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Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS) is a nonprofi t 501(c)(3) organization serving to assist families suffering an early infant loss due to prematurity, terminal illness, stillbirth, and birth defects. The mission of NILMDTS is to provide sensitive, compassionate photography to families faced with the untimely death of their infant, and that mission has grown to also include families of children in hospice care.
NILMDTS was co-founded in early 2005 by Cheryl Haggard (mother of Maddux, see image above) and acclaimed portrait artists Sandy Puc’ (Expressions Photography, Littleton, CO) and Dave Junion (Junion Photography, Schofi eld, WI). More than 6,000 photographers worldwide have agreed to volunteer their time, services, and their hearts to these families. Our photography is at times the only thing the families have to hold the memories of their children, and cherish the spirit of that child’s life.
NILMDTS is currently seeking professional photographers willing to give this gift to local families and our local community. Affiliate photographers provide the parents with a DVD Memorial Slideshow, as well as a CD of images of their child, printable up to a 5×7 size. For the parents, they receive an amazing gift which many times help them through the bereavement process. For the photographer, you know the gift you are giving is one of the most treasured, beautiful heirlooms you could ever provide, given to the ones who need it the most. Being an affiliate photographer means truely giving of yourself, and using your gift to capture the memory of our smallest angels who have left such an imprint on their families.
Today Show (NBC) reporter Kerry Sanders profiled a NILMDTS photographer and family from Minnesota. The video clip below will help you get a better sense of what NILMDTS provides for families.
Being called upon to give such a gift is understandably difficult. NILMDTS understands the struggles photographers face when committing themselves to this service, and has provided an extensive online forum support group for help. Not only will you find support within the forum, but you will also fi nd support locally with your area coordinators. This support is not only for the emotional aspects of giving this service, but also photographer-specifi c technical support.
Please take some time to explore the NILMDTS website at www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org and read about this organization. If you feel you are called to help provide this service, or would like to speak with us in more detail about the services provided, please contact NILMDTS or an area coordinator (listed in red on the Find a Photographer page).
Hospital Staff: To learn more about NILMDTS, please contact the area coordinator closest to you (use the Find a Photographer search), or visit the Medical page on the NILMDTS website for basic information.
Families: NILMDTS portraits can help honor the life of your child. To find a photographer in your area, visit the NILMDTS website. There are a number of resources for you on the NILMDTS Families page. You are also invited to visit the NILDMTS family forum, where you can share your story and be in the presence/support of others who know what you’re going through.
