Flourishing!
The Mass. PPD Fund’s Flourishing event is a special chance to come together in community to celebrate, learn and recharge. Flourishing features a wellness practice and a survivor sharing their story.
Flourishing 2022
Our virtual ’22 Flourishing Within was the best Flourishing yet! The Fund was thrilled to welcome keynote Teresa Wong, author of Dear Scarlet: The Story of My Postpartum Depression. Teresa actually shared many stories, including her journey to become a graphic novelist. And she played the ukulele! We also welcomed back awesome Emcee Loren Raye, as well as Wellness Professional Ashley Mitchell, who led a wonderful, grounding session of meditation and journaling. Flourishing Within also included a special remembrance of babies we’ve lost led by Propa City Community Outreach founder Stephanie Crawford, music from City Strings United, powerful testimonials, and more. If you missed it, catch the recording.
Flourishing 2021
Our second virtual event featured Rep. Marjorie Decker in conversation with radio personality and voice-over artist Loren Raye. Rep. Decker shared what it meant for her to face a medically challenging pregnancy and birth as an elected official – and what that experience can teach us about the need to better support ALL new parents. We worked out with Courage Campaign founder and wellness professional – and beautiful mama to be – Ashley Mitchell. We also enjoyed a gorgeous musical performance from City Strings United, and celebrated all mothers with Iva Brito’s powerful performance of her poem, Nha Vela – My Candle. And, the prizes! Guests walked away with dumpling classes from Mei Mei, toys from Boing! Toy Shop, summer wardrobe essentials from Top It Off Accessories, and so much more!
“Your fundraiser is truly the most fun and always heartwarming. It is sad to hear the difficulties people have been through, but it is such a great gathering of women who want to make it better.”
Dr. Claire Levesque, Chief Medical Officer, Commercial Products, Point 32 Health
Flourishing 2020
Early in the pandemic, we came together to learn and support one another in a reconfigured virtual “Flourish-in” featuring keynote Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite. Dr. Nicole educated the group on perinatal mental health, our country’s staggering racial health disparities, and her personal story of surviving postpartum depression. Guests also benefitted from a special mini-workshop and meditation with ClaraFying Coaching Institute’s Master Coach Clara Angelina Diaz, who guided and empowered us to set achievable personal goals and care for ourselves, even amid the losses and challenges of COVID.
“I just wanted to thank you for an amazing event today. . . Your impact is far-reaching in bringing comfort and inspiration to all us moms. I hope to help carry on your vision in the touchpoints I have.”
Dana Rinaldi, LMHC
Flourishing 2019
Our first annual Flourishing launched this special new wellness- and storytelling-themed event with gentle yoga and a powerful story of survival and advocacy from powerhouse maternal mental health champion and now State Rep. Jamie Belsito. There was dumpling-making (and eating!) with Mei Mei’s James Beard-nominated chef Irene Li, fabulous raffle prizes, vendors, and more!
“Thank you for the event on Mother’s Day weekend – it was truly inspiring!”
Hannah Oakley