About
Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support, Inc.
The National Share Office
Our History
In the fall of 1977, due to the insistent urging of one bereaved young family at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, Sister Jane Marie Lamb, OSF began Share. Within four months, the first support group met and Share grew greatly under Sr. Jane's leadership and endless dedication. Dr. Glen Davidson, Professor at SIU Springfield School of Medicine was also instrumental in helping Sister Jane Marie change the way that perinatal grief was handled within the hospital community.
When Cathi Lammert, Share's previous Executive Director, visited Sister Jane Marie Lamb after her diagnosis of terminal cancer, Sister Jane Marie expressed about Share's growth: "It was beyond my wildest dreams that this could happen!" She told Cathi that "her life was so full and blessed" due to the ministry of Share. She was grateful to have met so many wonderful people and she was appreciative of all the people who carried on the work of caring for bereaved parents.
Share continues to live Sister Jane Marie's vision and legacy providing support for bereaved families in their darkest times. With over 75 Chapters nationwide, Sister Jane Marie is truly an inspiration within the Share and bereavement communities.
These Precious Babies Changed My Life
A Reflection by Share's Founder, Sister Jane Marie Lamb, OSF
It is always a privilege to honor and remember the many precious babies who were real and who were loved. My time of nearly 30 years journeying with bereaved parents has a been a gifted time for me in more ways than I could ever tell you. I treasure the memories of these precious babies and of their parents as I saw their courage and deep love for their child who had died. It was a privilege to share in the precious moments spent with these special babies. It was through the life and death of one precious little girl, Anna Marie, who was stillborn in the hospital where I had recently joined the staff as chaplain. This was in 1977 when the average caregiver, including myself, had no preparation to fall back on during the crisis precipitated by an infant's death. The parents were devastated when Anna Marie was stillborn. For the first three days, the father was alone, as the mother remained in a coma with complications and was hospitalized for a month.
Though I had been a Maternity nurse, I had no preparation to deal with grief, at least I didn't think I had any insights into their pain. Looking back, I realized that I had developed sensitivity to my mother's grief when my older sister died at age 18 - I was only 9 years old at the time. The parents taught me to listen with empathy, to respond to their needs and to be their advocate. They needed most an avenue to give them options and the opportunity to make their own decisions. My role became one of journeying with them, to comfort them and to listen. They became my first teachers.
Later when I moved to St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, through a series of circumstances in this large hospital, I found myself responding to other parents with a similar experience. From my beginnings with little Anne Marie, I have continued to journey with hundreds of families in the United States and other continents.
Every child's life is precious and who can be more precious to parents than their infant? The hopes and dreams for this child are filled with anticipation and joy. Suddenly, their dreams are shattered and the world around them shaken. The parents find it difficult as they try to make it alone. We as caregivers are privileged to journey with the families during this time of putting the pieces back together.
Our Leadership Legacy
We are deeply grateful to the directors who have helped guide Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support, Inc. through the years. Like Sr. Jane Marie, their leadership, dedication, and belief in the mission of Share have left a lasting impact on Share. Each past director had a vision for Share that shaped our growth and strengthened our ability to support families affected by pregnancy and infant loss. We honor their mighty contributions to Share and the influence they had on the perinatal bereavement community.
Sr. Jane Marie Lamb, OSF 1977-1991
Sr. Jane was Share's founder and led the organization from one support group and hospital program to a nation-wide network of support for bereaved parents. Her groundbreaking vision changed the course of perinatal bereavement care in our country and remains at the heart of each one of Share's programs.
Cathi Lammert, RN
1992-2013
Cathi generously took the reins of Share from Sr. Jane and led the organization for more than two decades. Under her direction, Share grew by leaps and bounds, all while she continued to provide support and hands-on care for families. She pioneered the Companion Program and educated professionals all over the country. She now serves on Share's Board of Directors.
Debra Cochran, BSN
2013-2019
After Cathi's retirement, Debbie stood at the helm of Share. Her passion for Share's mission fueled her drive to increase access to quality perinatal bereavement care through the huge expansion of Share's educational opportunities. Under Debbie's leadership, Share's online trainings were created and made available to care providers across the world.
