How We Began
Two separate events since Emma’s death shaped the Emmazing Grace Foundation. The first was shortly after Emma died. The nurses cleaned Emma up and dressed her in a beautiful gown and allowed us to spend time with her. There’s not much that I remember about that horrible morning, but I do remember asking one of the nurses where the beautiful gown came from. She told me it was handmade by some ladies at a local church. I was so very thankful to see Emma beautifully dressed in something that fit all 1 lb 12 oz of her. By the end of 2005, I had collected patterns and begun making gowns to donate to local hospitals. For the anniversary of her first birthday, many friends and family joined efforts to donate to the hospitals in Jackson, MS.
The second event occurred in December of 2005. Emma Grace is buried in a cemetery across from my Grandmother's house, a cemetery where members of both side of my family are buried. I've walked that cemetery MANY times, but that Christmas it was different. One difference was that I had a daughter buried there. Another difference was that I noticed things I'd never noticed before. I saw several unmarked graves. Judging by the ceramic figurines they were of children. My heart broke. A family member apparently frequented one particular grave as it had probably 15 little figurines placed on it. After just a little bit of research, I confirmed that they were graves of children and I assumed that the reason for not marking them was financial. My heart broke again.
And, so, the idea behind the Emmazing Grace Foundation began.
Candy Stacks, Founder