Jefferson City family representing March of Dimes chapter

Turning grief into awareness

Clayton and Laura Isenberg and their daughter Ruby have been chosen as the 2017 March of Dimes ambassador family.
Clayton and Laura Isenberg and their daughter Ruby have been chosen as the 2017 March of Dimes ambassador family.

Laura and Clayton Isenberg were recently named the 2017 ambassador family for the local March of Dimes, three years after facing a tragedy many families have to learn to overcome - the death of their newborn child.

"To us it's like a tribute to our first son Cohen," Laura said.

Cohen Michael Isenberg was born stillborn on Dec. 31, 2014, due to a delayed maturation of the placenta.

March of Dimes is a national foundation that works toward preventing birth defects, infant mortality and fighting to save the lives of premature babies.

When she was almost 36 weeks pregnant, Laura noticed her unborn child was not as active as usual and began to worry. A day after arriving at the hospital, the doctor told Laura and her husband they could not find the baby's heartbeat.

"This was a hard time for all of my family members, but this was the darkest time of my life," Laura said.

In the midst of everything, Laura said, Clayton was extremely supportive. He handled it even better than she could have imagined he could, she said.

Since then, the Jefferson City family has been involved in spreading awareness about the March of Dimes by creating their own team called "Cohen's Memory Marchers." Laura said she was inspired to join by one of her close friends. Her team was able to raise $1,000 the first day, and by the end of the fundraising period, they'd gathered $14,000.

Laura attributes her team's success to how quickly word of her loss spread in the community.

"Everyone wanted to help but didn't how or what to do," Laura said. "Donating to the March of Dimes was a good way for them to help and let us know that we were supported by everyone around us."

Every year an ambassador family is selected based on the role the March of Dimes has played in the family's story, the family's availability and their comfort level with the media.

"Every year we nominate an ambassador family to be the face of the March of Dimes, reaching out to the families who have been touched by our mission and the work we do," Anne Clouse, executive director of marketing and development, said.

In their role as ambassadors, the Isenbergs feel they can continue to make a difference in the lives of others by sharing their story. She said this is one way they can pay tribute to Cohen.

Just last April, Laura and Clayton conceived a little girl, Ruby. Ruby is their "rainbow baby," Laura said, explaining whenever you lose a baby it's considered the stormy part of your life, and Ruby is their rainbow after the storm.

"Joining a team was a big part of us being able to deal with our grief and was our way of turning a negative situation into a positive one," Laura said. "After Ruby was born, she brought such a joy to our lives and has helped us to continue to heal from our loss."

She said it's important for people to donate to the March of Dimes because it helps children and families in the local community.

Anyone who wants to volunteer or donate to the organization should contact Clouse at [email protected].

For other parents who may have a similar experience, Laura wants them to know it will get better.

"At first it's really hard to deal with, but slowly and surely, you will bounce back."