Elio's Story: Our Angel Baby

This organization exists because of our son, Elio James.

During my pregnancy, my husband and I learned that our baby boy had Trisomy 18. For those who may not know, Trisomy 18 is a severe genetic condition in which the baby has an extra chromosome 18, leading to significant developmental delays and birth defects. From that point forward, our experience of pregnancy was shaped by uncertainty, fear, and love all at the same time. We continued to hope while also preparing ourselves for all the possible scenarios, including no time with him alive at all.

On October 12, 2025, at 34 weeks and 5 days, our son was stillborn. After hours of complicated labor, I delivered via c-section. It was then we discovered I had an almost complete placental abruption.

Even with a diagnosis, nothing prepares you for the reality of loss. Knowing did not make that day any easier. It did not lessen the grief, the shock, or the emptiness that followed. Our son was deeply loved, and his life - no matter how brief - matters.

This organization is named after him because his story matters and we want his name to continue to live on.

After our loss, we received flowers in the hospital and at our home, which wilted over time. It was another loss all over again. A loss I could not even physically manage on my own after having a cesarean section.

That experience led to the creation of Elio's Blooms.

We provide handcrafted wooden floral arrangements as memorials for families who have experienced stillbirth, infant loss, or child loss. The flowers are hand-dyed and arranged then provided to the families by hospital nurses or CompassionNet team members. As these arrangements do not wilt or need to be put away, they can remain as a lasting tribute - a visible reminder of a child who existed and is loved.

While our personal story includes a Trisomy 18 diagnosis, this organization supports all families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss - regardless of the circumstances, timing, or medical background. Loss looks different for everyone, but the need to be seen and acknowledged is universal.

This work is personal to us. Every memorial we create is informed by our own experience navigating grief and searching for meaningful ways to honor our son, Elio James. Our goal is not to fix or minimize loss, but to offer something beautiful that recognizes it.

Thank you for being here and for allowing us to honor your child alongside our own.