Going beyond 'Birthday' - Supporting families who have gone through Stillbirth.

This year I embarked on the journey of retelling the story of losing my younger brother Ethan at birth through a short film - ‘Birthday’. It has been an emotional, but also deeply profound experience, never before had I been so transparent with my grief and connected with so many people.

We wanted to take this opportunity to make a difference beyond the film. For Baby Loss Awareness Week, the team behind Birthday are raising funds for Sands New Zealand, a network of parent-run non profit groups supporting families who have experienced the death of a baby.

Sands Auckland receives no government funding and all their supporters are volunteers, so funds donated/granted go directly to supporting bereaved whānau. Funds received are used to provide:

• Special memories books

• Inkless hand and footprint kits

• Cover phone costs for providing phone support

• Cover venue costs for hosting our in-person monthly support meetings

• Cover costs for the events we hold during Baby Loss Awareness Week

• Allow us to provide training to health professionals to ensure all whānau receive compassionate care

We strived to make a film that would raise awareness through a confronting, emotional but honest story, hoping to change everyone who watched it in a small way. The amazing people at Sands New Zealand are the ones who make a real difference everyday to the parents and families who need it most.

We would greatly appreciate your kind donation and support.

In loving memory of Ethan Goodey - 22.11.2002