Our Story
After a normal, uneventful pregnancy, we eagerly awaited the birth of our triplets. As all expectant parents do, we looked forward to our baby’s upcoming arrival with joyful anticipation, believing this would be the happiest time of our lives. Sadly, it was not to be. On July 18, 2013, we welcomed our premature but perfect little boys Jabari, Amani, and Baraka.
Three months before our due date, I was admitted to the hospital after my water ruptured prematurely. Our only hope was that our precious babies would hold on just a little bit longer. After a long and difficult journey, the babies finally made their way into the world prematurely at 30 weeks.
Jabari, my little Warrior, fought from the minute he took his first breath having to be resuscitated three times. He was the most handsome, strongest little boy. He stayed with Mommy and Daddy every day preparing us for his departure in his own special way. However, heaven’s doors finally opened for him on September 28th, 2013.
Amani gave us faith and courage for the journey that we were set to embark. He made his entrance into the world and gave us 27 hours of pure warmth and love. Those were the best 27 hours of our life. As I held him in my arms, I remember the pain I felt as a mother, the hopelessness, the desperation the thought of “why” – why do I have to be the one to watch and cling painfully as my son takes his last breath? On July 19th, 2013 we said our goodbyes.
We have been told of an old proverb that says a person can actually die two deaths. The first happens when your physical body dies; the second occurs when people stop mentioning your name. We felt strongly that we would not let this happen to our sons Jabari and Amani Lewis. We decided to honor their name by establishing the Jabari and Amani Foundation.
What We Do
The Jabari and Amani Foundation is a 501(c)3 national non-profit organization coordinated by volunteers, who through personal experience have become passionate about providing support to families of premature or sick infants and to those who have been affected by pregnancy and infant loss.
We make a lifelong commitment to supporting families who are experiencing pregnancy and infant loss through Grief and Bereavement counseling and support. Healing and remembrance continue to be fostered through programming such as peer-to-peer support and our annual candlelight vigil.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide wholehearted support to families after the loss of their pregnancy or child and to ensure that no one goes through these difficult circumstances alone.
Vision Statement
To build a community where those suffering from grief and loss due to the loss of a child have access to the compassionate resources and support that they need.
Talk to Us
If you would like to learn more about our foundation, please contact us at 1-800-537-0492.