Courage in Time Inc. supports families who have experienced stillbirth and infant loss through curated bereavement boxes, grief and postpartum resources, and connection to other bereaved families.
Our Story.
Courage in Time Inc. was established in memory of Lorenzo Francisco Martinez, the warrior son of our founders, Jillian and Pedro. Lorenzo was born on May 30, 2021 at 27 weeks 4 days. He lived for 12 beautiful days before being welcomed into heaven on June 11, 2021.
At Jillian’s 20 week anatomy scan she was diagnosed with placenta previa and was told the worst case scenario would be delivering 3 weeks early via C-section. However, at 27 weeks 4 days she experienced life threatening hemorrhaging that led to an emergency c-section and Lorenzo’s premature birth.
Lorenzo settled into what we thought would be his temporary home in the NICU really well. We spent every day with him while getting to know his medical needs and personality. The nurses and doctors answered all of our questions and talked about the challenges a premature baby would face. On day 10, our progress came to a screeching stop when we learned that Lorenzo had developed an infection. We watched as his little body fought harder and harder. Unfortunately, the infection and the many challenges of prematurity were fatal.
While Lorenzo received exceptional medical care in the NICU, Jillian and Pedro were disappointed by the lack of emotional support and guidance offered to them by Jillian’s obstetrician at the time. As first time parents they felt lost and unsupported in a journey they never imagined themselves on. Jillian was so unsettled by this that she channeled her inner advocate and mama instincts to establish Courage in Time Inc.
Courage Connections
We started this community to bring courage, compassion, and connection to bereaved families like ours. Here are the just a few of the connections we’ve made thus far!
“I have more than 20 years experience in the NICU, yet have little comfort or confidence in caring for families experiencing the loss of their baby. Your generosity in sharing your painful loss and insights made me determined to do better and be better for our families. I cannot thank you enough for your bravery in opening your heart and sharing with us your devastating loss.”
“My husband held the warming heart and said ‘it feels like when I held my baby’ and I almost cried. Thank you so much for giving him this memory.”
“Thank you for your openness and incredible insight tonight at the talk. Your strength permeated right through your words. I am a therapist in southern NJ and will absolutely be using your nonprofit as a resource.”
“I wanted to say I really appreciate the courage box we received. We absolutely loved it. We are looking forward to reading the books. I think it will help us see we are not alone in this journey.”
“I received one of your boxes from Hackensack Hospital a couple weeks back. I want to say thank you for creating this. I had a hard time getting ready to leave and this box helped me get out of what I was feeling. Thank you.”
“I recently received one of your boxes and it brought us so much comfort. My 7 year old sleeps with her "baby bear" every night. She hugs the stuffy when she's sad about the baby we lost. Thanks for all you do. It matters.”
