https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gubPnr4CBMI&t=6s
We are humbled and honored to serve as the 2026 March for Babies Ambassador family. As you'll see below, our story is marked by heartbreak and hope. Everyday, we mourn the tragic loss of our first son, Callum, who was stillborn at full term on July 15, 2023. But we are also filled with hope. Hope that our story can touch other families navigating infant loss and that by supporting the March of Dimes, we will see a day where fewer families experience the pain of pregnancy and infant loss. Please join us in spreading that hope by participating in the March for Babies Walk or making a donation. We are so grateful for the unending support of our family and friends!
Our Story
In July 2023, we were preparing for the birth of our first child. Though a C-section was scheduled just days away, Katrina went into labor at 38 weeks on July 13th. Tragically, what should have been a night of joy turned into a nightmare when doctors could no longer find a heartbeat. On July 15th, after 25 hours of labor, our son Callum Michael was born into heaven, weighing 7 pounds and 8 ounces.
In the midst of this tragic loss, we were grateful to spend a full day holding Callum, which was a transformative experience. Loving on Callum that day was so heartbreaking, and yet so incredibly beautiful at the same time. Layered onto the terrible beauty of that moment, the heavy reality of loss remained. Instead of our baby, we left that hospital that evening with a teddy bear and faced the brutal transition from dreams of parenthood to a life without Cal.
The following months were a journey of resilience. After a subsequent miscarriage, we were elated and very anxious to learn we were pregnant again on Callum’s first birthday. We welcomed our second son, Owen Gabriel, on February 25, 2025. While we carry Callum’s memory with us daily, Owen brings us so much joy and shows us how both grief and joy can coexist.
On our grief-stricken family building journey, March of Dimes became a vital source of community for us. Mike turned his pain into purpose by joining the 2024 March of Dimes Chicago Marathon team, running in Callum’s honor to support stillbirth prevention. Now, as the 2026 Chicago March for Babies Ambassador Family, we are sharing the story of Callum’s life to give a voice to underrepresented loss families and show that, while challenging, the healing journey is possible.
March of Dimes is dedicated to bringing people together to tackle America's maternal and infant health crisis—one person, one community, and one step at a time. More than a series of walks, March for Babies is an annual tradition that supports moms and babies every day, every step of the way.
March for Babies connects friends, families, and coworkers to improve the health of families nationwide. Together with March of Dimes, each step forward brings us closer to a healthy future for all.
Thank you for your support!
