Recent
Kaila and Grace's Hope and Hearts 5K Run/Walk/Crawl
Saturday September 8, 2007 at 8:00 a.m.
to be held at the Lake Harriet Band Shell in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Help raise funds for Missing GRACE Foundation to fulfill its mission to provide resources and support for families that have experienced a pregnancy loss, infant loss, infertility or adoption and to advocate for excellent prenatal care for all women. This event will include: a 5K Run, 5K Walk, a Kid's Fun Run, fun kids' activities, a silent auction, music and great food!
If you would like to become a State Director to help organize a Hope and Hearts Run in honor of your baby, please contact: info@missinggrace.org or april@hopeandheartsrun.com.
More information, along with online registration will be available on the web site soon. Please visit the Hope and Hearts Run website.
MISSING GRACE FOUNDATION HOLDS FOURTH CONFERENCE
Contact: Candy McVicar, 763-497-0709 * info@missinggrace.org
MINNEAPOLIS, MN--April 2007--The Missing GRACE Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing programs and support nationwide for families and caregivers dealing with pregnancy, infant loss, infertility and adoption is holding its fourth GRACE Conference & Retreat: A Weekend of Renewal and Education on Saturday, April 28th and Sunday, April 29th, 2007 at the Radisson Conference Center in Plymouth, Minnesota.
U.S. Senator Norm Coleman will deliver the keynote address Hope for Tomorrow at the "Night Lights" Benefit Banquet Saturday evening and local TV meteorologist Jonathan Yuhas will Emcee the event. Both men are bereaved fathers. “Losing a child is a devastating event. The work performed by the Missing GRACE Foundation is invaluable in helping couples, families and healthcare providers better understand the pain of loss and how to effectively move forward in grief,” said Senator Coleman.
The two-day conference will draw families and caregivers from all over the country to the Twin Cities to attend the more than thirty sessions on topics that include: pregnancy and infant loss, umbilical cord accidents, pregnancy care, infertility, medical and alternative treatments, health and wellness and adoption issues.
The President of Pregnancy Institute, Dr. Jason Collins, OB/GYN, President of the American Holistic Medical Association, Larry Palevsky, MD, FAAP and Infertility Specialist, Charles Coddington, III, MD from Mayo Clinic join highly acclaimed authors Marianne Richmond, Sherokee Ilse, Lorraine Ash, and Kimberly Webb along with forty other respected speakers and experts, in two days of enlightening and life changing educational presentations. CEUs are provided for most care-giving professions.
Missing GRACE Foundation was founded by Candy and Steve McVicar after they experienced the tragedy of stillbirth. The Organization, initially formed to provide support to parents of stillborn babies, has grown to include support for additional issues: pregnancy and infant loss from conception to the first year of life, infertility, adoption and advocating for patient-focused prenatal care in pregnancies for all women.
The GRACE Conference & Retreat will be held Saturday April 23rd, and Sunday April 24th, 2005 at the Double Tree Hotel, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A Weekend of Healing & Education
Families * Healthcare Professionals
Included in the 2005 GRACE Conference & Retreat this year:
* 26 Sessions to choose from, with more than 40 speakers presenting. International and National highly acclaimed speakers: authors, physicians, clinicians, counselors and pastors, as well as bereaved, infertile and adoptive family panels.
* 5 Tracks: Loss & Bereavement, Infertility, Adoption, Wellness, and Professional. View class titles, descriptions, and speakers here.
* Continuing Education Credits: for health care professionals and caregivers. Social Work and Psychology Continuing Education Credits applied for. Social workers and psychologists may earn 1 CEU credit per class attended for a total of 3 CEUs on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Nurses will earn 1.5 CEUs per class attended for a total of 4.5 CEUs on Saturday and 3 CEUs on Sunday. Attending all 5 classes in the Healthcare Professional Track will earn a total 7.5 CEUs.
* Resources Tables: more than 30 organizations will provide valuable resources, and information for attendees. Complete your Table Card by visiting with all the exhibitors and you can be entered into our prize drawing. Represented exhibitors include: adoption agencies, specialty and holistic health providers, book stores, bereavement support organizations, infertility support organizations and many more.
