Show Notes
Losing a child changes a family forever. Grief doesn’t simply disappear with time—and moving forward doesn’t mean leaving behind the person you love.
In this episode, I sit down with Lauren McDaniel, co-founder of the Madeleine Camille Foundation, created in memory of her daughter, Maddie, who died at 37 days old in 2019.
Lauren speaks openly about child loss and what the past six years have taught her about grief, guilt, therapy, and learning to experience joy while still carrying someone you love.
We also talk about how to support grieving families when you don’t know what to say. Lauren reminds us that you don’t need the perfect words. Show up, offer specific help, continue checking in—and don’t be afraid to say their child’s name.
Lauren also shares how keeping Maddie’s memory alive grew into the Madeleine Camille Foundation, which now provides direct financial support to families after the loss of a child.
In this episode, we cover:
- Maddie’s story and Lauren’s experience with infant loss
- What Lauren has learned through SIDS research
- Why grief isn’t a linear process
- What grieving parents actually need from the people around them
- Creating meaningful traditions after loss
- The story behind Maddie’s Bows
- How the Madeleine Camille Foundation supports grieving families
- Maddie’s Playground and the commemorative stones at Coal Creek Park (Erie, CO)
- Caring for yourself emotionally and physically while grieving
- How our community can better support families after child loss
Lauren describes grief like carrying a sharp stone in your pocket. At first, it hurts constantly. Over time, the edges become softer—but the stone is still there.
Today, Lauren can experience happiness, meaning, and joy while still carrying Maddie with her.
For Lauren, the foundation is one way she continues to parent her daughter and keep her memory alive. But she also reminds us that there is no single right way to grieve or honor someone you love.
Whether you’ve experienced child loss or want to better support someone who has, this conversation is a reminder that moving forward doesn’t mean moving on—and sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply say their name.
Connect with The Madeleine Camille Foundation:
Nominate a Family for Sponsorship
Learn more and participate in Banned Book Bingo.
Connect with the Erie Wellness Podcast: