Imagine going to the hospital for what should be one of the happiest times in your life — only to receive the heartbreaking news that your unborn child will not survive. That’s the reality for thousands of families each year who lose their baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS or early childhood illness. Those parents deserve to remember their child with something that is uniquely special. Angel gowns are a beautiful way to do just that.
Volunteer dressmakers at Alberta Angel Dresses transform donated wedding dresses into tiny outfits for parents whose babies were miscarried, stillborn or died soon after birth. The outfits are given to families who can use them for final photos or to dress their little one for burial.
A few years ago, Brandy Spurgeon’s daughter Karolina was born prematurely and sent to Riley’s NICU. Judi Grubbs, a neonatologist at the hospital, was there for the family during their stay. She was so moved by the couple’s story that she knew she had to offer them one of her angel gowns.
Each outfit is carefully crafted by a team of seamstresses. They often sew words or phrases, such as “heaven’s angel” or “little miss sunshine,” onto the dresses to give them a more personal touch. Shirley, a longtime seamstress, also sewed gold bells on each dress, inspired by the scene in It’s A Wonderful Life when Jimmy Stewart’s character rings a bell to welcome Clarence into heaven.
The gowns are individually boxed and include a golden keepsake angel and a poem to help parents grieve in their own way. NICU Helping Hands, the nonprofit group that created the angel gown program, has been overwhelmed with requests since its inception last year. The organization has about 40 dresses in its inventory at any given time and a group of volunteer seamstresses working to fill the orders.
Currently, each garment costs $30 and includes two day FedEx shipping. Families who need overnight shipping will be provided pricing and payment options by NICU Helping Hands.
UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital is committed to providing hope and healing to children and their families. It provides comprehensive care for children, including pediatric oncology, pediatric neurology, pediatric cardiology and pediatric orthopedics. The hospital also provides child and family-centered services, such as the Chase Child Life/Child Development program and a pediatric pain and palliative care program. For more information, visit our website or call (714) 384-4744.