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Our Accomplishments

STAR LEGACY MILESTONES

Star Legacy Foundation is grateful for the support that we have received over the years. Because of our donors, volunteers, chapters, board of directors, and everyone in between, we have been able to accomplish great feats. Below, take a look at our milestones!

2025

In 2025, the Star Legacy Foundation made significant strides across all core areas, highlighted by the continued growth of the International Partnership for Perinatal Excellence (IPPE). We expanded our research footprint, increased family support services to reach hundreds more in need, and broadened our educational initiatives through new podcasts and online modules.
2025 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2025.

Research

  • Increased enrollment in the Pregnancy Research Project (PRP) by 6%.
  • Provided more than $80,000 in research grants.
  • Supported recruitment for 11 partner studies.
  • Welcomed a new Research and Education Coordinator.

Family Support

  • Supported 675 families through the Support Line (a 69% increase).
  • Provided more than 250 hours of Support Groups with a 41% increase in attendance.
  • Contacted 756 families referred to MNCSID and WICSID.
  • Collected and distributed more than 5,500 baby items to newly bereaved families.

Continuing Education

  • Continued the growth of the IPPE network, reaching 69 certified members and 39 partnering organizations.
  • Hosted the Summit for Perinatal Excellence and published the proceedings.
  • Launched Perinatal Grand Rounds and Beyond the Silent Stars podcasts.
  • Launched 38 new online learning modules with a 140% increase in utilization.
  • Hosted 18 live workshops, presented at 13 meetings, and exhibited at 27 conferences.
  • Distributed nearly 150,000 family education materials to 450 health organizations.
  • Offered monthly childbirth education classes for pregnancy after loss.

Building Awareness

  • Hosted 20 Champion Events.
  • Chapters hosted 27 family support/awareness events and 19 community events.
  • Increased social media followers by 18%.
  • Featured on NFL cleats and partnered with Mrs. Alabama and Moonpig greeting cards.

Volunteers

  • Benefitted from more than 100 trained peers on the peer support team.
  • Logged more than 5,000 volunteer hours.

Organizational Growth

  • Added 8 new chapters to the organization.
  • Hosted the Chapter Retreat in Victoria, MN.

Advocacy

  • Supported 9 federal, state, and local initiatives supporting bereaved families.

2024

2024 was a year of global expansion and new beginnings. We successfully extended the Pregnancy Research Project internationally and officially launched the IPPE professional network. Our family support, continuing education programs, and organizational presence grew substantially, allowing us to reach more families and health professionals than ever before.
2024 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2024.

Research

  • Enrolled participants from 49 out of the 50 United States AND 29 different countries including (but not limited to): Argentina, France, Hungary, India, Ireland, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
  • Promoted participation in 9 different research studies.

Family Support

  • Supported more than 400 families through the Support Line.
  • Nearly 2,000 people attended 198 hours of support groups.
  • Added an Early Pregnancy Loss group and expanded Fathers and Grandparents sessions.
  • Supported 912 families through MNCSID and WICSID.

Continuing Education

  • Launched the International Partnership for Perinatal Excellence (IPPE) professional network and education program.
  • Certified the first 20 IPPE members.
  • Added 14 new virtual education modules and hosted 14 new education workshops.
  • Educated more than 1,200 health professionals on perinatal loss prevention and care.
  • Presented at 9 health professional conferences.
  • Exhibited at 13 health professional conferences.
  • Distributed more than 100,000 free family education materials to families and 350+ health facilities.
  • Added three new education brochures: Lactation After Loss, Difficult Decisions, and Palliative Care.

Building Awareness

  • Attended 14 meetings and events across the country to share pregnancy and infant loss prevention messages.

Volunteers

  • Trained 40 new peer companions for the Peer Support Program.
  • Logged nearly 5,000 volunteer hours from chapter leaders, peer companions, and event volunteers.

