Bobbi Jo VanTassel (Sr. Clinician Women’s Health Unit and Birthplace), Heather White (Founded Makenna’s), Lisa Fox (Makenna’s Mom), Joni Neal (Makenna’s HUGS co-coordinator), Mackenzie Stainbrook (Makenna’s HUGS co-coordinator), Corrine Kuzmanko (Makenna’s group member)
Saturday, October 15th marked national Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day, and the UPMC Horizon Community Health Foundation was honored to have the opportunity to participate with UPMC staff and community members in gathering at Buhl Park in Hermitage, PA for a tree dedication ceremony provided by the Makenna’s HUGS Fund at the Foundation. The memorial tree honors Makenna Fox and all families who have participated in or benefited from the Fund, which supports families in the community who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early newborn loss. Community families gather several times a year, and the tree provides an opportunity for families to gather and support one another while remembering Makenna and other babies lost too soon. This year’s event included snacks, crafts and a ribbon cutting to dedicate the tree.
Mackenzie Stainbrook (Makenna’s HUGS co-coordinator), Lisa Fox (Makenna’s Mom), Joni Neal (Makenna’s HUGS co-coordinator)
