We lost Ava Joy Mizell at 37 weeks gestation suddenly and unexpectedly, seemingly due to a true knot of her umbilical cord. We struggled with infertility before her and currently are now as well. She is our only child.

I would have never anticipated the connection that I have with my daughter, Ava, even after her death. I get to talk to her whenever I want, I get to take her everywhere with me. I get to take care of her, albeit in much different ways than if she was still alive.

September is a meaningful month for our family. We're honoring Ava Joy on what would be her 1st birthday by asking for donations of $9 for her birth month.