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
Our community is 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
Welcome to the Grotto!
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 has all the essentials. Together, we can bring comfort and joy to families during these challenging times.
If you have family in need, please feel to email us at gracelynnhopefoundation@gmail.com
The Treasure Box: a heartfelt collection dedicated to honoring the memories of precious little ones gone 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.
We love Friendship Bracelets. Anchored in Grace is our Friendship Bracelet program. When we host events, we bring our beads and families can make bracelets. Stay tuned, our friendship bracelets are about to be live, and you can order one for yourself or your friends! Let's stay Anchored in Grace in our NICU and Infant Loss Journey!
We partnered with the Ronald McDonald House to create Ocean's Embrace. We provide comfort baskets for families staying at the House while their little ones are in the NICU. Our goal is to bring a touch of warmth and support to these families during challenging times. Join us in making a difference by spreading love.
More programs will be added as we continue to identity needs in the community.
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 spent a total of 225 days there. She was transferred once from one local hospital to the local Children's Hospital, 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.
Support Groups
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The Grandparents Habor is support for Grandparents who walk the NICU and Infant Loss Journey with their child. Watching your child suffer the unimaginable while grieving your grandchild is hard on both sides. We are here to support Grandparents who experience this hardship.
This support group was founded in honor of Gracelynn's Grandma and Andrea's Mama- Watching her support Andrea through the unimaginable.
Little Waves is our siblings support group. Our goal for Little Waves support is to make sure siblings understand that they are also important during the NICU and Infant Loss Journey. Waves come and go just like the emotional journey that siblings can experience.
Little Waves Sibling Support Group is in honor of Angel Wyatt James Stiltner, his twin brother Judd and older sister Caroline.
Come join our Mermaid Mama Tribe! We may walk many different types of walks, but one remains the same, we are strong Mamas and create strong bonds! The Mermaid Mama Tribe brings us together to celebrate the good, support each other through the hard times and will NEVER judge.
Come join our strong bond!.
Meet the Team
Executive Director and Founder
Andrea LaMondie
Gracelynn Hope's Mama and Founder of the Gracelynn Hope Foundation is dedicated to honoring her daughter's life and memory. The foundation aims to ensure Gracelynn's name lives on, reminding everyone of her impact from her 7 months with us. Through this mission, we strive to support 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 for the Foundation, helping to preserve 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 imitative they undertake.
President
Fred LaMondie
Gracelynn's Papa affectionately known as "the professional papa' by all NICU Families, is the backbone of every event. He diligently assists his daughter, Andrea, in designing and creating beautiful decorations for all events. 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 supports 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 every child feels special and cherished. Her dedication and hard work makes a lasting impact on the lives of many, bringing joy and smiles to those in need. Auntie has been there through Thick and Thin and we have no idea what we would do without her.
Administrative Manager
Vicki Morlaes
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 all of our administrative tasks are in good hands. She is the honorary Auntie to Andrea and Gracelynn.
Event Manager
Kathy Bennick
Andrea, our Executive, has had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Kathy for the most of her life. As our dedicated event manager, Mrs. Kathy ensures that every event runs smoothly. She handles ticket collection and managing the funds collected. Commitment and Experience play a critical role in our organization's success.
Siblings Connection Coordinator
Megan Stiltner
Andrea and Megan met during the hardest time of their lives. Megan's twin boys (Wyatt and Judd) were in the NICU at the same time as Gracelynn, actually directly across the hall from each other. Gracelynn and Wyatt passed 22 days apart. The road Andrea and Megan walk created a long-life sister bond. With Megan's 3 children, Andrea became the honorary Auntie of the family. Our mission is to make sure siblings are not forgotten in the process of walking this road, and with having Megan as our sibling coordinator, she will ensure siblings are not forgotten.
Family Services Coordinator
Heather Davis
Heather and Andrea have known each other for over 14 years. They have a sister bond relationship. With Heather's 3 kids, Andrea became the honorary Auntie to them. It is those types of bonds we strive to create here at the Foundation. Heather is our Family Services Coordinator ensuring families get the support and services they need from the foundation. She has a passion for helping families and plays a vital role with helping families.
Maestro of Music
Michael Bennick
Andrea, our Executive, has had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Michael for most of her life. Mr. Michael is a master guitar player and plays with bands all over the Northeast Florida area. Along with playing, he uses his craft to teach others guitar. We are so honored to have a musician on our board.
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Honorary Committee Members:
Our Amazing Members:
Caleb James
Dana Camadine
Gabby Jones
Hurley Jax
Kaylynn LaDelia
Leah Shaffer
Renee LaDelia
Scott LaPlant
Stephanie Scheele
Tiffany Schaffer
Uncle Jim Schaffer
Giggles and Gills Members:
Our Kids and our why:
Avery Quinn
Caroline Stiltner
Angel Gracelynn Hope
Henley Rue
Judd Stiltner
Lucy Jones
Maddox James
Samuel Judah
Angel Wyatt Stiltner
Upcoming Events
Community Events:
6/2
NICU Support Group 1:30pm
Baptist Downtown
6/4
Texas Roadhouse Dine to Dontate Event- Town Center Jacksonville
6/8
Evening NICU Support Group 6:00pm
Baptist Downtown
6/13
NICU Baby Shower
Waves of Love
Time: TBD
Baptist Downtown
10/15
Luminary Cove
International Wave of Light 7pm
Virutal
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
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
10/15- International Wave of Light
November is Prematurity Awareness Month
November is Bereaved Siblings Month
11/17- World Prematurity Awareness Day
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.
October 15, 2025- International Wave of Light- Luminary Cove.
Pregnancy and Infant loss Awareness Month.
We honored 16 Tiny Little Angels gone too soon.
In 1988 President Ronald Reagan declared October Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month by the Senate Joint Resolution 314.
October 18, 2025: Perinatal Remembrance Event Downtown Jacksonville, FL.
We hosted a friendship bracelet making table for families who gathered to remember their sweet angels. The Perinatal Remembrance event is hosted by Baptist Health/ Wolfson Children's Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent's.
October 25, 2025- Treats at the Fountain.
Friendship Fountain- Jacksonville, Florida.
We attended this community event hosted by JaxParks and handed out candy to the community for this trick or treating event.
November 4th- We hosted a "fall for you" support group at the hospital with some amazing NICU staff and families.
November 10th we hosted a "fall for you" support group for NICU/CVICU families.
November 15th-
We participated in the
Ronald McDonald House Light Up The House 5k.
Collaborating Partners
Collaborating Memberships
Make a donation
Our Annual Campaign to help support families in the NICU and families that experience Infant Loss.
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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.