* GRACE Kids Program: provided onsite for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. Facilitated by licensed educators, social workers and counselors. In addition to being a fun packed time of crafts, games and music activities, for those whom it is applicable, there will be therapeutic art and drama activities as well to help children with youth bereavement issues. The theme is CAMP GRACE and there will be a scavenger hunt, sleeping bag rest times, and camp like indoor adventures throughout the weekend. Parents can check in on their kids at any time and will be happy to know that their children are located right down the hall next to where all the adult conference activities take place.
* Silent Auction: a growing list of fabulous items have been donated: hotel and vacation packages, spa services, jewelry, home and garden items, restaurant certificates, books, and artwork. Bidding begins at 10am on Saturday the 23rd and ends at 2:45pm on Sunday the 24th. Items will be awarded during the Closing Program which starts at 4:15pm Sunday the 24th.
* Saturday Evening Dinner Banquet: Keynote speaker, Amy Kuebelbeck, will share the message "From Grief to Grace: A Journey of a Lifetime". There will be incredible music, dance and drama performances. Blue True Dream is back by popular demand. Performed by Kirsten Frantzich and Clint Allen. We will close the evening with a time to commemorate and reflect with candle lighting and rose ceremony.
* SPA Services: grieving is hard work and it takes a toll on the whole body. Attendees will be able to treat themselves to some R & R with full body or chair massages, and facials.
* Consultation with a Doctor: a great opportunity to have a private 10-15 minute free doctor consultation. Individuals and couples will be able to meet one on one with an RE, OB/GYN or Family Practice Physician to discuss questions about infertility, pregnancy and health issues.
The Missing GRACE Organization * P.O. Box 1625 Maple Grove, MN 55311
For Immediate Release
January 1, 2004
Contact: Candy McVicar 763-497-0709
The 2004 GRACE Conference: On The Journey
Minneapolis, MN. The Missing GRACE Organization, an international parent bereavement support organization, is proud to announce the 2nd annual GRACE Conference "On the Journey: Pregnancy, Infant Loss, Infertility & Adoption" to be help in Minneapolis, MN at First Covenant Church on March 26th and 27th, 2004. The "On the Journey" conferences are unique in that they offer training and support for professionals and bereaved parents, as well as offering a sibling-loss support program.
This year's conference offers "A Place for G.R.A.C.E - A place for people to Grieve, Restore, Arise, Commemorate and Educate." Friday evening in a symbolic ceremony, we will both honor the lives of babies who have died, with a candle lighting, and address the tender hearts of couples experiencing infertility. An inspiring evening including: music by Heart of the City Ministries, dream by Kirsten Frantzich and Clint Allen, dance by Betsy and Corey Mills, and powerful message delivered from nationally recognized speaker, Sherokee Ilse, author of Empty Arms. The event is created to bring new hope and strength for the journey ahead. Saturday attendees will be able to select from 17 different classes during the 4 breakout sessions and will have the opportunity to gather resources and support from the multitude of exhibitors including: MN adoption agencies, holistic health providers, bookstores, advocacy groups, and support groups. Childcare, up to 5 years, is offered Friday evening, and the GRACE Kids Program runs the full day on Saturday for children up to 14 years. GRACE Kids is a journey of support, learning, crafts, games, and music. Created by bereaved parents, licensed educators, and grief counselors with aspects that specifically address youth bereavement for those who have lost a sibling.
Doctors, nurses and midwives are invited to participate in our medical track with CEU designed courses. "A Comprehensive Look at Umbilical Cord Accidents-Preventing Stillbirth" will be one of 3 presentations given by Dr. Jason Collins, OB/GYN, and Founder of the Pregnancy Institute. Dr. Bruce Campbell, from the Center for Reproductive Medicine, will present Infertility 101. Other speakers include: Jon and Sylvia Van Regenmorter, Directors of Stepping Stones and authors of Dear God Why Can't We Have A Baby and When the Cradle is Empty, Richard K. Olsen, President of the National Stillbirth Society, Mark Norman, Nutritionist, and Candy McVicar, Executive Director and Founder of the Missing GRACE Organization. Our silent auction opens for bidding Friday at 5pm and closes on Saturday at 3pm with items awarded at 5:30pm. Limited list of items include: vacation packages, hotel nights, infertility diagnostic testing, and spa packages. All proceeds directly benefit the Missing GRACE Organization and it's programs.
