From loss arose an opportunity to give, to help others during the most heartbreaking and fragile moment of parenthood – the loss of a child. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS) started in 2005 after co-founder, Cheryl Haggard, gave birth to a precious child who brightened the world for a short 6 days due to a life-shortening condition. She called photographer Sandy Puc’ to take photos of her child as he lay restfully in his parents arms before his leave. Together, they founded the organization that connects “families of babies who are stillborn or are at risk of dying as newborns” with a professional photographer that takes portraits of their time together as one.
In 2016, over 1700 volunteer photographers trained by the staff of NILMDTS for such sensitive projects, gave 3400 families around the globe a priceless momento of their time as a family. In addition to photography services, NILMDTS offers a variety of resources for the families that seek to honor their child and support those affected by the loss. We hope that our financial contribution will continue to help families around the world remember, cherish, and heal, one photo at a time.
