Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Bone
Hi Katy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’d love to share the story behind Blessings for Barrett. It all began when I found out I was pregnant with Barrett. My daughter was about nine months old, and we were overjoyed to welcome another baby into our family. It was a seemingly normal pregnancy, with a few minor complications that we thought were under control. Barrett was born, and soon after, we noticed he had a very faint cry. We had a few precious moments of skin-to-skin time with him, my husband Tyler and I, but he was soon whisked away to the specialty care nursery. From there, he was transferred to Mercy’s NICU, and eventually, after a tense ambulance ride, he landed in St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
We spent those 28 days fighting to understand what was going on with our little hero. Despite every effort, Barrett passed away. Losing him was an unimaginable heartbreak, but we made him a promise: we would carry on his legacy. Initially, we started by doing random acts of kindness in his name, a way to spread the love and light that he brought into our lives. Then, four years after his passing, we took that promise further and launched our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Blessings for Barrett.
Through Blessings for Barrett, we support children who have lost a sibling, providing comfort boxes and sibling bags to help them feel seen and loved, especially in those first painful hours. But our support doesn’t end there. We continue to connect with these children long past their initial grief box, checking in and creating grief projects to show that they are never alone in their grief. We want them to feel supported and provide them with hope as they move through their journey.
These ongoing acts of comfort allow us to keep Barrett’s legacy alive, touching lives in the way he touched ours. Starting this nonprofit has been a journey of love, loss, and purpose, and I am so grateful to carry Barrett’s light forward every day. “Because of Barrett We Love Harder”.
This journey has been excruciating, and every day I make the choice to move forward and upward, inspired by Barrett, who has shown me what it means to never give up. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Through this nonprofit, I find a way to channel my own grief, transforming it into a passion for helping others. Supporting others on their journey has become my purpose, bringing meaning and healing to my own.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road; grief is anything but linear. It’s one of the hardest journeys, and no matter how much you try to avoid it, it’s always there, waiting. When I started, I never imagined I could run a nonprofit, especially while navigating such profound loss. But I was pushed to my limits and, in the process, realized I am capable of more than I ever thought. I committed myself to this mission, determined to push forward and support every bereaved sibling we can reach. Helping others on their own grief journey has been a powerful way to honor my own and create something meaningful out of heartache.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We are Blessings for Barrett, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children who have lost a sibling. What sets us apart is our intentional approach to sibling grief, recognizing the unique challenges children face in the loss of a brother or sister. With my master’s in counseling, along with my personal experience with loss, I bring a compassionate and informed perspective to our work, allowing us to provide a level of support that truly resonates with each child.
Our mission begins in the most vulnerable moments, offering comfort bags to children in the hospital during the “hour of loss.” From there, we create custom grief boxes tailored to each child, helping them feel understood and supported. But our commitment doesn’t stop there; we continue to walk with them on their grief journey, showing that grief and joy can coexist. I am most proud of the safe, loving space we’ve created, where every child knows they are not alone in their loss.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a bit of an introverted extrovert – shy at first, but once people got to know me, I’d come out of my shell. I was always observant and enjoyed connecting with people on a deeper level, even from a young age. I have always enjoyed being around people, being outside, and going to new places.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blessingsforbarrett.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blessings_for_barrett/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095710595730
Image Credits
Alexandria Mooney Photography
