On June 2, 2026, Steph was on shift as a paramedic when she got the worst call of her life. She was called to respond to an unresponsive infant. This was her son, Weston who was 2 days shy of his 4 month birthday. Weston went to be embraced by the arms of Jesus this day. This account was created to reduce the financial burden as the family grieves during this unimaginable heartbreak.

While grieving and caring for her other 3 chikdren, she experienced lack of support from her employer. This is her story below.

Today was one of the hardest days of our lives, and before anything else, I want to thank every person who stood beside us and helped us honor Weston.

To our friends, family, complete strangers, law enforcement, both fire departments, and EMS personnel—thank you. In the midst of unimaginable grief, you showed up. When I asked for a funeral procession, the response from fire and police was immediate: “We’ll be there.” No hesitation. No questions. Just support, compassion, and a willingness to help us honor our son.

To my EMS family, thank you for standing with us. Many of you showed up despite being strongly advised not to. Even though you were robbed of the honor of bringing our own ambulance, your presence meant more than words can ever express. In a profession where we spend our lives showing up for others on their worst days, I will never forget those of you who showed up for us on ours.

There is, however, a piece of today that was deeply painful. One thing that meant the world to me was initially missing—an ambulance.

As many of you know, I am a paramedic. I was one of the paramedics on the ambulance that responded to my own unresponsive baby. That ambulance represented more than a vehicle, it represented the people who fought alongside us, the profession that shaped me, and a part of Weston's story. It was something I felt he deserved.

When that support wasn't there from my own employer, it left a hurt that is difficult to put into words. I have poured my heart into a job that I truly love, and in one of the darkest moments of my life, I felt abandoned by a place that has been such a huge part of who I am.

But then something incredible happened.

Without ever having worked for them, without ever asking them for anything, and without any obligation to do so, Lake Health District stepped forward. They drove all the way from Lakeview to ensure Weston had an ambulance in his procession. They saw a grieving family and simply chose kindness. They chose compassion. They chose to show up.

Seeing that ambulance proudly in line with us brought tears to my eyes. It was a reminder that even in the deepest heartbreak, there are still people willing to carry a piece of your burden.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to Lake Health District for giving Weston the honor he deserved. Thank you for making sure he had an ambulance in his line. Thank you for showing us what compassion looks like when it matters most.

Today, we laid our sweet boy to rest. The pain of losing him will never leave us, but neither will the memory of the people who stood beside us, carried us, and honored him. We will never forget your kindness, and we will never forget the love that surrounded Weston today.

Thank you for loving our son. Weston will always be remembered.

Lake Health District thank you.

Burns Fire Department thank you.

Hines Fire Department thank you.

Harney County Sheriff's Office thank you.

Burns Police Department thank you

Hines Police Department thank you

Oregon State Police thank you

Blue Mountain Hospital thank you