The Brayden Buntemeyer Fund supports families facing infant loss at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport.
Each new life, no matter how fragile or brief, forever changes the world.
THE BRAYDEN BUNTEMEYER FUND The Brayden Buntemeyer Fund honors the life of Brayden Buntemeyer, the son of Jenny and Jess Buntemeyer, who was born sleeping on October 21, 2011. On the morning of October 21, Jess woke up and knew something was wrong. That day, Jess and Jenny’s ultimate fears were realized when at a 30-week ultrasound it was found the cord that nourished him and kept him alive is also what took his life from him. After a long labor and delivery, Jess and Jenny met their perfect son. As they held him, they promised him that his life would have meaning, that they wouldn’t let this break them, that they would make him proud. Jess and Jenny have made good on that promise, honoring his memory by serving others through the Brayden Buntemeyer Fund. Jess also serves Brayden’s memory as a volunteer birth and bereavement doula for Genesis Birth Center and families in our community. She walks with families in their darkest moments, helping them to see the light. SUPPORTING FAMILIES FACING INFANT LOSS The Brayden Buntemeyer Fund supports families facing infant loss at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport. Funds are used to provide emotional support to families, create special memories families will cherish forever, and ensure compassionate and loving care for the infants and families we serve.
No Foot Too Small Birthing + Bereavement Suite:
A sacred space to ease the burden of empty arms.
Genesis Foundation and No Foot Too Small partnered together to build the nation’s third No Foot Too Small Birthing + Bereavement Suite at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport. Construction on the suite began in July 2020.
The No Foot Too Small Birthing + Bereavement Suite is designed to serve and comfort families experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal and infant loss. The suite includes a labor and delivery room and a waiting area for family and friends, including a kitchenette and a spa-like bathroom. This is a private and comfortable suite where babies will be welcomed into the world and loved, and then families can say goodbye.
This initiative was led by Jess & Jenny Buntemeyer, Dr. Lyndsey & Kyle Day, and Dana & Dr. Mark Wilkinson.
"We are deeply humbled by this project that has come from the hearts of many shattered by the loss of their child, reaching out to touch the hearts of those who will someday walk this road and to help them carry the incredible weight that burdens empty arms." - Dr. Lyndsey Day
About the Project
This initiative raised over $200,000 in charitable support to match a $100,000 contribution from Genesis Medical Center, Davenport. These gifts built a sacred space to ease the burden of empty arms.
"The new Birthing + Bereavement Suite will help us continue our mission of providing compassionate and loving care for the infants and families we serve." - Kim Nimrick, BirthCenter Manager
About the BirthCenter
Our GMC-Davenport BirthCenter is the area’s only Baby-Friendly birth center, a designation recognizing maternity care best practices. Our highly skilled doctors, nurses and certified nurse midwives are dedicated to keeping mother and baby healthy and comfortable while they provide coordinated care.
The Davenport BirthCenter also has a dedicated perinatal safety nurse who ensures the highest levels of quality and safety for moms and babies.
Providers ensure that the birthing experience is tailored to each family’s wishes and offer the latest comforts for women during their labor.
About Genesis Foundation
Genesis Health Services Foundation inspires donors to charitably invest in the healthcare of the greater Quad Cities region.
The Genesis Health Services Foundation engages donors to save lives, cure the sick, relieve suffering, comfort the dying, bring new life to birth, and keep people healthy.
About No Foot Too Small
No Foot Too Small (NFTS), founded by Robin & Ryan Boudreau, was inspired by the loss of their son Beau in 2013. Initially serving families in Iowa, NFTS is expanding nationwide.
Their mission is simple. NFTS will continue to celebrate angels and unite families while partnering with hospitals across the United States to build Birthing + Bereavement Suites for families who will not be taking their babies home.
Want to learn more? Download more information about the project here.
