Benjamin’s Team

Emily Clare Cafasso

Co-Founder & President (but most importantly, Benjamin’s Mother)

“To move forward, you have to give back.” - Oprah

The idea to start Benjamin’s Gift came shortly after the loss of our sweet boy. During what some might consider the height of my grief journey (let’s be honest, this journey is an ever evolving one) the hospital bill arrived. I was so angry. I remember thinking, “You want me to pay for the birth of a child I never got to bring home?” It felt like a slap in the face. Another reminder of what was supposed to be but now wasn’t. The hits just kept on coming…emotionally, physically, mentally and financially. It got us thinking; what if we could find a way to honor Benjamin while helping take a piece of the financial burden from bereaved parents who will come after us? What if, instead of opening that bill and feeling what I did, they could send it to us to pay on their behalf? I know this small gesture does nothing to change the reality of one of life’s most difficult journeys, but I also know it does matter.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family & friends for their unconditional support. This journey has been a difficult but meaningful reminder of the importance of these relationships. I am humbled by your ability to show-up, over and over.

Jonathan Cafasso

Co-Founder, Board of Directors (but most importantly, Benjamin’s Father)

Not a day, minute, or second goes by that I don’t miss Benjamin. His loss has left a mark on me that is indescribable. How do we move forward? Where do we go from here? This has been an uphill battle that, at times, I was not sure we could survive. When Emily Clare came to me with the idea to start Benjamin’s Gift, it felt like the best way to honor Benjamin and give back to those who will come after us. I was surprised to learn that average stillbirth delivery costs were higher than average live births. Not only do bereaved parents have to grieve the loss of their child but have an added financial burden that comes with the loss. While the financial burden is one small piece, it is one that matters. It is my hope that Benjamin’s Gift can help many families on this difficult journey.

We feel so fortunate to have so many people who care about us and have helped us along the way. I want to thank my amazing wife, Benjamin’s mother, Emily Clare for her determination and perseverance in making this idea a reality. Benjamin has been a gift and has taught us more about life in his short 38 weeks than I have learned in my 38 years of life.

Anne Rutherford

Board of Directors (but most importantly, Benjamin’s “Granne”)

I am humbled to be asked to help guide “Benjamin’s Gift.” Emily Clare and Jonathan are honoring Benjamin’s loss by service to others and I am both proud and in awe of them.

Having witnessed and lived the profound effect this loss has on one’s life, I am confident Benjamin’s Gift will alleviate a small sliver of this burden and allow bereaved parents to focus on their grief journey and healing.

Along with being Emily Clare’s mother, I am a Nurse Practitioner, mother of 4, stepmom to 2, mother-in-law to 3 and “Granne” to 8. I currently reside in beautiful Jackson, WY with my husband, Jim.

Lauren Dawe Walker

Board of Directors (but most importantly, Benjamin’s “Aunt”)

Joining Benjamin’s Gift is one of the greatest honors of my life.

I have been fortunate to call Emily Clare my best friend for almost 3 decades. Over the years we have faced many of life’s ups and downs together, but nothing can compare to the loss of sweet Benjamin. I have been, and continue to be, in awe of the strength, honesty and resilience of both Emily Clare and Jonathan.  Enduring such a devastating loss is something no one should have to experience. Witnessing Emily Clare and Jonathan’s commitment to supporting other bereaved parents through Benjamin’s Gift is inspiring and I feel blessed to be involved.

It is my sincere hope that this charity can grow to help any and all families that experience this kind of tragedy.

As for me, my background is in finance but I currently spend my time raising my children with my husband, Brad in our new home