Partners in this conference include The Pregnancy Institute and the Center for Reproductive Medicine
For more information Contact:
Name: Candy McVicar, Executive Director and Founder of The Missing GRACE Organization
Organization Name: The Missing GRACE Organization
Phone Number: 763-497-0709
Email Address: mcvicar@mninter.net
Web Address: www.MissingGRACE.org
The January 21, 2003 UCA 2002 (Umbilical Cord Accidents) lectures were well attended and proved to be quite beneficial.
We had 85 Drs, RNs, Radiologists, & Techs attend the 3 lectures held at Unity & Mercy Hospitals, and at the Hutchinson Event Center for staff from the Hutchinson Medical Center.
Dr. Collins gave his hour presentation at each hospital.
The objectives of the lecture were as follows:
1. To recognize umbilical cord accidents as a fetal risk factor.
2. To recognize clinical signs of umbilical cord compression.
3. To be aware of the advances of Ultrasound in identifying UCA.
4 To be aware of the possible management of UCA.
5. To be able to apply fetal heart rate monitoring to UCA management.
Comments received on lecture evaluations from Drs and RNs:
"Yes, I have changed my practice because of the information from the lecture."
"I am now more sensitive to fetal movement issues with my patients."
"I would recommend this lecture to other colleagues."
"It was most helpful to learn and understand that patterns of cord accidents are repeated and should be studied."
"I know now that cord accidents CAN be seen on ultrasound, and patterns or cord accidents can be observed."
"I am now utilizing non-stress testing and higher level ultrasounds more freely."
In the evening we had a seminar which was held at Woodland Hills Church. The seminar entitled: Understanding, Knowing & Growing Through Pregnancy & Loss was attended by 40 people. This was with less than 2 weeks of promotional time, due to scheduling issues.
We had the privilege of an open forum with Dr. Collins providing answers to the questions of all those in attendance. Those present were at all stages of grief, from grieving the loss of 1 miscarried baby to the loss of 12 miscarried babies by 1 couple. There were mothers and couples who had recently lost a their babies to stillbirth: 20 weeks, 32 weeks, 36 weeks, one at 39 weeks.
Attendees gave feedback that the seminar and resources provided have been key in their healing and working through difficult parts of their grieving process.
Our panel of speakers did a wonderful job. Topics discussed by panelists:
*Going through 5 miscarriages and then losing a child to SIDS: How they coped, what really goes on behind closed doors, how it is common to suffer in silence.
*How 15 years later you still miss and long for your baby.
*Ways to cope in the here an now.
*Finding hope and healing through adoption.
*Infertility and the cycle or heartache and hope.
*Miscarriage, feeling misunderstood and alone.
*Finding ways to honor and parent your baby after they are gone.
*A father’s perspective: Grieving a stillborn baby, staying strong for your wife, stuffing your pain and diving into work and other things to deal with the pain inside.
*Fearing for your wife’s life as depression seems to engulf her and separate you in your marriage.
*Fear of subsequent pregnancy.
*Once there is a loss, the innocence of a carefree pregnancy is lost.
The evening was ended with a special remembrance time, which included special music, and parents lighting candles for every baby they had lost. At the end of the evening each person took home the candles they had lit.
December 23, 2002
I have some very exciting news to share....
January 21st will be a very important and special day.
I have been able to secure 3 speaking engagements for Dr. Jason Collins while he is here in MN from the 20th to the 22nd.
| Unity and Mercy Hospitals |
| Date: | January 21, 2003 |
| Time: | 7:30-8:30 am |
| Place: | Unity Hospital board room
550 Osborne Road
Fridley, MN 55432-2799
763-236-5000 |
| Telecasted to: | Large conference room at
Mercy Hospital
4050 Coon Rapids Blvd.
Coon Rapids, MN 55433-2586
763-236-6000
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| Hutchinson Event Center |
| Date: | January 21, 2003 |
| Time: | 12:00-1:00 pm |
| Place: | Hutchinson Event Center
Next to the Hutchinson Medical Center
1005 Highway 15 South, Plaza 15
Hutchinson MN
For additional information please contact
Melanie Lemmer at 320-328-4295
or email aidanleesmommy@yahoo.com |
| Event Information |
| Lecture: | Titled: UCA (Umbilical Cord Accidents) 2002 |
| For: | Medical Professionals: Drs, RNs, Midwives
Encouraged to attend: Labor/Delivery, OBGYNs, Ultra Sound Radiologist, & Techs. |
| RSVP | Call or email(helpful, not mandatory to attend)
mcvicar@mninter.net
RSVP needed for food order and chairs for room set up. |
| Education Credits: | 1 CME for Drs / 1.2 CEUs for RNs
Credits documented and awarded through Allina Hospitals
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| Objective: | To equip and educate Drs and RNs with the latest UCA identification methods, helping to ultimately increase the number of healthy infants delivered alive and well and decrease stillbirth outcomes.
