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ZANESVILLE — The Muskingum County Community Foundation recently donated $3,500 to Forget-Me-Not Baskets for a project at Genesis HealthCare System.

The project at Genesis started January 2020, donating more than $1,000 in bereavement support items to families who have experienced a loss during pregnancy or childbirth.  

Sara Ringle, president of Forget-Me-Not Baskets, and local resident Tami Black met with bereavement coordinator Jana Bell from Genesis on the project.  

“This is an excellent opportunity for Genesis HealthCare System to extend loving care to grieving families,” said Ringle in a press release.

Items like a memory book, baby blanket, certificate of birth, an ornament, a journal, literature and many curated items offer an additional connection of support between the nursing staff and the patient at a very sad time.  

Since January, Black and Laura Natalie have been working on increasing awareness and funds for the mission. This included seeking funding from the community foundation. Through the funds, Forget-Me-Not Baskets will be able to provide bereavement supplies to Genesis for the year. 

Heather and Tom Cunningham of Louisville also raised funds for providing Genesis with a Cuddle Cot. Heather serves on the Forget-Me-Not board. The couple lost their son Bryson. 

“Keeping Bryson's memory alive is something that is incredibly important to us and we want to continue to honor him. One way of doing this was by getting involved with Forget Me Not Baskets and supporting their mission," Heather said in the release. "Another way was to be able to give other families the opportunity to take the time they need to say goodbye by donating a Cuddle Cot. Our hope is that no loss parent ever feels alone in their journey."

Forget-Me-Not Baskets, started by Ringle in 2007, provides grief support items for all family members experiencing a loss during any stage of their pregnancy. For additional information, go to forgetmenotbaskets.com.

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