In connecting through personal loss, Marcia Villarreal and Amanda Emerson-Burger started One Moment in hopes of creating a network of support and awareness in the valley centered on pregnancy and early infant loss.
Amanda
Marcia and Amanda, Roaring Fork Valley natives and former Carbondale neighbors, re-kindled their childhood friendship in 2010 after the loss of Amanda's baby girl, Ceiliedh Madison, at 23 weeks gestation. Amanda and her husband Craig found out during their routine 20 week ultrasound that Ceiliedh had Amniotic Band Syndrome and Limb Body Wall Complex and would not survive. This loss had a profound affect on Amanda and turned her personal loss and tragedy into the desire to support others through such losses that are so typically ignored by today's society. Amanda and Craig have recently been blessed by the birth of a healthy baby girl, Skyelar Brie, and will never forget the journey that brought them into parenthood.
Marcia
Marcia and her husband Gil have lost four children through miscarriage. After having their first child in 2004, Lucas John, Marcia suffered their first miscarriage in 2006. Her next pregnancy in 2008 brought Ethan Rae into their family. Marcia and Gil were excited with their next pregnancy in early 2010 but an early ultrasound at 12 weeks revealed no fetal heartbeat. They were shocked and disappointed beyond belief. Marcia suffered another miscarriage later in 2010 and their most recent in the summer of 2011. It has been Marcia's desire to turn her tremendous losses into the most positive thing she could – helping and supporting other women who go through the pain and grief of pregnancy loss.
It is our desire to bring healing and hope to families affected by pregnancy and early infant loss. We hope to help others see that there is joy on the other side of the deep valley of loss.