For my birthday this year, I’m inviting friends to donate $5 in memory of my precious grandson, Mitt. All donations will help support Footprints on the Heart as they provide families with extra love and support. Thank you for celebrating with me and honoring Mitt—your kindness means so much. 💙~ Melanie Thank you for helping further the ministry efforts of Footprints on the Heart as you celebrate Melanie, and honor her precious grandson, Mitt. To learn more about our ministry efforts visit footprintsontheheart.org or find us on social media. ~ Footprints on the Heart

From Andrew’s Aunt Chloe:“Today Andrew would be one year old.I am choosing to mark his birthday by remembering his life, his love, and the space he forever holds in the hearts of his parents, Claire and Austin, and everyone who loves them. Andrew mattered. He is deeply loved, and he is — and will always be — worth honoring.In honor of Andrew’s birthday, I’m raising funds for Footprints on the Heart, a local nonprofit that walks alongside families after pregnancy and infant loss — offering support, resources, and compassion during some of the hardest days imaginable.Just four days after Andrew was born, after receiving her name from several people, I reached out to Khristie by email. I was desperate to find any way to alleviate what Claire and Austin were going through at a time where it seemed nothing could. Within minutes, she texted me asking how she could help. What followed was an endless wealth of resources and information — but even more than that, she offered a depth of care and compassion that went far beyond anything we could have expected. That kind of presence, responsiveness, and humanity is what Footprints on the Heart brings to families when they need it most.Supporting this organization on Andrew’s birthday feels like a way to let his life continue to create care, comfort, and connection for other families who need it.If you’re able to donate or share, thank you for helping us honor Andrew and for helping ensure that grieving parents are never alone.Andrew will never be forgotten, and we will forever celebrate him on this day for years to come. Today, I encourage everyone to notice grief — in ourselves and in others. Grief can make people uncomfortable, but it isn’t fair for someone who is grieving to also have to carry that discomfort. I ask that you put it aside and show up for anyone you know experiencing loss of any kind. And if you didn’t show up for someone in the midst of their early grief, it’s never too late.I also encourage more gentleness in how we speak to one another and move through the world. Grief is often invisible, so if someone shares something tender with you, listen without fixing. Let their feelings be enough. Choose your words with care.In honor of Andrew, I ask that today you reach out to someone you know who has experienced loss and let them know you’re thinking of them and that you’re there. And if it feels right, continue to do this each year on January 18th. Today is for Andrew. 🤍”Your gift in honor of Andrew Austin Hecht supports families walking through pregnancy and infant loss. Each contribution helps Footprints on the Heart offer free services, resources, and compassionate guidance when families need it most.By giving today, you help equip caregivers and healthcare professionals to respond with skill and sensitivity, and you stand beside bereaved parents in Andrew’s memory. Thank you for honoring Andrew with care that reaches other grieving families.Blessings, Footprints on the Heart