Michael and Katherine Lazar are the epitome of finding light after the darkness. In 2022, the couple suffered an unexpected loss that would change their lives forever. Their son Brody died on Jan. 17 and was stillborn on Jan. 18. With the support of Northside’s H.E.A.R.T.strings Perinatal Palliative Care Program, the couple was able to memorialize their son and help his name to live on.
H.E.A.R.T.strings played a crucial role in helping the couple create lasting memories of Brody. Through the program's guidance, Michael and Katherine were encouraged to capture every moment, to take photographs, and to hold their son close for as long as possible. These precious memories, though bittersweet, became cherished reminders of the love they shared with Brody.
Reflecting on their experience with H.E.A.R.T.strings, Katherine emphasized the importance of embracing every fleeting moment with a child lost too soon.
“Those are the only, you know, hardcore memories that we have to look back at and really cherish our time with him," Katherine said.
"What I learned from working with H.E.A.R.T.strings was to tell mothers and parents who are in that situation to take the pictures to hold them as long as you possibly can. Do the things that you don't want to do because you'll never get to go back and do them."
Amid their grief and pain, Michael and Katherine Lazar found strength in each other. Determined to honor the memory of their beloved son Brody, they embarked on a journey of healing and advocacy. Katherine started a podcast, "At a Total Loss," to inspire, support, motivate and even entertain women as they navigate life after infant loss.
For families who have not experienced infant loss, Katherine feels, “It's really important for people who have never experienced baby loss or infant loss to know that what's special to us is we want to talk about our babies. Consider us moms. Know that we are grieving and we always will grieve."
For families who have not experienced infant loss, Katherine feels, “It's really important for people who have never experienced baby loss or infant loss to know that what's special to us is we want to talk about our babies. Consider us moms. Know that we are grieving and we always will grieve."
Together, the couple hosts their annual Raised by Angels Charity Gala. The gala helps educate and brings awareness to stop preventable stillbirth in the U.S. Through their endeavors, they turned the darkest chapter of their lives into a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for others who may be treading through the shadows of grief.
Watch their heartfelt story.
