In 2003, Abby's mother, Rhea, began a mission to raise money and public interest so a new park could be added to their neighborhood. She single-handedly raised over $27,000 in private donations, grants and a large government matching grant.

 

The park was contructed in August of 2005 - a few weeks before Abby was born. Autumn, Abby's sister, really enjoyed swinging and climbing on the playground. Abby did not get much playing time, since she died so young, but she loved the few times that she did visit the park.

 

After Abby's death, members of the community suggested that the park be named after her, since Rhea was the driving force behind the project and her children were her "driving force." So in August of 2007, the park was renamed "The Abigail Memorial Park." Her family felt very proud and honored by their community.

 

 

 

 

October 15th is already a national day of remembrance for the babies that have been lost too soon, whether it be pregnancy loss, stillbirth, SIDS or other infant losses. On that day it is asked that families light a candle in honor of the child that they have lost. However, a grieving mother in our community took it one step further. She decided to honor the more than 1400 babies that we have lost in Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota by placing a memorial flower on their graves. We plan to volunteer every year to help put a white flower with a pink and blue ribbon holding a poem on all baby grave sites in our area prior to October 15th. The first year was 2009 and it was amazing to see the impact this project made on the grieving families in our community.

SUDC Events:

We found out about SUDC by participating in "Lauren's Run for a Reason" in Coon Rapids, MN. We will continue attending this and other events that help raise awareness and funds for similar causes. They really help us to remember our daughter and give us a comfortable place to share our story, along with a way to support others.

Speaking at Grief Groups:

Abby's mother, Rhea has a background in public speaking, so she plans to be more involved in Grief Groups by speaking and presenting their story. Counselors say that the more you tell your story, the more you will heal. Plus, it really helps other grieving families when you share your methods of dealing with the grief.