for the non profit Empty Arms of Greater Bangor in honor of our precious girls, Bea and Poppy Hassen. Your contribution will directly support their vital services, allowing them to continue providing comfort, community, and remembrance to families navigating the unimaginable pain of pregnancy and infant loss.
Please consider donating and sharing our story. Together, we can help Empty Arms of Greater Bangor continue to be a source of strength and hope for those who need it most. Thank you for your kindness and support.
