Support Carly Marie and Sam Dudley-speakers at Sands National Conference 2017

$10 of $6,000 goal

Given by 2 generous donors in around 3 months

We are blessed to have CarlyMarie and Sam join us for the Sands National Conference in 2017! They are 2 of our keynote speakers.

Bay of Plenty

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CarlyMarie was a keynote speaker at the 2015 conference but due to illness was not able to give her all - however we were blown away enough to want her back! CarlyMarie's passion for beach art, along with her philosophy on life, loving and living makes her a perfect fit and natural choice as a keynote speaker for our theme "Beyond the Waves".

CarlyMarie is a mindful mother of 4 children and a creative Art-worker from Perth, Western Australia.

"My life is a big mess of colour, and shadows, and I share about them all. I have no goals in life, just an intention to live authentically with an open heart full of love. One of my strongest passions is helping women to find what heals their hearts after experiencing grief and trauma after the death of a baby or child".

CarlyMarie has a real passion for connecting with women. Especially when it comes to helping parents who have gone through grief and trauma after experiencing the death of a baby or child. "I spend my days working with women to help them find healing and passion again in their lives after loss."

Sam is the loving husband of CarlyMarie and father of their 4 children. He is drawn to helping others improve their self esteem, wellness and passion for life through his personal training work.

Sam shared his experience of what it was like when he became a bereaved father in a short film that was included in the Special Features DVD of the Hollywood Movie, Return To Zero. Sam has shown thousands of men around the world that it is healthy to openly express their grief and that they don't have to always be the silent, strong one that holds everything together. Breaking down and asking for help, is not a sign of weakness, it is actually a sign of strength and courage.

Sam dedicates his life to living fully for his son who never got the chance. He looks forward to sharing his experience from a father's perspective with everyone at the conference.

Sands Bay of Plenty's involvement (page creator)

I'm a fellow bereaved parent like Carly Marie and Sam, and am part of the organizing committee for the Sands National Conference 2017. Additionally, Treasurer/Secretary for Sands Bay of Plenty. [Kathryn McMillan, Sands BOP]

About us

Sands Bay of Plenty is a parent-run voluntary non-profit organisation and registered charity which has been set up to support parents and families who have experienced the death of a baby.

Sands Bay of Plenty offers support in Tauranga for families of babies who have died at the time of their loss and for the years to come. We provide newly bereaved parents with gift packs to help create memories with baby, blankets and clothing for baby, and offering support when needed.

We promote baby loss awareness and provide support for those dealing with the death of a baby - during any stage of pregnancy or newborn and infant death.

Use of funds

We are so very lucky that Carly Marie and Sam donate their time so willingly to many to help raise awareness globally about baby loss. We need funds to cover their Perth to Tauranga flights, Accommodation for 5 nights in Tauranga, Travel insurance and living expenses [ie food and taxis] while here in NZ.