Child Loss Advocates & Companions

Dionne Eastmo

Child Loss and Children with Disabilities

Dionne’s disabled 11 year-old son, Jacob, died unexpectedly on Easter morning in 2017. Since that devastating loss, she has grown in her appreciation for the beauty of the Catholic faith, and what it can offer to grieving hearts. With that appreciation, Dionne has developed a strong desire to build a place within our diocese where those living with child loss can find faith-based resources to support them in their grief.

Dionne is a wife, mother of three boys, and new grandma. Since 2004, she has been an integral part of our Catholic community in Rapid City. Currently, she is a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Parish, an instructor with Veritatis Splendor Institute (VSI), a Cor ad Cor leader, and a respected voice in our Rapid City Catholic School System. In addition, after Jacob’s death, Dionne and her husband, Eric, founded the Children’s Memorial Garden at Terra Sancta. This is a truly holy place where parents can remember their children and appreciate that they are safe in the arms of Jesus. In addition, she considers it a sacred privilege and responsibility to share the story of how Jacob’s life and death have impacted her. Above all, she sees her efforts in this ministry as a vital way to help grieving parents grow closer to God in and through their grief.

Email: eastmofamily@gmail.com
Call or text: 605-484-2047

Infant Loss Advocates & Companions

Brianne Edwards

Infant and Young Child Loss

Bri has been passionate about serving in grief ministry since the unexpected death of her 10-month-old son, Lachlan, in 2008. Moved by the desire to support other grieving families, she founded the nonprofit, Lach’s Legacy. As part of the nonprofit work, she hosts an annual “Run for Their Lives!” 5k run/walk event on Mother’s Day. This event is a beautiful opportunity for grieving families to come together and do something in memory of the children who are no longer with them. In addition, she is the author of the award-winning book, A Thousand Pounds: Finding the Strength to Live and Love Under the Weight of Unbearable Loss.

Bri says that it is her grief that inspired a journey toward tremendous love for Jesus, his Blessed Mother, and the graces offered through his Church. She is an active parishioner at Our Lady of the Black Hills, wife, busy mother of six, and a part-time physician assistant. While she is a “jack of many trades,” her heart is particularly drawn to sacredness of grief ministry. She recognizes that it is holy ground to be invited to walk alongside other families who are grieving the loss of a child.

Email: connect@lachslegacy.org
Call or text: 605-254-4967

Advocates for Loss During Pregnancy

More advocates will be added as our grief ministry grows.
Check back later or consider becoming an advocate yourself!

Advocates for Loss of a Spouse

More advocates will be added as our grief ministry grows.
Check back later or consider becoming an advocate yourself!

Want to Connect to Others Digitally?

Click here to learn more about the Red Bird Ministries App + Community for bereaved parents

How can I get involved with this grief ministry?

  • Become an Advocate/Companion
  • Care Package Ministry
  • Card  Ministry
  • Write Blog Submissions
  • Volunteer for Events
  • Donate

Fill out the contact form below to tell us how you’d like to use your time, talent, and treasure to support the grief ministry in the Diocese of Rapid City.

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