When Scott and Sara Sautel learned they were pregnant with twins, they were ecstatic. Then, they were given news no parent ever wants to hear: still in utero, their daughter, Grace, suffered from a fatal heart defect and might not even survive to birth.

That’s when The Haven Network stepped in. The second independent community program of its kind, Haven is a perinatal hospice care organization that provides both emotional and practical support to families dealing with the loss of a pre-born or newborn child.

Though Grace survived birth and was immediately taken to the operating room for open-heart surgery, the procedure did not save her life. Scott and Sara held her as she died, just seven days old.

Tenderly describing the significance of recognizing life at its earliest stages, the Sautels say they are grateful for their time with Grace and encourage other parents to fully embrace each moment of their unborn or newborn baby’s life.