Testimonials

" I have looked at your website a couple of times. I am so excited about the
idea of what your program is doing and am continuing to pray about how this might be started in Alaska.

I can identify with so much of what I have read. From my own personal experience I know this must be such a HUGE blessing to all of the families you help.

Thank you for all you do!"

Debbie in Alaska
12/05

"I am so grateful for the work of The Haven Network. The vision you have to > offer caring support to those experiencing the loss of a precious, tiny baby > is of immeasurable worth. Though some may discount the suffering which is > experienced from such a loss, we know from scripture how certain this grief > is as we read about David's response to the loss of his son in 2 Samuel 12:15-18.

As a mother who has experienced the perinatal death of twin boys, I know I
would have been so blessed to have had access to such services. The grief
and emotional upheaval is so intense that making even minor decisions is
next to impossible. Having a source of support through this time is vital
for coming to terms with the loss. A parent with an aching heart will cling
to any memory or momento of their baby, and I know that in the services you
provide you leave no detail out in this regard. In addition, in my work
with a crisis pregnancy center, having an organization such as The Haven
Network to refer clients to who are experiencing pregnancy loss would have
been extremely helpful.

Thank you for caring for these mothers, fathers and children who are so
precious to our Lord and Savior. Being touched by the Gospel message is the
only true way to reconcile ourselves with the sting of death, and your
organization seeks to do this for a group of individuals others might tend
to overlook."

Kim Schave, CPA
Kathleen, GA

"Our daughter Grace was born with Walker-Warburg Syndrome on December 12th, 2005. The main characteristic of this abnormality is a severely underdeveloped brain, which in turn affects many basic life functions. We discovered water on Grace’s brain at 21 weeks gestation and were told "options we’re available to us." We are both pro-life and would never terminate, even the outlook of her condition was very grim. She lived for 18 days, and several times it was recommended that we stop nourishing her (her digestive tract wasn't functioning well and she was on IV's) and "let nature take its course." It sounded like we were the minority because we did not choose this "treatment" option. She finally contracted an infection and succumbed to that.
This condition is caused by a recessive gene that gives us a 1 in 4 chance of having another child like this with each pregnancy. There is a great chance we will be in this situation again. It would be very helpful to have a perinatal hospice service such as The Haven because hospitals that "are used to fixing babies" don't know what to do with one that will eventually die.

We would love to help others in a similar situation as ours. Thankfully, we had incredible support from our family and friends. We realize others may not be so fortunate to have this support close by and can't imagine how this type of situation would take its toll on them.

It is encouraging to see groups such as yours to help keep life as the most important thing. We can speak to the point of keeping these babies and how much joy they bring to the rest of us, even if for such a short time. People need to hear that. By ending the lives of these babies, (called medical terminations) people think they are only saving themselves from suffering, but they are doing a great injustice to the baby and all others who may be positively affected by the child for the rest of their lives."

Joe and Tracy
Northern Virgina/Washington DC area

"Our twins, Samuel and Grace, were born on December 29, 2004. Seven days later, our daughter, Grace passed away. It was almost impossible for us to make any decisions or think rationally.

Our Pastor encouraged us to use the services of The Haven Network. We received help planning the funeral and choosing a tiny burial gown. The Director of Family Services gave us information on things we would have never even known to ask. The Haven Network offers so many services to grieving parents and families and adapts to individual family needs.

Our family partner guided and befriended us through our first year without Grace. She was gentle and kind and never pushy. She always let us know she was there and thinking about us. Just a simple card on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day meant so much to us.

It is so important to us to keep Gracie’s memory alive. She lives in our hearts and we will never forget her. The Haven Network understands this and celebrates the lives of our babies by keeping their memory alive as well as offering and providing comfort, support and aid in the healing process.

We are very thankful for everything The Haven did and continues to do for us. We hope and pray that an organization like this would be available to any family who experiences the loss of a child."

Scott and Sara
Rockford, IL

"Thank you for all that you have done to support us before, during, and after Lucy Rose's birth. We were delighted to receive the precious outfits and blankets for Lucy, as well as all of the reading materials. Most of all, we are thankful for your prayers! We are honored to be Lucy's parents ~ she was so beautiful and we love her deeply."

Ed, Katrina and big brother Christopher
Evanston, IL

"Thank you so much for all your support and reading material. Your group really provides a wonderful ministry to people in a unique situation. I will always treasure the mementos we have of little Joshua. Thanks again."

Norb, Flo and Family
Rockford, IL

"The Haven Network increases what Christian care-giving can be for those experiencing loss due to perinatal death and bereavement. The frustration for a pastor is often not being able to offer much more than words. The Haven provides hands and feet that do the work of God to care for these hurting people. It also provides a choir of voices and support that make the words of Christ be more than just words but a greater 'follow through' of His love as well."

Pastor David Thies
Rockford, IL

Authors developmental psychologist Deborah L. Davis, Ph.D and Amy Kuebelbeck are inviting parents who have experienced the perinatal bereavement journey to share their stories for this forthcoming book, A Gift of Time: Continuing a Pregnancy with a Terminal Prenatal Diagnosis More information about the book, as well as a downloadable questionnaire for parents, can be found at http://agiftoftime.org.