Thursday, June 26, 2008

New York Legislators Kill Bill for Grieving Mothers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jeff and Lori Tieger
718-698-1055
908-256-2362 cell

New York Legislators Kill Bill for Grieving Mothers

Albany, NY (June 26, 2008) --- A8960 would have helped to provide much-needed comfort, dignity, and accurate documentation to women and their families experiencing the death of a baby just prior to or during birth. Yet, despite overwhelming support from individual legislators, including 53 Democrat and Republican sponsors, a powerful minority of reproductive rights activist legislators have “killed the bill” as of 11:00 p.m. on the last day of session.

All states, including New York, wherein nearly 2000 babies are stillborn each year, require the family to pay for funeral expenses, and a death certificate/report is issued after a stillbirth. Yet, New York, unlike 23 other states, will not offer women the choice of a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth. During a presidential election year, when women’s choices are a top priority for candidates, this topic is highly provocative.

“There is an enormity to this public health issue,” says Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, an expert in traumatic child death. “More than ten times the number of babies die of stillbirth than those who die of SIDS, yet it’s virtually invisible.” Part of the problem, according to grieving parents, Jeff and Lori Tieger of Staten Island, is that families experiencing stillbirth have been silenced due to abortion politics. On June 15th, the Tieger’s held an important Father’s Day Press Conference on the steps of City Hall in New York City, where they also had a brief conversation with Speaker Sheldon Silver who assured grieving parents personally that, “We’re moving your bill.”

However, by the end of session just a few days later, the bill was being held for consideration due to vociferous opposition from Helene Weinstein (D-Brooklyn). Yet, Weinstein's own county has the highest number of stillbirths in all of New York. In addition, one in 90 births results in stillbirth in that same county. “Assemblywoman Weinstein did not act on behalf of her constituents. She attended to the demands of large lobbying organizations supporting her position in the Assembly, and together they fought against grieving mothers,” said activist Paige Ricci of Malta. “I mean, how can you say you’re pro-woman, pro-children, and pro-choice and yet oppose a bill that advocates for women, children, and choices?”

Dr. Cacciatore asserts that, “grieving mothers are being thrust into the middle of an acrimonious, long standing battle, as pawns in a political debate that has absolutely nothing to do with them.” Advocates for the legislation will continue their ongoing battle in New York for the seventh legislative session. Lori Tieger is committed to this fight in memory of her son, Daniel, who died just prior to birth at full term for unknown causes. “I’ll keep coming back and fighting this year after year until we are successful. It is time for New York to do what is right for all women.”

For more information, please visit the legislative page at:
Missing Angels Bill

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Going on a much needed break

So I've finally carved out a couple of days from our never ending crazy schedule to go on a mini-vacation. I'll be out of town this Monday-Tuesday for a little R&R.

Although I don't know how much rest I'll get. Monday is the last day of session in the New York Assembly. I'll be making numerous phone calls to some hard-headed New York Assembly Members to try to get them to move our Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth Bill into a full floor vote. If it doesn't happen by Monday, then we have to start from square one in September, and we don't want to have to go through all that again. Please say a prayer for us and our stillborn babies that we are trying to get acknowledged.

Will be back on Wednesday.

New Engraveable Pieces Size Chart

Inspired by a customer's suggestion, I compiled all of the engraveable charms and pendants into one size chart. This lists the size in millimeters (more accurate than in inches), including the thickness of each piece. You can also see the relative size to each other. And if you print out the chart, it comes pretty close to the actual size. You'll need to double check with your ruler to make sure.



Thursday, June 19, 2008

'LIL CARE Angel to raise funds for First Candle



I am so excited to announce that I have created the 'LIL CARE Angel Charm as a fundraiser for First Candle. First Candle is a national, nonprofit health organization dedicated to promoting infant health and survival during the prenatal period through age two with programs of advocacy, education, and research; while at the same time providing compassionate grief support to those affected by the loss of a baby.

For each 'LIL CARE Angel sold, $25 will donated to First Candle to help babies survive and thrive. The acronym stands for:
L- Lessen
I- Infant
L- Loss (with)
C- Comprehensive
A- Awareness
R- Research and
E- Education

Sterling Silver charm engraved with our exclusive image of a baby angel holding the heartstrings of mom and dad.

This charm is available in:
Square~ 12/16 inch or 18mm square
Round~ 11/16 inch or 18mm round
Up to 3 lines of personalization is included on the back of the charm.

Click Here to View the new 'LIL Care Angel Charm

For Immediate Release

My Forever Child Supports Leading Infant Health Organization
Percentage of sales donated to First Candle


[Baltimore, MD – June 2008] In an effort to create awareness and raise funds to save infant lives, My Forever Child has launched a new partnership with First Candle; the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to infant health and safety. My Forever Child will be donating fifty percent from the sale of its 'LIL CARE Angel charm and fifteen percent of sales generated by First Candle-referred customers in the form of product. The proceeds will be used to support SIDS and stillbirth research and bereavement support programs at First Candle.