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| The practical goal of 21st Century Obstetrics is not only to successfully deliver an infant but to do so without a poor outcome. This includes the best possible start in life mentally and physically. SADS (Sudden Antenatal Death Syndrome, which accounts for @ 30,000 fetal deaths a year) is an important national health policy issue. UCA (Umbilical Cord Accidents) is a type of SADS which can be detected with ultrasound and can be managed with already established obstetrical practices. |
| Woodland Hills Church |
| Date: | January 21, 2003 |
| Time: | 6:00-10:00 p.m. |
| Place: | Woodland Hills Church
1740 Van Dyke Street
Maplewood, MN 55109
651-487-0001 |
| Event Information |
| Event: | Understanding, Knowing and Growing: Pregnancy & Loss Seminar |
| Speaker: | Dr. Jason Collins http://www.preginst.com |
| Lecture: | What To Expect With The Unexpected
How to take a proactive roll in your pregnancy and protect the life of your baby. |
| Panelists: | Parents who have lost a child:
Miscarriage/ Etopic
Stillbirth
Neonatal Death
SIDS
Pregnant again, after a loss |
| Purpose: | To create a safe and open environment to learn:
How to reach out and minister to people who have or are going through loss.
How to make the church a safe and welcoming place.
What really goes on in the lives and homes of couples and their families after a loss.
What does a mother go through physically and emotionally after a loss.
What does a father go through and how does he cope?
What are the stages of grief and how does anger with God fit into it all. |
| For: | Anyone is welcome to attend.
If you or someone dear to you, has lost a baby then this is especially for you. |
| RSVP: | Space is limited, so you must RSVP
to Candy at mcvicar@mninter.net |
| Food: | Refreshments provided |
| Sponser: | WHC Care and Prayer Ministries |
September 20, 2002
Currently, I am working with local hospitals and clinics in MN to have Dr. Collins come and do presentations on Umbilical Cord Accidents. These lectures will be for the medical staff (OB's, RN's, Labor & Delivery, Midwives, etc.) as well as for women who are pregnant again after a loss, or who who are pregnant and desire to learn more about how to take a proactive approach in their pregnancy.
The objectives of the lecture UCA 2002 are:
1. To recognize umbilical cord accidents as a fetal risk factor
2. To recognize clinical signs of umbilical cord compression
3. To be aware of the advances of Ultrasound in identifying UCA
4. To be aware of the possible management of UCA
5. To be able to apply fetal heart rate monitoring to UCA management
I hope I can help save other parents the heartache and pain we have been going through. If I find out that even 1 baby is saved through this information having been shared by Dr. Collins at these hospitals, that will bring about a significant piece of my healing. I will find tremendous comfort in knowing Grace's life is in a way bringing life to others.
Here is a letter from another bereaved mom, who set up 3 lectures, and the results have been terrific!
"Candy,
I recently arranged and promoted a three lecture event with Dr. Collins in Paducah, KY. The event was a great success and we are still reaping the benefit. Since his visit, OBs are getting more calls from their patients regarding signs/symptoms of UCA and ultrasound technicians are diagnosing the condition.
Be sure to get media attention out of your event. During his visit OBs and OB nurses made statements like:
"This information is amazing-it makes so much sense."
"I have seen this in labor and delivery time and time again"
"We will alter our practice based on this information"
"To never have to look in the eyes of a mother giving birth to her stillbirth child is what all of us want to happen."
Please contact me if I can be of any assistance in your planning/preparation. Way to go! You are a great MOM!!
God Bless,
Kelly"
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Thank YOU Kelly for taking a stand and helping make a difference for future parents in your corner of the world. You are a great mom too!
Candy
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If you have a hospital or clinic you would like to have Dr. Collins come to, please email me and I will help you with the process. If you are in MN and would like to help set up another lecture, at your clinic or hospital while he’s here; or if you are interested in attending any of his lectures, just email your contact information and email address and we will send you an invite with the info as we get closer to the dates. We do not have the dates set yet, but it looks like January or February 2003.
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