Support Ally & Alex: Loss of Baby Ruth

Thank you so much for visiting this page. My name is Tanya Mahoney, and I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Ally (Shaw) and Alex Bergal, two loved and amazing friends / family members / parents who are grieving the loss of their baby Ruthie.

Background: Ruth Alice Bergal made a surprise early appearance on January 4th (at 29 weeks) and was diagnosed with cancer shortly thereafter. After a two and a half month rollercoaster ride of ups and downs that included chemo, surgery, and a lot of waiting and hoping, there were no longer safe treatment options for Ruth. Ally and Alex, along with input from their care team, made the decision to keep Ruth comfortable for her remaining time and remove life support. Baby Ruthie passed away in her parents’ loving arms on March 19, her original due date. [To catch up on their journey in detail, please visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ruthbergal/journal]

Supporting Ally & Alex: Words can’t express the heartbreak and grief Ally and Alex are experiencing, and I know those of you who have followed Ruth’s journey are also mourning this devastating loss. This family is incredibly loved, so with many of us wanting to do something for them, I’m hoping we can raise funds together to help cover expenses Ally and Alex have incurred and will incur. Donations will go towards: 1) a grief getaway for Ally and Alex to take much-needed space to process the tragic and unfair loss of their baby, 2) funeral / cemetery service expenses, and 3) unexpected costs that will take time for Ally and Alex to work through in the coming months as they navigate the unknown. Although nothing can take away the gutting heartbreak and pain no parent should ever have to experience saying bye to their baby, let’s alleviate some financial burden and help Ally and Alex focus on grieving and commemorating Ruth. Thank you to all of you for showing up as the much needed village for the most resilient and loving parents that Ruth was so lucky to know and love during her too-short time here.

Rest in peace, baby Ruthie. We will remember you always and the special glimmers of your spunky personality, your adorable and sweet face (the perfect mix of both of your parents’ features!), and your sparkling and loving eyes. When I first met your mom in college and asked what she wanted to be when we graduated / grew up, she immediately said: “A mom!” When I first met your dad, your mom had already told him having a baby soon was important to her, and he was happily aligned. Meeting you, caring for you, and loving you was their absolute dream come true, and we promise to do our best to take care of your mom and dad as they adjust to loving you without you here.

Thank you. Please share this fundraiser link with others in your community and networks. Any amount will help the Bergals and show them how loved and supported they are. They are so incredibly appreciative of the kindness and gestures everyone has been extending to them and want you all to know it means the world to them. Thank you so much.