Joseph was born sleeping on Friday October 17, 2008 at 10:31 am. He was 1 pound 8.5 ounces, 13 œ inches; A perfect little angel. I have the memories of excruciating labor pains, my water braking, and the urge to push. I remember the doctors saying Push harder, he is almost here. I have re-occurring dreams of his delivery. Being that my first child was born cesarean, this was my first vaginal birth.

I have his little blanket and hat. I was given a memory box with his hand prints, foot prints, and wristband. His wristband says baby boy Kolarcik. I have 45 pictures of him with my husband, my mother, and myself. I even have a picture of all three of us together. I close my eyes and I can still remember his smell. I have his blanket and clothes in an unopened bag so that his smell can stay forever because that is all I have.

I held him for hours, kissed his tiny face, counted his toes and fingers, and held his hands in my hands. I had milk in breasts and a belly of a postpartum Mommy. I had everything that showed I had given birth except I walked out of the hospital empty handed and a broken heart. I don't have a birth certificate. There is no official evidence I became a mom for the second time.

We had his tiny little body to bury and didn't know how we were going to pay for his funeral but one thing was for sure we were giving him a proper resting place.

Thanks to a wonderful Scotia family, Joseph is resting in Memories Garden. They donated the plot to him. We still have to come up with over two thousand dollars for the funeral home.

This brings me to why I started this foundation.

Our mission is to provide necessary financial support to families of stillborn children and infant loss of up to 12 months of age. So that they may afford a proper resting place for their child in accordance with their beliefs.

Also, we want to bring awareness of the medical testing available which can help reduce the numbers of miscarriages and stillbirths.

The JMKF is in its beginning stages and we are making every effort to raise funds to grow and assist more families. We need to become well known. We have had numerous inquiries regarding the help we provide, but not nearly enough donations or support. We are hopeful that our vision is one that may gain support from people in our community, and our surrounding communities. We hope that people like you who probably know someone who went through this ordeal will spread the word and help us raise support and funds so that our organization may grow and help those who seek our help.

Nobody plans for this, and there is no insurance for this (medical or life). Many people succumb, and sign their child over to the hospital. Then they live with regret because they could not afford to do what they believed was right. This is where the JMKF is most helpful. We will give financial assistance; organize payment plans with funeral home.