Featured Families

The Daigle's

CHILD’S NAME: KHLOE MARIE DAIGLE
AGE: 8 HOURS
STATE: SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
CAUSE OF DEATH: BORN WITH SPINA DIFIDA
PROFILE: DEANNE, GRANDMOTHER OF KHLOE

My “advice” for other families that are suffering similarly is that God gives his toughest battles to only his strongest soldiers. Have faith that there is a greater life beyond what we can see and feel. Don’t dwell in the sorrow of what could have been. Instead, look forward to the day that you meet again!

My main concern for Khloe was laying her to rest with a proper headstone. This was the one and only thing my daughter was going to buy for her baby so no matter what it had to be exactly what she wanted.

Out of the 54 foundations that I looked into, I only qualified for assistance with one for a headstone. That was LJF, where I was introduced to caseworker Laura Christensen. She has been my rock and support. Her soft spoken and polite voice would always make me smile after days of crying and dealing with inconsiderate people (on top of the death of a grandchild). I was so busy with taking care of everything for my daughter, that I didn’t have time to mourn and I was seriously at my breaking point. I wanted it all to be done and over with so I could start focusing on my grieving and healing.

Without the support from LJF, that day wouldn’t have been possible. Laura informed me that LJF paid the balance in full and that the head marker was in production. I felt such excitement and relief that tears of joy took over. It was the best Christmas present I ever received. I can’t even begin to show how grateful I am for the support throughout this journey. LJF and Laura touched my heart & held my hand all the way from Seattle.

The Tickner's

CHILD’S NAME: ISABELLA
CAUSE OF DEATH: LETHAL FORM OF SKELETAL DYSPLASIA
PROFILE: JESSICA TICKNER, MOTHER OF ISABELLA

Just breathe. Take everything a day at a time, and if a day is too long, start taking it a hour at a time. Then half a day, then a full day, then a week, a month, and finally a year. Have faith. Take advantage of the support groups— they know what you’re going though. Finally, lean on your family and loved ones!

I found out that I was going to have a baby in May of 2010. On January 7th 2010, I found out that she had a lethal Skeletal Dysplasia, and that she would soon pass. I was a single mom and had a 2 1⁄2 year old son at home and couldn’t afford a proper burial for her. My mom told me about the foundation after hearing about it from a friend.

The foundation was a huge help by helping me give my daughter the proper funeral she deserved. By giving me the peace of mind knowing she is laid to rest in peace and also beautifully.

Kevin (Baranowski) has been such a huge blessing to me personally. When he would talk to me about Isabella it was so easy to connect with him. He treated me with so much respect, and also I felt that he was sincere and cared about me and what I was and still am going though. I could feel that he knew the pain that I was going though and never down played it, such as “it will get easier,” but he validated my concerns and gave me resources of who and where to look for help and support groups. This man is truly a blessing from God. I am grateful for what he does and the help he provided.