At Buzzy’s Bees we put making connections at the top of our list. When bereaved families, or friends and families of those who have lost a young child, learn of our programs they gain a link to a community that understands. Whether their needs are of a financial nature or a yearning to be heard in their grief, we are here to help.
Our Give Grief a Voice traveling tour has brought art and glimpses of the stories that inspired them to public spaces, beginning in 2022. In the first half of 2024 Buzzy’s Bees has also been invited to share our programs and resources in additional settings.
Buzzy’s Bees was at Oaks Park, Portland, OR on June 2 for the “March of Dimes: A Mother of a Movement” event. Amanda, our founder, had the opportunity to have a conversation with Dmitry Dukhovny, MD of the NICU team at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Portland. While the chief objective there is to support fragile newborns, he expressed a keen interest in the programs we offer that are there to comfort parents who lose a newborn.
On Saturday, June 15, Safe Crossings Foundation in Seattle hosted a “Community Fair: Giving Love and Guiding Grief.” The day was hosted by their Youth and Young Professionals Councils to raise awareness about grief while bringing people together to hear personal stories and share their own in a safe and welcoming space. While the fair was not focused specifically on child loss, one young participant came across our Buzzy’s Bees table and retrieved her parents – who had experienced the loss of two children. Once the mom learned about Buzzy’s Bees she collected our information to share with two other families she knew who shared this unwelcome experience. There is a bond which may be unknown and unseen until it is revealed. We want to assure families that have experienced child loss, “We see you.” We wish to recognize and honor the bond and support it.
The Northwest Mothers Milk Bank hosted a symposium on June 21 in the Portland metro area. Participants were primarily NICU health care professionals. Speakers provided them with resources and skills to assist if they are engaged with families who lose an infant. Buzzy’s Bees was invited to be there for the day to share our programs. Our hope is that these caring medical professionals will keep us in mind and direct our information to those who have a need.
Please help us spread the word about the ways that Buzzy’s Bees can support grieving parents. The unexpected loss of a young child is an ache that connects those who share this devastating experience. We exist to stand with and listen on this unwelcome journey.