Organizational Growth

  • Added 5 new Chapters: New Jersey, Memphis, Colorado, Arkansas, and East Bay (CA).
  • Welcomed two new staff members: Sarit Bridell and Leigh Peterson.

2023

During 2023, we experienced pivotal organizational growth, marked by a move to new foundation offices and a notable increase in annual revenue. This strengthened foundation empowered us to publish new Stillbirth Scorecards, expand our live continuing education events, and successfully advocate for crucial national and state legislation supporting bereaved families.
2023 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2023.

Research

  • Began data analysis of the COSMOS Study.
  • Supported publication of Advice from Bereaved Parents.
  • Published the 2018 and 2019 Stillbirth Scorecards.
  • Published 2020 and 2021 Stillbirth Scorecards.
  • Encouraged enrollment in 11 research studies in addition to the PRP.

Continuing Education

  • More than 200 educational modules accessed.
  • Presented 13 live workshops to 9 health organizations.
  • Exhibited at 9 health professional meetings and presented at 6 health professional meetings.
  • Distributed 97,000 printed materials to 346 organizations.
  • Added new patient materials including Spanish Support Group Cards, Palliative Care/Difficult Decisions brochures, and Tips/Tricks for Caring for Bereaved Parents.

Building Awareness

  • Over 3,000 individuals attended 24 Champion Events.
  • Exhibited at 10 pregnancy expos around the country.
  • Increased national and chapter social media followings by 15-17%.

Organizational Growth

  • Welcomed 7 new team members.
  • Added new Chapters in Idaho and Montana.
  • Welcomed New Chapter Leadership in Chicago, South Florida, and Maryland.
  • Hosted a Chapter Retreat in Minnesota.

Advocacy

  • Supported national legislation including SHINE, the NIH IMPROVE Act, and the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2022.
  • Supported state efforts including tax credits (CA, MO, MN, CT) and family leave acts (NY, MN).

2022

In 2022, we focused on enhancing our digital and educational resources, headlined by the launch of a comprehensive new Learning Management System. Alongside this, we expanded our family support groups, earned top non-profit designations, and continued to lead vital advocacy efforts, all supported by a dedicated and growing network of volunteers.
2022 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2022.

Research

  • Encouraged enrollment in 11 research studies plus the PRP.
  • Added the National CMV Foundation and Healing Moments Counseling as PRP Partnering Organizations.
  • Published 2018 and 2019 Stillbirth Scorecards.

Family Support

  • Supported 1,500 families through 7 different Support Groups with over 200 hours of sessions.
  • Supported 665 families through MNCSID and secured grant funding to replicate the program in Wisconsin.
  • Hosted monthly PAL Childbirth Education classes.

Continuing Education

  • Launched the new Learning Management System.
  • Hosted 21 Live Continuing Education Events and presented at 9 health professional meetings.
  • Distributed more than 93,000 patient education materials to 273 organizations.

Building Awareness

  • Grew the newsletter to 25,000+ subscribers (26% increase).
  • Exhibited at 10 pregnancy expos around the country.
  • Led October Campaign events, highlighted by lighting Michigan's McKay Tower pink and blue.
  • Named "Leading Champions in the Prevention & Care of Pregnancy Loss" by Acquisition International.

Volunteers

  • Logged 5,000+ volunteer hours donated by 88 volunteers.
  • Maintained an active roster of 120+ Peer Companions.

Organizational Growth

  • Welcomed Rachel and Heidi to the team.
  • Welcomed New Chapter Leadership in Chicago, South Florida, Maryland, and Massachusetts.
  • Earned GuideStar Platinum and Great Non-Profits designations.
  • Tracked constituents in all 50 states plus DC.
  • Hosted the Chapter Chairs Retreat in San Antonio, TX.

Advocacy

  • Held multiple meetings with state and local leaders regarding stillbirth issues and replicating MNCSID.
  • Supported major national acts and state tax credit/family leave legislation.

