On February 9, 2021, our son Joseph Angelo was born prematurely. He lived only a few hours. That same night, we came close to losing Marie as well, after a sudden and traumatic hemorrhage. Emergency surgery and blood transfusions saved her life — but from that night on, nothing was ever the same.

Losing a child is a pain no parent should ever face. The grief is heavy. The silence, deafening. And the journey forward feels like an uphill climb — slow, exhausting, and at times impossible.

In the years since Joseph’s passing, we’ve taken life one step at a time. We’ve learned to carry our grief while raising our two beautiful children, Elena Rose and Giovanni. We’ve learned that healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means continuing to live, love, and remember.

And now, nearly five years later, we’re choosing to climb a different mountain — Mount Kilimanjaro.

In February of 2026 , what would be Joseph’s 5th birthday , we will begin a 7-day trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. This journey is more than a physical challenge. It’s a tribute. A way to honor Joseph’s short but meaningful life. And a symbol of the mountain we’ve been climbing since the day we lost him.

We’re using this climb to raise $10,000 for RTZ HOPE, an organization that played a vital role in our healing. In the depths of our grief, RTZ offered Marie compassionate community and support when she needed it most. Their work helps grieving parents feel seen, held, and not alone — and we want other families to have that same lifeline.

We’re inviting you to be part of this journey with us. You can support our climb — and Joseph’s legacy — by making a donation of any amount. Whether it’s $1 per mile (42 miles in total), a flat donation, or simply sharing this page, your support makes a difference.

Every dollar goes directly to RTZ HOPE, helping them continue their mission to walk alongside grieving families with compassion and care.

This climb is for Joseph.
This climb is for every parent who’s had to say goodbye too soon.
And this climb is for hope, even in the darkest places.

Thank you for walking with us.

Conquering Kilimanjaro: A Journey with Joseph

By Return To Zero: Hope

Conquering Kilimanjaro: A Journey with Joseph

Team Members