Providing Grace and Hope for Families in the NICU and Families that experience Infant Loss

Our Mission

Awareness

Welcome to our NICU and Infant Loss support community. We understand that journey can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Our mission is to provide support and share stories from families who have walked similar paths. Together, we can foster hope and healing.

Community

Welcome to our community, where connections are the foundation of healing and lasting friendships. Together, we create a supportive family that fosters growth, understanding, and shared experiences. Join us in meaningful relationships that uplift and inspire one another. Your journey toward connection starts here!

Support

We understand the challenges families face during their time in the NICU and the heartache of infant loss. Our mission is to provide compassion, support, and resources to help you during this difficult journey. We are here to walk alongside you, offering a safe space for healing and connection. Together, we can find strength in Grace and Hope.

Grace and Hope

Grace and Hope serve as our guiding principles. We understand the challenges faced during the NICU journey and the heartache of infant loss. Our mission is to inspire resilience in families, providing support and encouragement every step of the way. Together, we can cultivate strength and hope for brighter days ahead.

Our Programs

Gracelynn's Grotto

Gracelynn's Treasure Box

Luminary Cove

Welcome to Gracelynn's Grotto, where we provide a heartfelt collection of baby clothes and accessories for families in need. We understand that every milestone counts, especially when your little one is in the NICU. Our mission is to help make those moments special by ensuring your baby can wear beautiful clothes during their journey. Together, we can bring comfort and joy families during this challenging time.

Referring providers- please email us and we can send the application over.

Welcome to Gracelynn's Treasure Box, a heartfelt collection dedicated to honoring the memories of precious little ones lost too soon. Our carefully curated memorial items provide families with tangible ways to cherish and remember their babies. We believe that every life, no matter how brief, deserves to be celebrated and held close to the heart. Let us help you create a lasting tribute to your beloved child.

Welcome to Luminary Cove, a heartfelt initiative honoring International Wave of Light on October 15th. Each year at 7 PM, we join together to light candles in memory of precious lives taken too soon. We're excited to announce that we will be hosting an annual and launching a special project that will allow you to purchase a candle in remembrance. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

Our
Story

Gracelynn Hope's Story

Gracelynn Hope was born September 22, 2017, in Jacksonville, Florida at 33 weeks and 6 days premature. Her momma, the Founder of the organization, Andrea, had polyhydramnios (medical term = double the amniotic fluid). We always joked that she was a mermaid swimming in her own lagoon since we could hardly ever feel her kick. Gracelynn is Andrea's only child. Gracelynn has inherited quite a few nicknames during her short time with us.

Gracelynn only knew the walls of the NICU. She was transferred once from one local hospital to the local Children's Hosptial, but Andrea was bound and determined to make the memories with Gracelynn. Andrea looked up every holiday, from national high five day, to picnic day, to fly a kite day. They decorated the bed and room for each holiday with precious planning which included: outfits, props, decorations, etc.

November 2017, Gracelynn was diagnosed with malrotation of the intestines which caused her to have emergency surgery. December 2017, she went into respiratory failure and was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. January 2018, Gracelynn was diagnosed with Noonan's syndrome, which is a genetic condition.

May 5, 2018 is the day our world shattered. We lost our sweet girl. She was only 7 months old. It felt like the world had collapsed and time stood still. It was the Kentucky Debry and Cinco De Mayo, two things her mom loves. While we looked at it differently that day, we now celebrate Gracelynn that day. She wanted us to have a party to remember her beautiful spirit. Gracelynn's celebration of life was one for the books 18 different themed tables all representing our little colorful spirited child.

At that moment in time during her celebration of life, Andrea knew that she needed to start a foundation in honor of Gracelynn and the spirit she had. Gracelynn had a spirit like no other. Her name created a presence, a peace. But grief is a funny thing that can cause pauses, not setbacks.

February 2020, Andrea and Kim (Gracelynn's Grandma) were blessed with the opportunity from a law firm to sit down and finish creating The Gracelynn Hope Foundation and that is when our mission was born: To provide Grace and Hope for families in the NICU and families that experience Infant loss.

Gracelynn's Foundation is a story of love, loss, and treasured memories. We want the foundation to have a sense of community, compassion, caring, understanding, and acknowledgement. Walking the halls of the NICU and walking the Infant loss Journey is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot, we want to make sure you know, that you never have to walk that journey alone. We will always be here for you.