“We are pleased to have My Forever Child as the newest partner in our Gifts that Give program,” said Development Manager Heather McGraw. “This innovative program allows consumers to shop for the products and services they need most, while at the same time knowing that a portion of their purchase is going to a worthy cause.”
Consumers can shop from the comfort of their own home through the First Candle web site at www.firstcandle.org

“Ever since my son was stillborn in 2002, I have wanted to help raise funds for stillbirth research,” said My Forever Child founder Susan Mosquera. “Over 70 babies are stillborn every single day in the United States. This is a national health crisis that must be stopped. Children are irreplaceable; we have an obligation to protect them.”

As an added bonus, consumers will receive critical lifesaving messages on reducing the risk of infant death with all on-line purchases of the 'LIL CARE Angel charm.

For more information on First Candle’s Gifts that Give program, please contact Heather McGraw at 800.221.7437.
###

First Candle is a national, nonprofit health organization dedicated to promoting infant health and survival during the prenatal period through age two with programs of advocacy, education and research, while at the same time providing compassionate grief support to those affected by an infant death. For more information on helping babies survive and thrive, to access local support services or to make a donation, please call 1.800.221.7437 or visit www.firstcandle.org
*****************************************************
Created by a stillbirth mother, My Forever Child is a leading international source for Personalized Remembrance Jewelry and Memorial Keepsakes to comfort those touched by the loss of a Child. Specializing in miscarriage, stillbirth, infant-baby loss, and fertility. For more information please call 1-888-325-2828 or visit www.MyForeverChild.com

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

How Photographs are helping families to heal their heartbreak

This is a terrific story on the TODAY SHOW about how a great nonprofit organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is helping families capture those precious few moments with their stillborn or terminally ill baby. Make a donation!


Sunday, June 15, 2008

CPR & Water Safety Tips

With the summer is full swing, it is prime season for drownings. Please be extra vigilant of your children in the water, even if they can swim. It only takes a few seconds for a healthy person to die from drowning.
Red Cross Water Safety Tips

The CPR Guidelines issued by the American Heart Association have been updated as of March 31, 2008. Check out the link below for the new, EASY TO LEARN basics of CPR. There is even video which shows the proper techniques, and printable pocket guides to carry with you always. Review it from time to time to keep it fresh in your mind, you never know if you may need to use it!
LEARN CPR

Here is an article about child swimming safety and secondard drowning


A good video on how to avoid and get out of the dangerous rip currents at the beach:




Have a Safe and Fun Summer!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

New York Government Letting Stillbirth Parents Down!!

PRESS RELEASE

Albany- NY, For the past 5 years a bill (A8960) has been before the New York State Government that would allow parents of stillborn babies to request and pay for a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth. The Senate has passed this bill with an overwhelming majority in each of the last two sessions while the Assembly has continued to stall it in the Ways & Means committee.

Currently, New York State does not issue any certificate to legally acknowledge the existence of these little loved ones who deeply touched our hearts – nearly 2,000 every year.

Stillbirth is the ultimate woman’s issue. An issue that, up until this very moment in time, has been swept under the rug, hidden in the closet, pushed into the shadows. Mothers and fathers have been denied the acknowledgment, the comfort and the dignity, that is due them. This is not a complex issue - it should not fall victim to anyone’s political agenda. These women- these mothers- carried and gave birth to their babies. Parents are required by the state to bury or cremate their baby. How can you die if you were never born? Recognizing the birth of these babies is the psychologically humane, medically appropriate, and logical thing to do.
In recent years, our bill has been re-written to address the concerns of opposing groups. Its current language is medically accurate and abides New York State laws. In fact, this bill does not change existing NYS Public Health Law, which already recognizes a fetal demise as both a birth and a death; it simply gives official recognition of the childbirth parents who face this tragedy have endured.

In 2001, Arizona was the first state to pass this bill. Since that time, twenty-two (22) states have passed this bill: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. Over seven years and in twenty three (23) states there have been absolutely no repercussions in regard to any of the issues in which this bill raises concern. . The certificates being issued are not certificates of live birth; hence they will have no ramifications legally, or for insurance, inheritance, or prosecutorial purposes. Yet still, behind the scenes, powerful lobbies work to oppose the Assembly bill, marginalizing grieving families across New York. As the Senate continues to pass the bill each session, it has stalled twice in the Assembly. A8960 has been twice approved by the Health Committee, which deals directly with the groups that most aggressively oppose us. Why isn’t this bill on the agenda for the Ways and Means Committee? There is NO financial cost to the state. In fact, the attached fee for the certificate would be revenue generating.

