Beyond The Silent Stars

Honoring Military Families Through Pregnancy and Infant Loss: A Conversation with Dr. Lakeatta Tong

What happens when pregnancy and infant loss intersects with military life? In this heartfelt Memorial Day episode, Dr. Lakeatta Tong reflects on her 24 years in the United States Air Force, the creation of Airman’s Angels, and the unique challenges military families face while navigating grief, infertility, pregnancy after loss, and postpartum mental health. This conversation is a moving reminder of the importance of showing up, holding space, and ensuring no family grieves alone.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Megan Hanson’s Story & the Path to Answers

After experiencing six pregnancy losses, Megan Hanson turned her grief into action—co-founding the Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Association to support families and push for better answers. In this episode, she shares her story, the gaps in care, and why no one should have to navigate recurrent loss alone.

Supporting Grieving Fathers: Rob Reider on the Sad Dads Club

In this moving episode, Sad Dads Club co-founder Rob Reider opens up about the often-unseen grief fathers carry after pregnancy or infant loss. Rob shares his personal journey and how it inspired the creation of a community where men can grieve openly, connect with others, and finally feel acknowledged. This conversation shines a light on the importance of recognizing and supporting dads in their healing.

Finding Light After Loss: Rachell Dumas on Nine Pregnancy Losses and A Light After Nine

In this heartfelt episode of the Star Legacy Foundation podcast, Rachell Dumas, founder of A Light After Nine, shares her journey through nine pregnancy losses and how she turned her grief into a mission of hope. Hear how she honors her children by supporting other families through loss -offering light, comfort, and community in their darkest moments.

Miss Alabama, Brianna Sistrunk

Miss Alabama Brianna Sistrunk shares her journey through pregnancy loss, healing in grief, and transforming her pain into purpose as a source of hope and support for others.

Dr. Barbara Toppin

Dr. Barbara Toppin is an obstetrician, author, and fierce advocate for families. She is not afraid to think outside the box to help families have successful and healthy pregnancies. As the new Board Chair for Star Legacy Foundation, she brings leadership, strength, compassion, and ideas that are critical to making progress toward the prevention and improved care of perinatal loss.

Elizabeth Minton

Dr. Elizabeth Minton is a researcher, marketing professor, and bereaved mother. In this episode, she describes how these roles have inspired her recent work looking into how social norms and activities play a role in perinatal bereavement.

Denise Nelsen

In her role as a Family Support Specialist for Star Legacy Foundation, Denise Nelsen speaks with hundreds of families who are impacted by pregnancy loss and infant death. Her training in social work, plus her own experience as a bereaved grandmother, helped shape her unique approach to ensuring families have the support they need along their grief journeys. In this episode, we learn more about Denise and what she has learned about working with these families.