About Life After Loss Ministries
Darcea Handy is the founder of Life After Loss Ministries. She created the organization to help spare other families from the horror she experienced when she lost her son. Darcea wanted to help give families hope, but more importantly, guidance on what comes next after the loss of a child and how to get through to the each next day.
When Darcea lost her son in February 2005, she received a box with his hospital gown and hat. She was given no resources to help her deal with the pain of losing her infant son, nor was she given any guidance on what to do or what to expect next. She wasn't even sure what to do with her son’s body. She was asked to “donate him to science”, which was not something a bereaved mother wanted to hear. She was in need of compassion and caring, and that's not what she received. To make matters worse, the staff was very clinical about the entire process and seemed as though they didn't have a place for her in the hospital. They placed her near the infant ward where she could hear the newborn babies crying while her own son was dying. It was heartbreaking and she knew there had to be a better way to help parents grieving the loss of an infant.
Darcea started referring to mothers and fathers of pregnancy and infant loss as "Angel Moms and Angel Dads", which was just the start of the process.
"I believe that angel moms and angel dads should have the right to the very best aftercare, the right to maternity and paternity funeral leave, the right to paid leave for grief, bereavement training, counseling and education; and a safe place where they can be themselves."
In addition to helping families with counseling and education, Darcea also started sharing her story on a weekly podcast called Life After Loss which helps angel parents go from hurting to healing.
Darcea started referring to mothers and fathers of pregnancy and infant loss as "Angel Moms and Angel Dads", which was just the start of the process.
"I believe that angel moms and angel dads should have the right to the very best aftercare, the right to maternity and paternity funeral leave, the right to paid leave for grief, bereavement training, counseling and education; and a safe place where they can be themselves."
In addition to helping families with counseling and education, Darcea also started sharing her story on a weekly podcast called Life After Loss which helps angel parents go from hurting to healing.
Darcea's Certifications
After Darcea experienced the loss of her son, she knew she needed to help others. Since 2015, Darcea Handy has achieved the following certifications:
- Communication With the Bereaved
- Memory-Making and Ritual
- Guided Participation: A Method of Teaching and Learning
If you are an Angel Mom or Angel Dad in need or a family member of a parent in need, please do not hesitate to reach out.
