With
the passing of our daughter Elena
Rebekah on August 1, 2002 our project was begun. As
part of our grieving process, we began to reach out in
search of answers and understanding. Through
this journey, Elena's mommy rediscovered
a forgotten joy in jewelry making and named her creations
Elena's Inspiration.
In order to establish a closer connection with Elena,
Carrie made a bracelet with Elena's birthstone that she
could wear daily. Finding comfort in her bracelet,
Carrie began making them for other mothers who had suffered
a similar loss. On Mother's Day, 2003, The Daily Breeze
published an article about the
bracelets that Carrie was making, introducing this new
program to the world.
Our mission has grown to reach
women and families globally, whose lives have unfortunately
been touched by stillbirth, miscarriage or infant death.
The Shining Light Fund is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public
charity and our volunteer board of
directors consists of professionals who support this
mission.
The encouragement and words
of thanks from people around the world confirm the
great need for a way to acknowledge and remember all the
precious children who have died too soon. Our media
presentations reflect the progression and growth of
the fund, as well as our efforts to bring a community
together to embrace this message of life after loss.
Though this program was born out of grief, it has become
a tremendous gift of hope and healing. |
