The loss of an infant, whether through miscarriage or stillbirth, is one of the most heartbreaking experiences for any family. Many parents are forced to go through this without the support of loved ones, but there is a small community of people who offer hope and compassion. These individuals are called angel gown volunteers, and they use their sewing skills to make beautiful gowns for babies who are unable to come home from the hospital alive.
In a time of grief and despair, Kathleen Sharp turned her wedding dress into an angel gown for a baby who will never come home. She is one of the many nurses at Levine Children’s Hospital who have made this commitment to help families in their hour of need.
For those who have had a loss of an infant, the gown is a comforting way to remember their child. The dresses, which are made from donated wedding dresses, are given to the parents free of charge and allow them to hold their baby in comfort. This organization, which is based in San Diego, has been around for 10 years and has helped more than 32,000 grieving parents.
As a home economics teacher, Terry Bauer knew her way around a sewing machine, but after her school district cut its teaching jobs, she wanted to continue to utilize her skills. Scrolling through Facebook, she saw an article about a woman who sewed gowns for infants who died. That moment was the inspiration for Bauer, who now sews nearly every day.
“What I love about this work is that it gives me a chance to give back in a way that means something to me,” she said. “I can feel like I’m doing a little bit of good in this world.”
In addition to gowns, she also makes blankets and hats, which are donated to local hospitals. She has even designed a pattern for sleep sacks and overalls that she hopes to see become more common. “It’s really important for grieving families to have a special memory of their baby,” she said.
While the gowns bring comfort to families, they can be a challenge for anyone who doesn’t have the skills. That’s why she’s also created kits for people who want to try their hand at sewing these delicate garments.
If you would like to donate a dress or be part of this volunteer group, click here. A generous financial gift helps to provide the golden keepsake angel, a beautiful gift box and direct delivery into the hands and hearts of a hurting family. Thank you for your support!