The Ramsey Keller Memorial, a non-profit organization that pays for infant funerals in Montana, is launching its first-ever national retreat for moms who are living without a child. “The Retreat” is designed to connect moms in person and is slated for the weekend of October 26, 27 and 28 at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort near Butte, Montana. The registration fee is $325/person and moms, nationwide, who have experienced the loss of a child are invited to attend. Topics are primarily focused on infant loss (children 1 year of age or younger and stillborn babies). Nationally known keynote speaker and founder of Still Standing Magazine Franchesca Cox is donating her time in an effort to offer “The Retreat” at the lowest cost available. Registration includes all scheduled events, the resort room, all meals Saturday and Sunday and additional goodies for attendees.
“Franchesca Cox is known for helping moms grieve and fight for the privilege to love life again,” says Ramsey Keller Memorial Founder Kori Keller. “She has experienced the loss of her firstborn daughter and while she has spearheaded many local and worldwide projects in her daughter’s name, she found the most healing came from living life to the fullest. The Retreat is about celebrating our babies lives and finding joy in life, even through the grief. I’m grateful and humbled that Franchesca is coming to Montana to share her message with moms like myself who have lost a child.”
Franchesca Cox is the author of Facets of Grief: a creative workbook for grieving mothers, and Celebrating Pregnancy Again. She is scheduled to speak twice during the weekend retreat. Her topics are “The Space Between Love and Loss” and “Broken and Brave.” Cox is also opening up discussion on baby loss to attendees and inviting the audience to participate in a Q & A session.
“Surviving the aftermath of infant loss is something we, as mothers who have lost a child, think about often. Whether the loss was last month or last decade, this retreat has excellent programming with key takeaways for everyone, as well as a format designed to build lasting relationships,” says Founder of Still Standing Magazine Franchesca Cox.
“Women who attend The Retreat will walk away with a lifelong network of people who belong to the same club, one that no one wants to be part of, but who understand something that very few people do. We’re a network, an incredibly strong support system. We will bond together and grow together and we’re there for each other,” says Keller.
Check in for The Retreat opens Friday October 26 at 4:00 p.m. with opening remarks from Ramsey Keller Memorial Founder Kori Keller starting at 6:00 p.m. Saturday’s agenda kicks off at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast, followed by the keynote address from Franchesca Cox, break out topical discussions, a message from Kori Keller about unnecessary baggage, a creative outlet activity presented and donated by Held Your Whole Life, a second impactful message from Franchesca Cox followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m.. Sunday includes breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m. followed by a panel discussion. The Retreat wraps up at 11:00 a.m. Sunday.
For more information or to register, visit The Retreat Website. Moms are encouraged to seek sponsors if they choose to do so, as payment for the retreat is considered a non-profit donation to the Ramsey Keller Memorial. While the topics are tailored for moms who have experienced baby loss, moms are welcome to invite the women who support them to attend so that they may be joined by sisters, mothers and close friends.