2021

2021 showcased our resilience and commitment to our mission, highlighted by a highly successful virtual Stillbirth Summit that brought together over 1,100 participants. We funded significant research grants, expanded our Pregnancy Research Project, and ensured thousands of families received uninterrupted, critical support during challenging times.
2021 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2021.

Research

  • Funded more than $150,000 in research grants.
  • Continued to track previously funded studies still in progress: Understanding Sleep Disordered Breathing, Stillbirth, and Placental Disfunction: A Study of Placental Morphology; and Reduced fetal movements Overnight Sleep Evaluation (ROSE Study).
  • Enrolled over 2,000 participants in the PRP from 49 states and 27 countries.
  • Partnered with Ariadne Labs to consider adaptation of Care Bundles for the US.

Family Support

  • Supported more than 2,000 families on the 24/7 Support Line.
  • Added a new Spanish Speaking Support Group.
  • Had more than 1,800 people attend our support groups.
  • Supported 626 families through the Minnesota Center for Stillbirth and Infant Death (MNCSID).

Continuing Education

  • Provided 23 Education Workshops for Health Care Professionals across the country.
  • Distributed 75,000 brochures to 250 health care facilities across 47 states.
  • Made Safer Pregnancy cards available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Arabic, French, and Turkish.

Building Awareness

  • Hosted 23 Champion Events across 13 states.
  • Participated in 12 Awareness Events to share safer pregnancy information.

Volunteers

  • Equipped 113 Peer Companions to help families across the United States.

Organizational Growth

  • Completed team-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training.
  • Welcomed 3 new Chapters: Greater Kansas City, South Carolina, and Mississippi.
  • Welcomed 3 new staff members (Kelly, Mikayla, and Colleen), a new Support Group Facilitator (Anna), and 4 new board members (Jacqueline, Jared, Shaylee, and Jenny).
  • Thanked Dale Fuller for his term as Board Chair, welcomed Andrea Lang as the new Chair, and thanked Mindy Mueller for her 10+ years on the Board of Directors.

2020

In a year of unprecedented challenges, 2020 saw the Foundation adapt swiftly to meet the needs of our community. We launched a dedicated COVID-19 study, provided direct support to over 2,600 families, and significantly expanded the accessibility of our educational materials by translating them into multiple languages, all while gaining national recognition.
2020 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2020.

Research

  • Provided $130,000 in research grants.
  • Launched a dedicated COVID-19 study.

Family Support

  • Directly supported 2,674 families.
  • Held 164 hours of support groups and welcomed 580 new participants.

Continuing Education

  • Hosted 27 education events for health professionals.
  • Created 3 new brochures and distributed over 70,000 patient education materials.
  • Translated family education materials into Hmong, Somali, and Spanish.
  • Translated Safer Pregnancy Cards into 7 languages.

Building Awareness

  • Held 24 Champion Events.
  • Expanded website translations to 11 different languages.

Organizational Growth

  • Welcomed 3 new chapters.
  • Launched the internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team.

2019

2019 was a foundational year marked by the launch of major, long-term initiatives. We officially established the Pregnancy Research Project and the Minnesota Center for Stillbirth and Infant Death. These milestones, along with the successful 2019 Stillbirth Summit, laid a robust groundwork for our future research and family support endeavors.
2019 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2019.

Research

  • Launched the Pregnancy Research Project.
  • Published the US Stillbirth Scorecards.

Family Support

  • Launched the Minnesota Center for Stillbirth and Infant Death (MNCSID).
  • Added "Dad's Grief" and "Coping with Infant Death" support groups.
  • Launched Childbirth Classes for Pregnancy After Loss.

Continuing Education

  • Hosted the 2019 Stillbirth Summit with nearly 300 attendees.
  • Hosted 12 education events in 7 states, presented at 3 conferences, and exhibited at 30.
  • Created new prevention materials.
  • Sent more than 102,000 family education materials across 46 states.
  • 154 organizations utilizing our family education materials.