Meet The Team

Executive Director and Founder

Andrea LaMondie

Gracelynn Hope's momma and founder of the Gracelynn Hope Foundation is dedicated to honoring her daughter's memory. The foundation aims to ensure that Gracelynn's name and legacy live on, reminding everyone of her impact. Through this mission, we strive to support others and foster a community that cherishes every life. Join us in keeping Gracelynn's spirit alive.

Chief Financial Officer

Kim LaMondie

Gracelynn's Grandma proudly serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Foundation, committed to preserving Gracelynn's legacy. With a heartfelt mission, she supports her daughter, Andrea, in managing the foundation and plays a vital role during events. Together, they work tirelessly to create a positive impact and honor Gracelynn's memory in meaningful ways. Their dedication shines through in every initiative they undertake.

President

Fred LaMondie

Gracelynn's Papa, affectionately known as "the professional papa" by all the NICU families, is the backbone of every event. He diligently assists his daughter, Andrea, in designing and creating beautiful decorations. Whether it's ensuring that paintings are finished or replacing batteries in essential items, he's always there in the background, making sure everything runs smoothly. His unwavering support adds a special touch to every celebration.

Director of Community Engagement

Laurie Schaffer

Andrea and Gracelynn's Auntie plays a vital role in supporting the foundation from New York. She tirelessly gathers goodies for both Gracelynn's Grotto and Gracelynn's Treasure Box, ensuring that every child feels special and cherished. Her dedication and hard work make a lasting impact on the lives of many, bringing joy and smiles to those in need. Thank you, Auntie, for being such a wonderful advocate for our mission!

Administrative Manager

Vicki Morales

Vicki serves as the administrative manager for the foundation, ensuring that all paperwork is meticulously completed and kept up to date. Her attention to detail helps maintain the smooth operation of our administrative processes. With Vicki at the helm, we can focus on our mission, knowing that our documentation is in good hands.

Event Manager

Kathy Bennick

Andrea, our Executive, has had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Kathy for most of her life. As our dedicated event manager, Kathy ensures that every event runs smoothly handling ticket collection and managing funds with precision. commitment and experience play a crucial role in our organization’s success.

Honorary Committee Members:

Caleb James

Dana Camadine

Heather Chasteen

Kaylynn LaDelia

Leah Schaffer

Megan Stiltner

Renee LaDelia

Scott LaPlant

Stephanie Scheel

Tiffany Schaffer

Uncle Jim Schaffer

Each and every individual listed has a huge impact on the Foundation and we could not run without any of them.

Giggles and Gills Members:

Avery Quinn

Caroline Stiltner

Henley Rue

Hurley Jax

Judd Stiltner

Maddox James

Angel Wyatt Stiltner

Our children are also a huge impact on the Foundation. Each of them has impacted the growth of the foundation in some way and we could not run the foundation without them.

Upcoming Events

Community Events:

10/25-

Perinatal Remembrance Event

Jacksonville, FL

11/6

NICU "Turkey and Pumpkins" Support Group Craft

12/6

Holiday Party

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL- RSVP Required

5/2/26

Kentucky Derby Mother's Day Brunch- More information to come-

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Awareness Dates:

September is NICU Awareness Month

9/15- Neonatal Nurses Day

9/26- NICU Remembrance Day

9/27- NICU GivingDay

9/28- NICU Staff Apperaction Day

9/29 NICU Sibling Support Day

9/30- NICU Awareness Day

10/15- International Wave of Light

Happenings around the Foundation:

July 2nd, 2025: Jacksonville, FL

We hosted our first ever Little Firecracker NICU event.

April 2025: Gracelynn's Foundation was represented at the Clay County Fair this year in Clay County, FL. This amazing mermaid table was painted by a local talented young artist and the rain barrel was created by the foundation.

Picnic table created by Willow Barnes, willowbay.art on Instagram.

Collaborating Partners

Collaborating Memberships

Address

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Phone

904-226-4982

Email

gracelynnhopefoundation@gmail.com

Connect

Make a donation

Our Annual Campaign to help support families in the NICU and families that experience Infant Loss.

$183 raised

Fundraising goal: $100

7 donations

183%

Frequency

One time

Monthly

0/100

Comment (optional)

The Gracelynn Hope Foundation is a registered 501c3 in the state of Florida under the Division of Corporations and is Federally recognized as a not-for-profit organization.

Logo created by Jax Card and Creations on Instagram.