About Us
Founders
Heather & Demitri Wilson
Tragedy turned into purpose
Seven years after losing their daughter Kennedy on August 17, 2009, the idea of sewing burial gowns for infants came to Heather Wilson’s mind. Kennedy didn’t have an appropriate or properly fitted gown for her burial, but Heather hoped others didn’t have to face the same problem.
Helping grieving families that share the pain of neonatal loss became the Wilson’s vision and they focused on honoring Kennedy this way.
Heather didn’t think she would survive the tragedy of losing Kennedy and the feelings of emptiness, but creating Kennedy’s Angel Gowns allowed her to discover life again — and it helped the healing process.
Dedicating herself to sew “angel gowns” and together helping others in their time of grief is the best way the Wilson’s keep the memory of Kennedy alive.
Heather & Demitri share their loneliest experience with others and raise awareness of pregnancy and infant loss any way they can. It takes courage to break the silence—talking about miscarriage, stillbirth, or other pregnancy loss—but they are making a difference with every single word.
The Wilson’s turned their tragedy into purpose. You might not have shared your own story of miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. The reason for that silence is understandable and it can be awkward; breaking it may have a greater purpose.
Mission & Vision
Kennedy's Angel Gowns' primary mission is to reach parents that faced (or are about to) the death of their infant baby.
While it is devastating for an infant to die, it also leaves parents unprepared for a funeral. Kennedy's Angel Gowns helps these families with a free infant burial gown so they can honor their child.
In addition to the garment, Kennedy's Angel Gowns offers emotional support. We visit the hospital, make phone calls, and connect with parents for as long as they need us.
Kennedy's Angel Gowns strives to support the pregnancy and infant loss community within the 757 area first, then wherever God needs us.
Raising Awareness
We are raising awareness of infertility, miscarriage, neonatal loss, stillbirth, and infant loss. Many endure the experience feeling alone or isolated and often unable to talk about their loss. When they do, the reactions of others often brings regret. Our mission is to help break that silence and isolation so people can heal and be surrounded by a community that understands.
“I didn’t think I’d survive this tragedy and feeling of emptiness, but through Kennedy’s Angel Gowns I’ve discovered life again and it has truly helped my healing process.”
•••• Heather Wilson
Providing Infant Burial Garments
Kennedy’s Angel Gowns sews infant burial gowns and garments made from donated wedding gowns. An “angel gown”, suit, or micro-wrap is provided at no cost to a family suffering the loss of their infant before, during, or shortly after birth.
Volunteer Board
Heather Wilson
Co-founder, Executive Director
Heather loves to sew ‘angel gowns’ and delivers comfort to mothers so they don’t suffer in silence through their loss. She speaks wherever she can to raise awareness of the silence that surrounds infertility, miscarriage, early neonatal loss, stillbirth, and infant loss. Heather has over 10 years experience in human resource services. She is a case manager at the Steven A Cohen Military Family Clinic at The Up Center.
Demitri Wilson
Co-Founder
Demitri supports with shipping and managing inventory. His contagious smile lights up a room and he continues to honor his daughter’s legacy by working however he can to help other bereaved families. He and his wife Heather have two children; Demitri often referred to as “little Demitri” and their rainbow baby Ryleigh. Demitri works full time as a battalion chief at Suffolk Fire & Rescue.
Krystal Gilliland
Treasurer
Rachael Small
Fundraising Chair
Sara Pociask
Secretary
Shannon Gibson
Event Coordinator
Bettie Sotomayor
Board Member
Evelyn Henley
Board Member
Sondra Nickerson
Board Member
Tiffany Henley
Board Member
Open Volunteer Positions (Board)
We are a small, volunteer-driven board in need of volunteers for key roles. If you have the heart to serve and possess experience with non-profits, we would love to hear from you.
- Grant Writer
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Donor Relations Manager
- Social Media Coordinator
- Director of Communications