Building Awareness

  • Hosted 35 Champion Events.

Volunteers

  • Supported more than 600 families through peer support.

Organizational Growth

  • Added 6 new chapters to the organization.

2018

In 2018, Star Legacy Foundation experienced significant growth, adding 12 new chapters and continuing to remove the stigma around pregnancy loss. With over 6,500 volunteer hours donated, we expanded support groups, hosted 27 champion events, and advanced critical research.
2018 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2018.

Research

  • STARS Study paper by Jane Warland on maternal intuition published in Midwifery.
  • STARS Study paper by Louise O’Brien on sleep published in Birth.
  • Granted $56,000 in research funds.

Family Support

  • Held regular support groups for bereaved parents, bereaved grandparents, and pregnancy after a loss.
  • Hosted first birthing class for PAL.
  • Supported more than 200 families through peer support.
  • Added Parenting After A Loss Support Group.

Continuing Education

  • All education brochures now available in Spanish.
  • Parenting in Pregnancy translated into Hmong.
  • Provided 15 education events in 6 states.
  • More than 70,000 brochures provided to 110 health organizations.

Building Awareness

  • 27 champion events in 14 states with over 3,300 participants.
  • Exhibited at 17 health expos/conventions in 8 states.

Volunteers

  • Trained 57 new peer companions.
  • Over 6,500 volunteer hours donated.

Organizational Growth

  • Added 12 new chapters.
  • Celebrated 20 Chapters total.

Advocacy

  • Supported work on stillbirth tax credit legislation in 7 states and federally.

2017

2017 saw the launch of a new website, logo, and branding, alongside the successful Stillbirth Summit 2017. We expanded family support by collecting over 600 repurposed gowns and continued our educational reach through the newly launched Stillbirth Matters podcast.
2017 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2017.

Research

  • Supported publication of STARS Study paper on fetal movement in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.
  • Launched Needs Assessment Study to identify what families need from health professionals in the first weeks after a loss.
  • Created the framework for the Pregnancy Research Project.

Family Support

  • Collected more than 600 wedding and formal gowns to be repurposed into outfits for babies gone too soon.
  • Expanded online support groups to include grandparents.
  • Donated more than 2500 blankets, gowns, hats, and diapers to hospitals around the country to use for babies gone too soon.

Continuing Education

  • Hosted Stillbirth Summit 2017 – 3-day research/medical education conference that welcomed more than 200 people from 27 states and 7 countries.
  • 21 education events hosted for health professionals in 6 states.
  • Created new brochures for families and health professionals – 13 different documents that are being used by more than 50 organizations and hospitals in 16 states and British Columbia.

Building Awareness

  • Launched new website, logo, and branding.
  • Launched Stillbirth Matters podcast – nearly 3,000 downloads in first nine months.
  • #NeverBeStill campaign in October reached more than 18K per day.
  • New global awareness partnership with Tommy’s in the UK and Still Aware in Australia.

Volunteers

  • Trained 30 new peer companions to serve families in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Alabama, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Michigan, and California.

Organizational Growth

  • Welcomed 7 new chapters of Star Legacy Foundation.

Advocacy

  • Hosted team from New Zealand and Australia to present Project IMPROVE for the first time in the United States.

2015

In 2015, we continued making strides in stillbirth prevention and care. We successfully advocated for the creation of a Stillbirth Work Group in Minnesota, presented our research at international conferences, and expanded our educational resources for women and health professionals.
2015 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2015.

Research

  • Data from the STARS Study was presented at the International Stillbirth Alliance annual meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia.
  • First paper from the STARS Study published by Dr. Jane Warland in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.
  • Research focus groups conducted with grandparents of stillborn children regarding their loss journey.
  • Framework developed for 2016 launch of the Perinatal Research Registry.

