For Friends + Family
The passing (or anticipated passing) of a beloved child doesn't just affect the parents, but also their entire community. Often, friends and family struggle as they witness the suffering of someone they care deeply about and feel powerless and uncertain about how to help. If you find yourself in this position today, please know that you are not alone. We are so sorry for the circumstance that brought you here, but commend you on your choice to face the discomfort of grief for the sake of your loved-one(s).
This section was created specifically with YOU in mind. It was created to give you tangible and simple takeaways on how to support the loss-parent(s) in your life—so as you move forward you can approach your relationship with knowledge, grace and tact. Below, we've outlined practical ways you can provide support while also ensuring you take care of yourself as you walk with your loved-one through their loss-journey.
Knowing What to Say & Do
These handouts are intended to guide friends, family members, and community supporters in offering compassionate, thoughtful care to families experiencing grief. Knowing what to say—or what not to say—can make a meaningful difference during such a vulnerable time. Each resource outlines simple yet powerful ways to show up with empathy, as well as common phrases or actions that, though well-meaning, can unintentionally cause pain. By approaching grief support with sensitivity and awareness, we can help create a space where bereaved families feel seen, respected, and gently supported.
Set Up A Fundraising Page
There are countless unforeseen expenses and needs in the wake of loss. One of WWM’s goals is to help soften the blow of some of those demands through Memorial Funds, Counseling Funds, Support Groups, Community Events, Family Advocates, and Memorial Gifts. Family Fundraising pages are created to honor the baby (or babies) that passed and raise money to help fund WWM programs. They are a beautiful and tangible way for loss-families to see the community that is standing behind them, as well as the love that exists for their child— even in their absence.
These fundraising pages are fully set up by our team (on your behalf), are customizable, and only need to be shared to the family's community. If this interests you, please fill out this form.
Meal Train / Scheduled Meal Deliveries
After losing a baby, getting back to basic life routines can prove to be immensely difficult, and even simple things like getting out of bed or eating can feel overwhelming. Setting up a meal train or arranging a food delivery service provides a tangible avenue for those wishing to help AND gives the hurting family one less thing to worry about. It is also very helpful when extended family or friends are staying with the family, as they can focus their efforts elsewhere. Below, you will find a few tips based on what has proven effective for our families in the past:
Set up a schedule: Figure out what works best for the family and have meals brought on those specific days. Websites like MealTrain.com can help coordinate this effort. Make sure to note all dietary restrictions and preferences.
Coordinate Drop-offs: Arrange for meals to be left in a cooler on the family’s front porch (at designated times). This allows for “contactless delivery” and flexibility for both parties.
Use Disposable Containers: Opt for disposable containers so the family doesn’t have to worry about returning dishes.
Include Instructions: Provide clear instructions on how to reheat or serve the meals to make it as convenient as possible for the family.
Consider Gift Cards: Gift cards for food delivery services or local restaurants can be very helpful, as they allow the family to choose meals according to their preferences and dietary restrictions (and offer much needed variety to their meals).
Flowers, Gifts & Items of Remembrance
Navigating grief is incredibly challenging, and while the gesture of flowers and gifts are well-intentioned, an overflow of them all at once can (sometimes) feel overwhelming. Throughout the first year after a loss, NUMEROUS difficult dates and moments arise where the family needs to feel seen. Instead of only sending a token of support (flowers, cards, and gifts) immediately following a loss, consider sending them throughout the year. Support fades—but grief does not. Be the person who continues to remember when most have forgotten.
To simplify the process of choosing meaningful gifts, Walk With Me offers an Amazon storefront that takes the guesswork out of what to give.
Even small gestures of kindness can make a significant difference to a grieving family.
“Let us not be people who flee from pain, but rather, people so filled with love that we run towards those who are hurting with hearts and arms wide open.”