Sarah Lawrenz, MA
2019-2024
Following the retirement of Debbie, Sarah graciously stepped into leading Share, having served the organization prior as the Development Director. Sarah led Share with a keen eye for growth, expanding Share's online presence and support for bereaved parents. Sarah remains a consultant for Share, offering both guidance and non-profit experience as we grow.
Our Share Team Today
Jennifer Stachula, BA
Executive Director
Jenn is a long-time supporter of Share and joined the staff in 2011. She has a passion for supporting families and brings to Share more than 25 years of experience in social service. In addition to leading Share, Jenn is a writer, educator, support group leader, as well as a bereaved parent. Jenn holds a BA in Theology and Pastoral Ministry. Contact Jenn at jstachula@nationalshare.org
Rose Carlson, BS
Program Director
Rose began with Share as a volunteer, and joined the staff in 2004. She has served the Share Commuity for more than 20 years as a writer, educator, manager of memorial events, and coordinator of the national Share Chapters. Rose holds a BS in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, and brings her experience as a bereaved parent into every aspect of her job. Contact Rose at rcarlson@nationalshare.org
Cindy Swain, BSN
Director of Bereavement Care
Cindy became involved in Share in 2001, first as a bereaved parent, then volunteer, and joined the staff in 2017. She has a BSN in Nursing and a BS in Biology. She serves as a Share's primary educator and hospital liaison, and generously supports all aspects of Share's mission. Contact Cindy at cswain@nationalshare.org
Emily Swain, BS
Director of Marketing & Development
Emily has experienced the comfort of Share's loving mission as a bereaved sister, and has joined the Share team to assist with both Marketing & Development. She holds a BS in International Marketing and a BA in East Asian Studies. She brings her energy and insight to every aspect of Share's mission and is an integral part of our fundraising and outreach team. Contact Emily at eswain@nationalshare.org
Jessica Bruckerhoff, MBA
Accounting & Business Director
Jessica is the newest member of the Share team, having started as the accounting manager in May of 2025. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience in the Air Force as a medical administrator, and also holds an MBA in Business and Accounting. Jessie is passionate about Share's mission and enjoys the work of the numbers behind the scenes. Contact Jessie at jbruckerhoff@nationalshare.org
Silvia Bowman
Spanish Support Group Coordinator
Silvia is a mom, a wife, and an export consultant from Lima, Peru. She is currently co-leading Share Español Esperanza, assisting and inspiring grieving families from the Hispanic community by sharing her journey of loss, hope and deep faith. "My hope is that grieving parents may find comfort in my story and my words."
Contact Silvia at sbowman@nationalshare.org
Our Board of Directors
Chris Roberdeau
President
Stacey Motley
Vice President
Chad Froelker
Treasurer
Kevin Fisher
Secretary
Sabrina Harris
Board Member
Brian Henry
Board Member
Michael Hyde
Board Member
Cathi Lammert
Board Member
James Running
Board Member
Susan Short
Board Member
Gary Wellman
Board Member
Our Impact
Training & Education
In the past two years, Share has trained 765 medical professionals and caregivers to provide improved care for families who have experienced the death of a baby. Visit our Education page to explore online training opportunities available today.
Share Walk for Remembrance and Hope
Each October, thousands of people participate in the annual Share Walk for Remembrance and Hope to honor their precious babies and raise awareness for this cause. Join our Share Walk, virtually, in person, or in a community near you.
Memorial
Four times each year, Share partners with Baue Funeral Home to hold a burial free of charge for families that have lost their baby during pregnancy, before 20 weeks. Share hosts remembrance events throughout the year, recognizing families' ongoing need to honor their babies. Visit our Events page to learn more.
Social Media
Last year, Share reached more than 3.5 million individuals around the globe through social media, providing support and community for anyone struggling through pregnancy and infant loss. Find us on Instagram @nationalshare and on Facebook, too, at Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support.
Impact Report
Thanks to our generous supporters, we continue to make a difference,
reaching more families each year and shattering the silence surrounding baby loss.
Together, we are building a compassionate world where every grieving family can find the support they need to heal.
Because every child’s life, no matter how brief, leaves a legacy that deserves to be honored.
Financials
Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit supported by tax-deductible donations
given by dedicated volunteers, individuals, companies, foundations and professionals.
Share does not receive any funding from the State or Federal Government.