Continuing Education

  • Presented “Stillbirth: Empowering Women for Prevention” at Lamaze/ICEA annual meeting.
  • Provided See Me, Feel Me materials to more than 2000 women throughout the United States and Canada.
  • Sponsored two retreats for bereavement staff at Maple Grove Hospital.
  • Poster presentation at American Public Health Association Conference.

Building Awareness

  • 14 Champion Events across the United States with more than 4,500 participants!
  • Media attention through numerous TV and newspaper interviews.

Advocacy

  • Successful legislation to create Stillbirth Work Group as part of the Minnesota Maternal Child Health Task Force.

2014

2014 was an amazing year characterized by the successful Stillbirth Summit 2014 and the completion of enrollment for the STARS Study. We welcomed new board members, hosted numerous Champion events, and continued our mission of providing optimal care and advancing stillbirth prevention research.
2014 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2014.

Research

  • The STARS Study finished enrollment in August 2014, with preliminary data presented at the Stillbirth Summit and ISA/ISPID event in Amsterdam.
  • Expanded our library of published stillbirth research.

Family Support

  • Continue and expand family support through 11 Angels.

Continuing Education

  • Hosted Stillbirth Summit 2014 in Medina, Minnesota with over 200 attendees.
  • Presented to numerous community and health care organizations about Star Legacy, stillbirth, and our programs.
  • See Me Feel Me materials are now being used in public health clinics in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Building Awareness

  • Met new friends through 6 Champion events.
  • Continued our blog – Stillbirth Matters.

Organizational Growth

  • Welcomed Sue Decker, Debbie Haine-Vijayvergyia, Laura Richert, and Patty Sorensen to our Board of Directors.

Advocacy

  • Participated in The Action for Stillbirth Awareness and Prevention (ASAP) Coalition planning meetings and interagency webinar with the CDC, HRSA, NICHD, and ACOG.

2013

2013 brought significant growth and excitement, marked by the inaugural "Let's Not Be Still!" events and the formation of the ASAP Coalition. We expanded our educational reach with the See Me Feel Me program and continued crucial data collection for the STARS Study.
2013 Annual Report

Annual Report

Our official annual report highlights the impact, progress, and milestones from 2013.

Research

  • The STARS Study passed the half-way point of its two-year enrollment period.
  • Continued to build and improve the research library available on our website.

Family Support

  • Continued fiscal sponsorship and support of 11 Angels who provide companioning support to families in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.
  • Fiscally-sponsored Janelle’s Baby Loss Memory Boxes serving the Duluth, Minnesota area.

Continuing Education

  • Began planning for Stillbirth Summit 2014 to be held in Medina, Minnesota.
  • Provided several in-service training sessions throughout the United States for physicians, nurses, midwives, and nursing students.
  • See Me Feel Me patient education program continued its success with more hospitals, clinics, and expectant families adopting the concepts and materials.

Building Awareness

  • Founding member and held positions on the Steering Committee of the Action for Stillbirth Awareness and Prevention (ASAP) Coalition.
  • Inaugural events for Let’s Not Be Still! including a golf tournament, Brunch with Miss America, and a 5K Run/1 Mile Walk.
  • Other Champions events hosted by the Goodyear, Kvien, Mueller, and VanderWood families, and irun4littlehearts.
  • Created an awareness video for Let's Not Be Still! that was used in multiple locations as part of October Awareness events.
  • Monthly newsletter got a new editor, Alicia Loehlein.
  • Supported the feature film Return to Zero and the documentary STILL Project.
  • Continued Stillbirth Matters blog reaching hundreds of families.

Organizational Growth

  • Welcomed three new members to our Board of Directors: Kristi Reinertson, Erin Fiaturuolo, and Joanne O’Leary.

Advocacy

  • Supported legislative efforts including the Farley-Kluger Initiative, the Autumn Joy Stillbirth Dignity and Awareness Act in New Jersey, The Sudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act, and The Stillbirth Awareness and Research Act of 2013.
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