Matt & LaShae Burwell’s Story

"Our sweet angel, Eleanor Burwell, was born sleeping on October 9, 2022. We cherish the many special memories we made during our journey with her and feel incredibly grateful for every moment.

In June 2022, we reached what was the final stage of our IVF journey: embryo transfer day. We were filled with hope and excitement, believing that soon we would welcome the baby we had longed for to complete our family.

A few weeks later, our dream came true—we found out we were pregnant. Our miracle baby was due to arrive in March 2023. We were overjoyed, eager to share the news with our supportive family and friends. We already knew she would be Eleanor, our sweet Ela, and she would join her big sister Amelia as the final, missing piece of our family puzzle.

Thanks to our IVF team, we had the privilege of watching Eleanor grow week after week. Hearing her heartbeat for the first time was an incredible blessing, and each moment we spent with her was a miracle. Carrying and protecting her was an honor we will never forget.

Then, in an instant, our world changed.

After a day spent visiting friends and relaxing, I felt something was wrong. Deep down, I knew our sweet Eleanor was no longer with us. My husband and I rushed to the hospital, and after a long and traumatic experience, we gave birth to our sleeping angel. Eleanor was absolutely perfect in every way.

It was the most challenging time of our lives, filled with uncertainty and heartache. But through it all, the Lima Memorial Family Birth Center was our lifeline. Their unwavering support during those dark days meant more to us than words can express. We are so grateful for the compassion and care we received, along with the support of Sufficient Grace Ministries and the thoughtful items provided by these teams.

Though Eleanor was no longer with us in this world, we were given the precious opportunity to bathe, dress and take pictures with her. We introduced her to our family, and though her time with us was brief, her presence will forever be in our hearts. Among the many cherished items, we have to remember her by, one stands out—an elephant, a constant reminder that Eleanor’s life, no matter how short, mattered deeply."

– LaShae Burwell, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Foundation, Marketing & Volunteer Services           Lima Memorial Health System