Photo: Paul Jaconi Biery
In 2005, Sean and Kiley Hanish went from being excited parents-to-be to enduring the most devastating loss.
The couple felt alone in their pain.
Sean, a television commercial director, would go on to write and direct the 2014 film, Return to Zero, starringMinnie Driverand Paul Adelstein. The film centers around a couple mourning the loss of their stillborn son.
“That was my way of dealing with my grief,” says Sean. “It was my way to heal.”
Around the time the film came out, Kiley also found her way to deal with her unbearable loss. She started a foundation of the same name,Return to Zero, to help families who have lost a child and raise awareness about pregnancy and infant loss through education and support.
“I got this idea when I was in the shower,” says Kiley. 42. “I wanted to bring people together and take care of them. I felt like I needed that for myself too.”
At the core of the organization are weekend retreats for bereaved mothers who need a safe space to be together for a weekend where they can talk about their loss.
Since they founded the organization, they have hosted nine retreats around the world, andcontinue to raise moneyto support their non-profit.
And on Thursday, they will host theReturn to Zero: H.O.P.E NonProfit Launch Party and Fundraiserat The Fig House in Los Angeles.
“People sharing their stories can be very hard,” says Kiley, who went on to have two children, Roxie, 12, and Cannon, 6, with her husband. “It’s often the first time they’re telling their story in public. While it’s extremely traumatic, it’s also healing to be able to create a narrative and meaning out of that story.”
Return to Zero also educates health care professionals on how to talk to bereaved parents, as well as how family members should speak to loved ones experiencing this big loss.
When Sean looks back on everything they have been through — including the Emmy-nominated movie based off their story — he says it’s a journey he never would have chosen.
“If I had the choice of holding my son or going to the Emmys, I’d choose my son a million times out of a million,” he says. “But it does feel great to help other parents go through this and know that their experiences will be made a little better because of the efforts were making.”
Adds Kiley: “During the retreats I’ve been teaching myself at the same time and healing. I’m learning as I go along.”
source: people.com
