AP photo Nurses from the OB department at OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital accept memory boxes from the organization Memories from Monroe.

ESCANABA — OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group recently established an affiliation with Memories from Monroe, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families suffering from loss during pregnancy. Founded in December 2020 by Kellie and Brett Zammitt, Memories from Monroe is named for the couple’s daughter, who was stillborn last October due to complications from COVID-19.

Donations and fundraising have enabled the Zammitts to donate memory boxes to hospitals in the state in support of grieving families. Each box is filled with thoughtful mementos, including a canvas for footprints, a swaddle with a personal note and a stuffed bear, along with the hope that the thoughtfully selected items provide some comfort and help families grieve a little more gently.

Since its founding less than one year ago, Memories from Monroe has provided kits to five hospitals in southwest and mid-Michigan. OSF St. Francis Hospital is the sixth to partner with the nonprofit, and the first located in the Upper Peninsula. Its Labor and Delivery unit recently received 10 boxes to support families in the community. To learn more about the program, please visit www.memoriesfrommonroe.com.