The Village Retreat 2023
This year, we welcomed four new stillborn mamas and their babies into The Village Retreat community.
These brave women traveled from OK, FL, NC and VA to share their stories, make connections, rest, to be loved on and to honor their babies.
Hear what the Mamas had to say -
MAXIMUS KAIRO HILSON
“Sharing our son's story for the first time brought up a lot of anxiety and fear. I quickly realized I wasn't alone in the emotions I've experienced.Knowing you're not alone is one thing, but feeling supported and understood is entirely different. I'm grateful to everyone who created a safe and loving space for us to release without judgment.
For the past year, I've been holding on so tightly to our loss, but now I can honestly say there has been a weight lifted off my shoulders and an opening in my heart.
In the weeks following the retreat, I've found myself more open to talking about our son and speaking his name. I've also been told that I seem brighter. I credit this to the support and healing I received from the retreat. I will forever cherish this experience and I resonate with feeling emptied but not empty.”
HALEY MADISON CASTO
“As I reflect on the Stillborn Mamas Retreat, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the profound impact it has had on my life. The connections forged within those sacred walls are now threads woven into the fabric of my being, creating a tapestry of shared pain, resilience, and love.
In the embrace of The Village, I discovered a sanctuary where tears were not signs of weakness but rather testimonials to the enduring strength within us. Each shared story, every heartfelt conversation, became a step in the collective journey toward healing. The camaraderie of the Stillborn Club transformed from a burden into a source of strength, and the weight of grief was lightened by the hands that reached out to hold mine.
As I drove away from the mountains that Sunday, I carried with me not just the memory of a retreat but a newfound understanding of the power of community. The Stillborn Mamas Retreat, and the incredible individuals who make up The Village, have become a lighthouse guiding me through the stormy seas of grief. I am not alone; I am surrounded by beautiful souls who, like me, have faced the unimaginable and emerged stronger together.
Haley's absence will forever be a part of my story, but so too will be the bonds formed in that retreat—the friendships that transcend the limitations of words and offer solace in shared silence. I am grateful for the gift of The Village, a community that has transformed tragedy into a tapestry of resilience, empathy, and enduring love. In this shared journey, I have discovered that even in the darkest moments, there is a profound beauty in the collective strength of kindred spirits.
As I continue to navigate the unpredictable currents of grief, I do so with the comforting knowledge that The Village remains a steadfast anchor, grounding me in the shared experience of loss and the boundless power of compassion. Together, we are not just survivors; we are warriors of the heart, weaving a narrative of love and support that transcends the boundaries of time and space.
In the embrace of The Village, I have found not only solace but a timeless connection that transcends the confines of earthly existence. Haley's memory lives on in the love we share, the tears we've shed, and the laughter that echoes through the bonds we've forged. The Stillborn Mamas Retreat has given me not just a community but a family of the heart, and for that, my gratitude knows no bounds.”
CALEB
“Wow. What a weekend. It’s difficult to find words to express how much this retreat has meant to me. I am forever grateful for The Village for this opportunity and the the brave and amazing women I got to spend it with.
It was real. It was raw. It was powerful. It was exactly what I was needing while navigating through the loss of my baby boy. Grief is a life long journey and finding a group of people who truly understand what you’re going through and can walk through it with you is priceless.”
ETHAN ALEXIS VEGA
“This retreat was so unique and thoughtful, I loved how it gave everyone a safe space to truly open up and be vulnerable with a small group of mamas who have experience stillbirth loss. We were able to hold one another emotionally and lift one another up.
It was such a beautiful location where connecting with nature while being pampered felt like we could breathe again and find our own Village of Stillborn Mamas to connect with so we never have to be alone.
The gifts were so thoughtful and the activities were curated to each one of us, honoring our children. It felt safe to speak openly without anyone feeling uncomfortable. I would recommend this retreat to a mama who recently experienced stillbirth or even the mama that experienced it a long time ago. There is healing and space for all of us.”
THANK YOU
Thank you to every single person who supported us through prayer, financial donation, social media engagement and word of mouth. We truly feel all of the love surrounding us in this journey.
Every year, a piece of The Village Retreat is different than the last. This year, we were able to have the most humble and precious medium join us virtually to kick off the retreat. Each of the mamas received a special message from their babies as we sat together in the experience from above.
I pray each of you will continue to support us in the same way for the years to come as there are so many mamas and babies to be loved on and honored by The Village.
