×

Moms raising funds to mark child loss

The women behind a child remembrance monument fundraising are Ann Vote, Samantha Gappa-Domeier, Lynn Fink, Dena Iverson, Trisha Homan, Rachel Lang and Paige Hawkins.

NEW ULM — Dena Iverson and her family are looking to fund a new monument in the New Ulm cemetery dedicated to pregnancy and infant/child loss.

“It is a subject that isn’t really nice or happy to talk about, but it is a necessary conversation,” Dena Iverson said. “In the past year of doing this I have really come to realize that the conversation is being had and people are ready to break that taboo.”

The idea for the monument came after the Iverson family experienced a loss. The Iversons were expecting a daughter, Cassie, in April 2019, but her heart stopped and their daughter was stillborn.

“Over the years I have heard of stillborn but never really gave it much thought,” Dena Iverson said. After his experience, she decided to spread awareness. In doing so she came to realize that stillbirth happens more often than she thought. Also, infertility and infant loss affect many families.

Cassie is buried in the New Ulm cemetery and when visiting her grave, Iverson realized a monument was missing. Iverson began funding and planning for this monument.

“I envisioned a peaceful place for families to sit and reflect on their journeys and little ones,” she said. “A place to have your baby’s name engraved because sometimes families aren’t allowed to bury their child.”

Iverson has been reaching out to moms who have experienced loss and are working to raise funds. The idea is to create a hand-sculpted monument to be placed onto a paver patio. The area will be landscaped with two marble benches.

The goal is to raise $20,000 for the monument, patio, landscaping and benches. Families can buy pavers for $100 that will be engraved. The benches are available to anyone that would like to sponsor them. Each bench is roughly $1,500.

A special silent auction event to raise funds will be held on August 23 at the New Ulm Country Club. Anyone wishing to donate auction items may contact Iverson at 507-317-5957 or ccdesignsdenaiverson@hotmail.com.

A special Angel Walk fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 20.

An Angel Baby Memorial Go Fund Me page is also open for donation. The group has raised $5,050 of the $20,000 needed.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today