The Vilomah Community

101%
AU$6050
Pledged of AU$6000
33
Backers
0
Days Left
 
Step 1: Specify your contribution amount for The Vilomah Community

All or nothing. This project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by 19 October 2021 23:59 AEDT

Overview

Did you know that one in four women are affected by pregnancy & infant loss within Australia and that the statistics on stillbirth within this country have not changed in over 20 years?? 

We are sad to also note that within the Wagga Wagga area alone, 31 families have lost their baby to late miscarriage & stillbirth in the last financial year. 

These statistics are not only staggering but also heart breaking! 

We are two bereaved Mums who have both been affected by such a loss when our daughters Ruby Gaffney & Mia Baker were stillborn in 2010 and 2019. We know only too well the gaps that are missing & the support that is lacking within regional & remote areas and are determined to not only break the taboo around pregnancy and infant loss, but to provide the much needed support to families.

Together we have worked to develop and implement a project to the Riverina, with hope of one day to expand across the country where no family ever feels unsupported and alone following the death of their baby. Our program is called ‘The Vilomah Community’ ~ the word Vilomah means “against a natural order.” As in, the grey-haired should not bury those with black hair. Our children should not precede us in death. If they do, we are vilomahed.

We want to show our families they are not alone. There is a community of people who will together walk with them along their journey of grief with no judgement, only love.

The project allows us to be available to support families as they are confronted with holding their lifeless babies, dressing their babies, bathing them, and leaving the hospital without them. Guiding families in the process of creating memories with photos, videos, and keepsakes and supporting families as they introduce siblings, family members, and friends.

Our aim is to support bereaved families by advocating for them through contacting funeral homes on their behalf and assisting with planning, counselling, photography, and helping them on their journey of returning to work.

Working with families as they re-enter society, supporting them as they tackle the complex challenges of mother’s and father’s days, anniversary’s, and birthdays as well as other holidays as bereaved families. The program would also cover support for families with future pregnancies if they were to occur within 12 months of their loss.

Rewards

Thank you ~ $20 - $20

Limited: 87 left of 100

Thank you - $50

Limited: 92 left of 100

Thank you - $100

Limited: 93 left of 100

Thank you - $200

Limited: 100 left of 100

Thank you - $500

Limited: 95 left of 100

Stretch Goals

Stretch Goal - $100000

Our ultimate goal is to spread our program across the country so as no family is left unsupported.

Your continued support to see this happen would be greatly appreciated.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rita says

    Hi Megan, its Rita Toohey, Ann-Maree’s mum, Xaviers Nanny. I want to wish you all the very best in this wonderful project, I sincerely hope you are able to achieve your goal.

    Love Rita xx

  2. Riverina says

    Riverina Bloss – Pregnancy & Baby Loss Support are honoured to support & contribute to this program and look forward to working along side The Vilomah Community to support families.

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