Angela Howard

Walking for Elsie and Graham

On July 23, 2023, I delivered my beautiful daughter, Elsie, at 24 weeks — and I never got to hear her cry.

There are no words that truly describe the silence that follows a stillbirth. One moment you are full of hope, counting down the weeks, dreaming about first smiles and tiny fingers wrapped around yours. And the next, you are holding your baby knowing you have to say goodbye far too soon.

Elsie was perfect. She was loved. She was wanted. She made me a mother in the most heartbreaking and profound way. Though her life was brief, she changed mine forever. I carry her with me in everything I do.

Just seven months later, on February 24, 2024, our son Graham entered the world at 28 weeks. Instead of bringing him home to a nursery, we handed him over to a NICU team. Instead of quiet newborn cuddles, there were monitors, alarms, ventilators, and long nights praying beside an incubator.

For 64 days, we lived in that hospital. We celebrated every ounce gained, every tube removed, every small victory that most parents never have to think about. We learned what it means to live minute by minute. We learned how fragile and how fierce life can be at the same time. After losing Elsie, the fear was overwhelming. Every setback felt heavier. Every uncertain moment reopened wounds that hadn’t healed. But Graham fought. He showed us strength when ours was running out.

The journey through loss and prematurity is one no family should have to walk alone. March of Dimes fights for babies like Elsie. They fight for babies like Graham. They fund research, advocate for moms, support families in the NICU, and work toward a future where fewer parents have to endure the heartbreak of losing a child or watching their baby fight to survive.

We walk because Elsie’s life mattered.

We walk because Graham’s fight matters.

We walk because too many families know this pain.
I walk with grief in one hand and gratitude in the other.

For my daughter who I miss every single day.

For my son who reminds me daily what resilience looks like.

This walk is for them.

This walk is for hope.

This walk is for every baby born too soon and every family forever changed.



I joined the movement to create positive change for moms and babies everywhere, especially those most at risk. 

With preterm birth and maternal death rates continuing to rise, I’m committed to raising funds so that every family gets the best possible start. But I need your help. 

Please visit my fundraising page to make a donation. Together we’ll be part of a movement to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.