Introducing Share Español: Esperanza

Families who experience the death of a baby often have difficulty finding resources to comfort and guide them through the challenging times they face on their grief journey. While Share has been a go-to resource for parents and professionals for written materials, online support and group meetings, similar resources for those who do not speak English have typically been scarce. To address the needs of grieving families who speak Spanish, Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support recently launched a new program, “Share Español: Esperanza.” While Share has provided informational brochures in Spanish in the past, the scope of what is now available has been expanded thanks to the passion and dedication of Share volunteers Silvia Bowman and Valeria DeBernardo.

In addition to brochures, the Grieving, Healing and Finding Hope booklets are now available in Spanish along with a resource page on the Share website, a closed Facebook group for Spanish-speaking bereaved parents and an online support group that meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month. As part of the Share Español: Esperanza, program, trained Spanish-speaking caregivers are available on request to offer phone support, and soon, a face-to-face support group will be available for those in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

We will continue to update our resources and develop the reach of our Spanish material. Our desire is to continue improving our support of families and professionals in Spanish-speaking communities.

Meet Valeria

My name is Valeria. I joined Share in March 2013 after our first baby was stillborn at 31 weeks. Share provided the support I needed immediately after our loss and during the subsequent pregnancy.

After our daughter died, I searched the internet for resources in English and Spanish to help me cope with my loss. I was able to find a lot of resources in English, but there were very few resources in Spanish.

I decided to collaborate in creating a support group in Spanish because I believe Spanish-speaking parents need as much support as their English-speaking counterparts. Share is a great community where grieving parents can find the support they need. During our virtual meetings, you will find the support you need in a non-judgmental environment. You can share as much information as you feel comfortable with or just listen. I hope to help you on your healing journey.

Mi nombre es Valeria. Comencé a participar en el grupo de apoyo Share en marzo del 2013, después de la perdida de mi primer embarazo, a las 31 semanas de gestación. Share me proporcionó el apoyo que necesitaba en esos momentos y durante mi siguiente embarazo.

Después de que nuestra hija murió, busqué recursos en inglés y en español que pudieran ayudarme a lidiar con tanto dolor. Encontré mucho material y recursos en inglés, pero no así en español.

Ante esta situación, decidí colaborar con Share para crear un grupo de apoyo en español, porque creo que todos los padres, indistintamente si son de lengua hispana o inglesa, necesitan apoyo para afrontar el duelo.

Share es una gran comunidad donde los padres pueden encontrar el apoyo que necesitan. Durante nuestros encuentros virtuales, encontrarán el apoyo que necesitan en un entorno sin prejuicios. Pueden expresarse tanto como lo sientan o deseen o pueden solamente escuchar.

Espero poder ayudarlos durante su proceso de duelo.

Meet Silvia

My name is Silvia Torres Bowman. I am a mom, a wife, an export consultant from Lima, Peru. In 2007, my husband and I suffered a devastating loss at 14 weeks of pregnancy after 9 long years of dealing with infertility issues and multiple medical treatments. Unfortunately, I was not given any information materials or any counseling referral upon my release from the hospital…not even comforting words from my doctor. My family and friends did not know what to say or how to care for me. I will never forget that huge hole in my heart and those feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.

I was fortunate to find Share on the internet a couple of weeks after my loss and have been a volunteer and parent companion since then. Share has helped me immensely during my long grieving journey and I will always be grateful to this amazing organization as well as fully committed to its mission.

I am currently co-leading Share Español Esperanza, assisting and inspiring grieving families from the Hispanic community by sharing my journey of loss, hope and deep faith.

My hope is that grieving parents may find comfort in my story and my words.

Mi nombre es Silvia Torres Bowman. Soy madre, esposa, consultora de exportaciones y nacida en Lima, Perú. En el 2007, mi esposo y yo sufrimos una devastadora pérdida a las 14 semanas de embarazo y después de 9 largos años de infertilidad y multiples tratamientos médicos. Desafortunadamente, después de mi pérdida y durante la salida del hospital, no me dieron ninguna información, materiales o recomendaciones de ningun tipo…ni siquiera palabras de consuelo por parte de mi doctora. Mi familia y amigos no sabían ni qué decir ni cómo cuidarme. Nunca olvidaré ese immenso hueco en mi corazón y esos sentimientos de soledad y desesperación.

Afortunadamente pude encontrar a Share en la internet un par de semanas después de mi pérdida y desde ese entonces brindo servicio de voluntaria y acompañante. Share me ha ayudado infinitamente durante mi largo proceso de duelo y siempre estaré agradecida a esta fabulosa organización y también a su increíble misión.

Actualmente co-dirijo Share Español Esperanza, ayudando e inspirando a familias Hispanas en duelo, a través de mi historia de pérdida, esperanza y profunda fe.

Espero que los padres y familias en duelo puedan encontrar alivio a través de mi historia y mis palabras.