In 2007, Sherri McCoy, a leader in provider relations and a board member of the AdventHealth Foundation, experienced a personal tragedy when she lost her daughter, Grace Ann, during pregnancy. At the time, McCoy and her husband were in the process of adopting their two-year-old daughter and expecting another child. The loss occurred just before Mother’s Day.
“The experience was devastating,” McCoy said. She recalled an especially difficult moment after her procedure: “And it was made worse by how we were treated.” She described how her husband was handed their baby’s remains in a clear plastic container in a public waiting room. “That lack of dignity is something no family should ever endure.”
Seeking support, McCoy learned about a pregnancy and infant loss support group at another hospital. Eight weeks after losing Grace Ann, she and her husband traveled more than an hour to attend a seven-week program. “I still remember the first question,” she said. ‘What is your goal for being here?’ My answer was simple: to breathe without hurting.”
McCoy emphasized that even while raising their adopted toddler, the pain of loss remained distinct. “No child replaces another. Both are gifts we were given.” The support group provided healing through shared experiences and open conversation or silence as needed.
“Knowing we were not alone, grieving alongside others, sharing our deepest thoughts when we wanted to – it was validating,” she said. “You cannot understand that kind of healing unless you experience such a tragedy.” She added: “This group was oxygen to my broken heart. These families helped me breathe again.”
Eighteen years later, McCoy remains connected with members from that original group.
Recognizing that many families face similar losses in silence, programs like Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support (P.A.I.L.S.) have been established locally to provide help. Since 1993, AdventHealth Avista has delivered over 62,000 babies; however, these figures do not reflect those who left the hospital without their child or those who grieved at home.
PAILS offers parents who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss a safe space to connect and begin healing together through a seven-week program covering topics such as understanding grief journeys, caring for relationships during difficult times, honoring memories with keepsakes, supporting children through change, rebuilding confidence, and addressing health questions respectfully.
The group limits its size for individualized support and connects families with additional resources so no one faces this journey alone.
For those grieving or supporting someone who is grieving pregnancy or infant loss, McCoy shared: “I see you. I honor your babies. I am standing here today because a support group helped me breathe again. P.A.I.L.S. is here to help you breathe again, too.”
To learn more about PAILS or register for the program with your spouse or partner, interested individuals can call 303-661-4237.
AdventHealth Orlando is located in Orlando, Florida and has operated since 1908 under its current president Terry Shaw. The hospital includes pediatric services and serves as a training facility.
https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-orlando
