Our Story

We learned firsthand that tragedy doesn’t discriminate when our daughter, River, died at just two days old in September of 2018. Our world came crashing down around us as we found ourselves in the middle of every parent’s worst nightmare: instead of taking River home from the hospital to begin our lives together, we would be faced with the unthinkable task of planning her funeral.

River was a healthy, full-term baby who experienced a statistically rare and unexpected accident during childbirth. This was truly an example of a random accident that nothing could have prepared us for, but would change our lives forever. Throughout it all, we were blown away by the unanticipated support we received from the individuals in our own community. Grieving grandparents and friends stepped in to help plan the funeral. Bosses graciously gave us as much time off as we needed. Friends and neighbors continuously called and brought us food. Strangers came to our home just to sit with us and share their own stories of loss. Doctors made house calls. Friends and family flew in from all over the country to celebrate River’s life in a paddle-out ceremony (seen in the video on the homepage). We simply couldn’t have survived this time without all the support we received from our amazing community—and for this, we are eternally grateful.

Throughout our grieving process, we held tight to the belief that there was a sunrise already out there for us and that we would find it in our own time. Each friend, family and community member who walked with us through our darkness got us one step closer to our sunrise. 

River brought with her a powerful message of love and kindness, and we feel that it’s our duty to continue to spread this message in her name. Though her time on earth was short, her impact will be everlasting and her spirit will live on through The River Ellis Foundation. Now it’s time to Give A Sunrise to others in our local community who need it most.