A Unique Way to Support Grieving Families
In Wisconsin, a remarkable woman is making a difference by turning donated wedding dresses into burial garments for infants. Rosann Cassiopi, based in Rock County, has been creating these special garments, known as angel gowns, for over a decade. During an interview with Spectrum News 1, she shared her journey and the significance of her work.
Cassiopi volunteers as a seamstress for Real Imprints, a non-profit organization that runs The Angel Gowns Project. This initiative provides burial garments for children who have passed away due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or death shortly after birth. She spends 40 hours a week on this meaningful task, dedicating her time to support families in their time of need.
After being diagnosed with spastic paraparesis, a rare neurological condition that causes muscle stiffness in the lower limbs, Cassiopi retired early. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this condition may eventually lead to the need for a wheelchair. However, her hands remain unaffected, allowing her to continue her work.
“It’s a nice way to do something for somebody,” she said about making the garments. Her dedication stems from a desire to help others during their most difficult times.
Reaching Families Across the U.S.
Once completed, the angel gowns are donated to families across the United States. Cassiopi explained that the gowns are sent wherever they are needed, regardless of location. “They go all over, whoever needs them, whatever hospital needs them, we send them out free of charge,” she said.
Her hope is that these garments provide comfort to grieving families. “Gives them a little bit of, ‘Oh, I’m not alone in this journey,’ because it used to be so hush-hush. If you had a miscarriage, you know, or stillbirth. And it’s not; it’s something that needs to be talked about,” she added.
Cassiopi emphasized that the pain of losing a child is universal, regardless of the circumstances. “Because the pain of losing a child, whether the child wasn’t delivered on your due date or died at 21-years-old, that pain is still the same.”
Her grandchildren have also recognized the importance of her work. Logan Barr, a fifth grader, told Spectrum News 1, “Kind of like, proud that she’s doing it for families that need might need it.”
A Global Initiative
The Angel Gowns Project was founded in 2015 and accepts donations of wedding dresses from across the U.S. and Guatemala, where the founder, Lindsey Thomason, is based. The initiative aims to provide comfort and support to families experiencing loss.
According to the program’s website, “It’s tender to think that in this moment of such pain and grief, angel mamas and families receive an angel gown, a gift and symbol of love, hope, and healing, made from other women dealing with their own internal poverty and difficult circumstances, or who have healed from trauma and internal poverty, or who are fighting to break the cycle and get themselves, and their families out of extreme poverty.”
For those affected by the death of a baby, the Sands national helpline offers support. You can call 0808 164 3332 free of charge, or email [email protected].
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