Share your story
Sharing your story can make a difference to other couples.
We are excited to be launching ‘Your Stories’ on our website, inspired after Dan Rickman approached Chana with the seedling of an idea based on his experience last year when his wife suffered a miscarriage during the height of Covid.
Whilst seen as a bold or brave decision at the time and certainly not everyone’s cup of tea; Dan found sharing his experience on social media such a powerful tool; hundreds of people, friends and colleagues reached out to him, not only to offer support, but also to share their own experiences, many of which they had never had the confidence to share until now.
The sharing process and the realisation that Dan and Alex were not alone, was invaluable and helped Dan so much in the months after the miscarriage; but also motivated him to create a change and we are pleased he has been working behind the scenes with Chana to help us launch this valuable resource on our website. A safe space for shared experiences, somewhere to offer support for couples who may go through similar in the future and perhaps for couples or individuals, who haven't yet allowed themselves to share or process their experiences in a safe, confidential and if preferred, an anonymous way.
We are proud to launch this valuable resource on the Chana website in the hope that Chana can also help to break down stigmas which still surround miscarriage, fertility issues and complex paths to parenthood.
Read Dan’s moving story here.
Rosh Hashana which is closely associated with fertility, and also a time for new beginnings and hope, as well as for reflection, seems a very fitting time to launch this new page. According to tradition, it is on Rosh Hashana that both Sarah and Chana’s prayers for children were miraculously answered, and in commemoration, we read their stories in Shul on the first day of the year. This year, as we too pray for couples who are in need of their own miracles, we are delighted to have created a place within which people can share their own stories and experiences.
We start the page with Dan's original Facebook post and hope you will help add to these stories, with a story of your own. Something you wish you had heard when you were on your journey, a memory, something you recall that helped you or perhaps an insight into some of the feelings and emotions you were having at the time. Knowing that you’re not alone can be such a source of comfort.
The format is up to you, whether a written piece or a recorded video, or if you are feeling creative perhaps a poem or a picture. You are of course welcome to include how Chana helped you during this time.
However you wish to express yourself, inspiring others to do the same we want you to help us create a valuable resource for anyone in the Jewish community going through difficulties having a baby or adding to their family.
Submit your story below