On May 4th of 2024, our daughter and firstborn child, Heidi Michelle Strahl, was born and passed away. During labor, Heidi experienced prolonged Category III fetal distress, but her nurse failed to notify the doctor for critical intervention, leaving her in extreme distress for over an hour. She had a heartbeat until birth, but delayed action and delayed resuscitation by her nurse and the medical staff took her life and cost Heidi the chance to live.

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Heidi Saint James exists because her life mattered, her death was preventable, and no family should ever have to grieve in silence. Through education, support, and compassionate care, we work to change how pregnancy and infant loss are experienced by families and healthcare providers.

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The name reflects both the girl and boy names we held close, Heidi and James, as we waited to learn our baby’s gender at birth. We were filled with excitement, believing that moment would be joyful. Instead, after failed resuscitation, a nurse quietly came to us and whispered, “I’m so sorry, but she didn’t make it.” That was how we learned our baby was a girl, and that she would not be coming home with us.

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Shortly after Heidi passed, our priest came to bless her in the hospital and shared with us that she is now considered a saint in the Catholic Church. That blessing brought us deep comfort and inspired the name Heidi Saint James.

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During our time with Heidi in the hospital, we were able to create lasting memories with her, made possible by a cooling cot. We read her books, walked her through the hospital halls in her stroller, changed her into different outfits, and created keepsakes such as hand and footprints. These moments, though heartbreaking, are memories we will cherish forever.

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When planning Heidi’s funeral, we wanted it to feel like a celebration of her life rather than a goodbye. We asked friends and family to wear bright, colorful clothing and surrounded her casket with beautiful flowers. Preserving those flowers became important to us. Through preservation, we now have tangible pieces of that day in our home. Knowing those flowers were once physically in the same room as Heidi brings us comfort as we continue this journey of grief.

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When we think of Heidi, we think of the pink bow she wore in the hospital, her adorable little chin, and the legacy she carries forward in the lives she continues to touch.

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Heidi’s life, though brief, continues to guide us toward purpose, advocacy, and healing. In her honor, we proudly founded

Heidi Saint James.