In honour of my late son, Oscar Patrick Canavan, I have committed to making a difference and raising awareness around pregnancy and infant loss by growing a beard for a great cause – Bears of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support.

Oscar was born sleeping on 04 August 2014 at 40 weeks. The heart break and loneliness Fabrizia and I felt throughout our loss cannot be captured in words. We will never forget the drive to the hospital, the nurse telling us she cannot find the heartbeat, Fabrizia gave natural birth 14 hours later and the misguided hope that once delivered maybe it will be a different result and the returning home to an empty house.  Although our story is unique to us, it is a feeling silently shared with so many families throughout the world.

Bears of Hope was an amazing support platform for my partner, providing access to experienced professionals who listened and helped guide her through the grief process. Thank you!

Unfortunately, support for fathers was lacking and majority of the advice I would receive (from forums, family, friends, and media) was to grieve in your own time as you need to be strong for your family, thankfully I managed to stumble across Beards of Hope. The above stigma was already etched into my head and instead of attempting to change my thinking, Beards of Hope worked with me, they did this by communicating by text whenever I wanted to and regardless of time - had it not been for this non-judgmental and free platform, I doubt I would have sought any assistance. Thank you!

Oscar would be turning 7 this August and not a day passes by he is not in our thoughts. We have taught our 5 & 4yr old about heaven and that their big brother is watching over them, although this concept is incredibly difficult to grasp, their unconditional love and curiosity warms our hearts. When Oscar chooses to visit us, he takes the form of a white butterfly, resulting in lots of excitement and love.

Please help me raise awareness and support for future families and more specifically, fathers experiencing the same heart break and grief.

Click ‘Donate’ to support my efforts by making a secure donation, you can also post a message of support! All donations over $2 are tax deductible, a receipt will be sent to you via your nominated email. Your donation will help keep our vital support services available at no cost to bereaved Dads and their families.

Many thanks!