As one of the most politically influential state governmental systems, New York should be a leader in the fight to recognize those who have endured the physical and emotional pain of the birth process without the joy of being able to take their babies home. Second only to California in number of stillbirths each year, New York should be leading the charge to support this woman’s issue and to advance research to uncover causes and warnings signs that could save countless lives. Nearly 2,000 babies are born still in New York – a number ten times more than SIDS, a number comparable to AIDS related deaths each year.

The current language of Assembly bill 8960 makes it unmistakably clear that its purpose is to recognize the love of parents whose birth experience will be the most tragic time of their lives. Still, our strongest opposition comes from pro-choice groups that continue to thrust grieving families in the middle of a battle that is not theirs: Abortion. Stillbirth and abortion are mutually exclusive events. Stillbirth is unintended and naturally occurs late in the pregnancy. Abortion is intentional, medically induced, and statistically occurs early in pregnancy. We have done everything to assuage the concerns of these lobby groups, including adding language that defined stillbirth as an “unintended intrauterine death post twenty weeks gestation” and reiterating that the certificate is not proof of a live birth. That could not be more clear.

It is time for New York legislators to act upon what is right. It is time for New York legislators to act upon what is right. It is what families want. It is pro-woman. It is pro-family. It is pro-choice. The choice of a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth is what is right.
###

Father's Day Poems for fathers of Angels

Don't cry for Me Daddy

Don't cry for me Daddy,
I'm right here.
Although you can't see me
I see your tears.
I visit you often,
I go to work with you each day,
And when it's time for you
to close your eyes ,
On your pillow is where I lay.
I hold your hand &
stroke your hair,
And whisper in your ear.
If you're sad today Daddy,
Remember, I am here.
God took me home.
This we know is true.
But you'll always be My Daddy
Even though I'm not with you.
We will never be apart,
For everytime you think of me,
Please know I'm in your Heart..........
~Author Unknown



Oh Father, My Father

Close your eyes and feel me near
keep me inside your heart
let me live in your soul
you see through tears
the things we will never do
running across the fields of my youth
games never played
but it is not gone
those dreams you hold so close
for I live on in every child you see
little ones standing a lone... lost
or laughing in a playground
swinging so high
touching the tree tops
that is I
wanting just to love
feel my happiness in the song of a bird
see my sorrow in mother
hold her close forever
feeling your strength
for there will be one to come behind me
whether through God's grace or
from a different calling
a child chosen through His hand.
For in darkness, a light will appear
even if it is just the dawn
signaling a new beginning
and as you gather my mother to your heart
release your tears
let the healing begin
and discover that I am here
in your dreams
in your tomorrows
Every rainbow is the path home
and if you should stumble
I am the wings that shall lift you
Love, your child

Author: Theresa Cochrane
Copyrighted by: Growing Family, Inc.
Used by permission

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Free Jewelry Gift Packaging

Recently I was thinking that I wanted to freshen up my packaging a bit. While I love my black velveteen pouches with the gold foil embossed logo, I wanted the recipient to have a "receiving a present" type feeling when they open up their order. I decided that the presentation is important to conveying how special and unique the item(s) they are receiving is. This is what I came up with:

New Jewelry Gift Packaging

Our signature jewelry pouch is inside a folded "packette", which includes a little surprise inside. The gift wrap features a floral motif in muted tones. A cream satin ribbon and bow add a coordinating finishing touch. If a gift card message was specified at checkout, the gold gift card is attached to the bow. I like that this new packaging is appropriate for all recipients, including men, and it enhances the experience of receiving a treasured keepsake.

And for those who are purchasing a gift, but are shipping it to themselves, fear not! There is no tape involved and the packaging can easily be unwrapped for a peek at the contents, then rewrapped for gift giving.

The new jewelry packaging is included free with all Priority and Express Shipping methods. It's a little added bonus to choosing the upgraded shipping. The new packaging is not available on First Class shipment, as it doesn't fit into the bubble envelope used.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Studio Tour


Welcome to my newly redesigned studio! I have to thank my husband Rich for all his hard work and skill in making this dream come true. Here are a few pictures. You can click on them for a larger view. You can also see more detailed pictures by visiting my Studio Tour page.



Office area for ordering and paperwork. I love my window views! It is so peaceful in here. The only problem is that I want to keep working till the wee hours of the morning in here.



Engraving Area; Orders ready to be made and shipped.



Area for beading, assembling, and packing orders.



Metalsmithing area


Storage area. I love when things are organized!

It's our 3rd Anniversary!

Three years ago today, I officially launched www.MyForeverChild.com online shop. Although I had been making the child loss jewelry for several months before that, it took a while to get the website up and running. It was opened to the public in June 2005.

I'm so proud of how much we've accomplished and done in three years. Extremenly happy that we were able to bring comfort to over 5,000 people internationally so far.

Thank you for being such a wonderful and caring clientele. Your hearfelt testimonials and emails really help me to go on and continue what I'm doing.

May God bless you all,
Sue