Support Brian and Maria After Tragic Loss

On Sept 15th, the unimaginable happened to my sister and brother-in-law, Brian and Maria Neuenschwander. Their precious baby boy, Philo B. Thomas, was stillborn. There is nothing that prepares you for the loss of a child. Now they are left trying to figure out how they’re supposed to move forward. The road ahead is going to be extremely difficult.

Maria and Brian have poured their hearts and souls into the lives of all of our children over the years. Brian as a beloved dad to his daughters, teacher, youth pastor, and as an uncle and friend to so many young people. Maria as Auntie Ria, a cherished nanny to hundreds of little ones who she loves with all her heart, and to her dear stepdaughters and nephews who she has cared for and loved as a precious aunt and bonus mom.

This unexpected loss has left them with unanticipated costs and the need to take additional time off from work to help them heal. We want to lighten their burden by raising money to allow them to not be concerned about any bills and take some time off together. Healing is not quick or simple, and we don’t want them to feel like they need to rush the process. We want them to focus on processing their grief and loss as long as they need to.

Many of you have asked us how you can help. We greatly appreciate the love and care that drives this question. A dear friend offered to set up a GoFundMe to provide a way for anyone who would like to help to do so.

“For nine months, we watched you grow, listened to your heartbeat, felt your movements, read you stories, loved you immeasurably, and counted the days to hold you. Instead, you were welcomed into the arms of our Father in heaven. We will never understand this side of heaven why.”