Ari
Foss Foundation helps ease the financial burden of a funeral or cremation to
families facing the loss of a child due to a stillbirth.
Aaron
and Laura Silverman faced a devastating loss in 2014 when their son Ari was
stillborn. While overwhelmed with sadness, Aaron worked through the difficult
process of planning a funeral as his wife healed from the delivery. In addition
to their grief, the couple had to deal with the stress of unexpected funeral
expenses.
"When the worst has happened, you don't want to plan a funeral," says Aaron, co-founder and executive director of the Ari Foss Foundation. "After our child died, my wife and I wanted to help other families going through this painful time."
In 2015, they founded the Ari Foss Foundation, based in North Charleston, SC. The organization provides educational resources and financial assistance for basic funeral or cremation expenses to families that have lost their child due to stillbirth.
Many families go through this emotionally difficult and financially straining situation. In the United States, stillbirths impact more than 25,000 families each year, occurring in one in 160 pregnancies. The average cost for a funeral is more than $1,000 and cremations are about $500.
The Ari Foss Foundation is a partner of the Palliative Care Program at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to help pay funeral or cremation expenses. MUSC is a teaching hospital and sees many high-risk patients. Partnering with MUSC ensures the foundation's resources go to low and middle-income families who need the most help. Operating expenses are covered by grants and Aaron's property management company so that 100% of donations go to help pay for funeral and cremation costs.
"A family friend experienced a stillbirth decades ago and could not afford a funeral, something that still causes her pain," says Aaron. "Our organization is here to help families so they can grieve and begin the healing process."
Learn more at Ari Foss Foundation.
-------------------------------
About Cingo: The name Cingo means to surround and secure, conveying the company's commitment to home protection. The company has been protecting families in the Southeast since 1974. It provides home protection services throughout Georgia and South Carolina, including Atlanta, Augusta, Charleston, Douglas, Dublin, Milledgeville, Savannah, Vidalia, Waycross and all points in between. Cingo was named a Best Place to Work in Georgia by Georgia Trend Magazine and listed as a National Best & Brightest Company to Work For. Learn more at www.cingohome.com.