Tepeyac's Perinatal Hospice Program at the National Right to Life Convention

Tepeyac OB/GYN's Kristen Anderson Perinatal Hospice Program was highlighted in a presentation at the National Right to Life convention held in Herndon, Virginia in late June. The program was named in honor of the daughter of Tepeyac's recently-retired Dr. Marie Anderson. Presenting for Tepeyac and Divine Mercy Care (DMC) were Kathryn Doherty, Chair of the DMC Board of Directors, and Alana Csoka (pictured, right), registered nurse at Tepeyac OB/GYN responsible for administering the perinatal hospice program. Perinatal hospice is a model of medical and emotional support for parents who choose to continue their pregnancies following a prenatal diagnosis indicating that their babies have a life-limiting condition and might die before or shortly after birth. Tepeyac's program recognizes that each minute a parent spends with their child is precious. The program goal is to see each pregnancy to its natural fruition and to deliver in the fullness of time, thus allowing the baby and family to experience a lifetime together.   Once an adverse prenatal diagnosis is identified, Tepeyac's doctors educate parents on the option to continue the pregnancy. Moms and babies are provided with excellent medical care and seamless support throughout pregnancy, delivery, and a year postpartum. Recognizing the value of every human life, Tepeyac also connects families with additional supportive resources. Kathryn Doherty is also a former perinatal hospice patient whose sixth child was diagnosed with a potentially lethal birth defect. She reflected, "There was so much pressure to terminate. I was told by other doctors it was selfish to continue my pregnancy and that I was going to make my baby suffer needlessly because she was incompatible with life. But I just knew it wasn't my decision to make. I had to see it through, however it ended." At Tepeyac, Kathryn found comfort, care, and peace. She also delivered a daughter, Margaret Grace, on the Feast of the Assumption, in 2013. Her baby, whom some doctors said was incompatible with life, will be 8 years old this summer.   Tepeyac OB/GYN and DMC additionally offer an annual infant memorial service each October for babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, and other early infant loss, along with a Certificate of Life to acknowledge even the shortest of lives.

In June, we Celebrate Fathers

Diocesan Work Campers Walk from DMC

Each year, the Diocese of Arlington offers a work camp experience for hundreds of its high school students. Work Campers from St. Veronica Catholic Church in Chantilly completed their week of service with a 4-hour pro-life walk. They began this prayerful walk on the morning of June 25, at Tepeyac OB/GYN and Divine Mercy Care in Fairfax. Twenty students met with Barbara Remington of Divine Mercy Care. She shared our mission, explaining how 1 in 3 pregnant women at Tepeyac are assisted by the funds raised by DMC. They walked from Tepeyac/Divine Mercy Care to the 9-11 Memorial at the Fairfax Government Center. Reciting the Rosary, the group walked on to Truro Anglican Church in Fairfax to visit the Memorial to the Unborn and lay roses at the site where 227 aborted children are buried.

Infant Gift Basket Needs

Divine Mercy Care's Infant Gift Basket program provides 12-15 baskets per month to families in need of material assistance. We are currently in need of: Pacifiers; and Diaper rash ointment or cream (such as Desitin or A&D) Donations of these items will be gladly accepted in person or by delivery to our Divine Mercy Care office at: 4001 Fair Ridge Dr., Suite 305, Fairfax, VA 22033. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Hannah's Hope Infertility Support Group

Tepeyac OB/GYN's infertility support group, Hannah's Hope, continues to meet at Tepeyac OB/GYN in Fairfax on the second Monday of each month at 6 pm. The next meeting will be on July 12. All women touched by infertility are welcome to attend. For more information, email Sandra or Megan at [email protected].

Divine Mercy Care Celebrates New Donors

During our Changing Hearts, Saving Lives webcast event in May, Divine Mercy Care and Tepeyac OB/GYN were so very pleased to receive donations from 113 new donors. We are so very thankful for all of our donors and welcome those who have recently joined in supporting us.

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