Please consider donating to Virginia Women and Family Support Center (https://www.vawfsc.org/), a 501c3 close to our heart, in honor of our daughter Lily Marlowe Hill.

As we approach 2 years since Lily's death, I am reminded of what a wonderful donation ($3,200+) we were able to make last year in honor of her. Brad's company ended up matching the generous amount that we, our family, and friends all raised.

I came across VA Women and Family Support Center just looking for general volunteer opportunities when I was hospitalized, pregnant with Lily. I thought about how scared I was in the hospital pregnant, but then quickly realized how terrifying it would be to have no support, be pregnant, and be homeless. All of the love that you have for your child and their survival hinges on so many other factors; many societal, many not the mother's fault.

In 2016, Carried To Full Term (now VAWFSC) was established with a clear mission to provide long-term housing for women who are pregnant and homeless and their children. Their goal is not just housing; they offer a comprehensive range of services to help women break cycles of homelessness over 24 months.

Women are given the tools, education, and support to regain control of their lives to become independent and self-sufficient.

VA Women and Family Support Center's Haymarket House is where I ended up donating ALL of Lily's items in June of 2023 after her death. I see that house every day when I pick my son up from preschool, always wondering if I will see a donation of ours being used by someone who needed it more than us—which makes me feel happy to know that that item, purchased, handed down, or made, was not in vain.

As the years go by and grief changes, I find myself calm in our family of 3 (plus two insane animals), and happy that Lily's life was able to bring good to something or someone as time passes—essentially making her memory permanent to others, not just us.

Please consider donating to this phenomenal organization just down the street that has somehow touched my heart forever.