A Community
of hope for families facing unimaginable loss.
ABOUT US
Our Birthing Stories emerged from the unimaginable grief of losing Lorenzo Michael Cockrell at 38 weeks and two days, a loss compounded by the inadequate care received during a stillbirth. In the wake of this heartbreak, we have dedicated ourselves to creating a sanctuary for families enduring the pain of child loss—a place where they can find not only financial support but also a community that understands, embraces, and uplifts them.
Our Birthing Stories is more than just a nonprofit; it is a movement born out of love and loss, committed to standing with parents through the profound sorrow of miscarriage, stillbirth, infertility, TFMR, and other tragic experiences. We are here to help families navigate the overwhelming emotional and financial challenges of saying goodbye to a beloved child, providing them with the care and resources they need to heal and honor the precious lives that were too brief.
Join us in raising awareness and extending a compassionate hand to those who need it most. Together, we can help families find solace, strength, and a path toward healing, all while cherishing the memories of the little ones who have left an indelible mark on our hearts​.
Support bereaved parents and eliminate racial disparities causing childbirth deaths.
LaRhonda McLemore-Cockrell, EdD, LPSC
Dr. LaRhonda McLemore-Cockrell epitomizes a steadfast commitment to service, drawing inspiration from her transformative journey. Her mission is dedicated to serving those she once was, believing that within every challenge lies a lesson and an opportunity for growth.
Dr. LaRhonda is a multifaceted professional: an accomplished author, licensed school counselor, consultant, nonprofit founder, lightworker, and speaker. She specializes in diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, EQi-2.0/EQi 360, college and career readiness, and school counseling. Her roles have included college and career coordinator and coach for the Clarksville Montgomery Public School System and Metro Nashville Public Schools, where she focused on postsecondary planning for high school seniors.
Her resilience was shaped by significant challenges, including assuming custody of her younger siblings at nineteen and the heartbreaking loss of her son, Lorenzo, who was stillborn at 38 weeks and two days. This profound loss inspired her to establish the nonprofit Our Birthing Stories in his honor, creating a platform for women to share their birthing stories and advocate for better maternal health outcomes.
Dr. LaRhonda holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master’s in Professional School Counseling, and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Professional Practices from Tennessee State University. Her dedication to advancing the school counseling field is reflected in her dissertation on teacher expectations and the role of school counselors.
Recognized for her impactful work, Dr. LaRhonda has been a keynote speaker at numerous events and received accolades such as the "Step It Up Award" and the "40 under 40 Award" in 2021. She is the mother of three children: Lydia, Lorenzo (a cherished memory), and Rubin Jr.
MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LAKENDRA BUTLER
LaKendra Butler began her educational career in 2005 with Teach for America in Atlanta, Georgia. After her tenure in Atlanta, she joined KIPP TRUTH Academy in Dallas, Texas, where she became the school's first Assistant Principal. In her third year, Butler simultaneously held the roles of Assistant Principal and School Leader before transitioning to the School Leader position full-time.
Subsequently, Butler was recruited by the Tennessee Charter School Center to relocate to Nashville and establish a new charter school. In August 2014, STRIVE, serving grades 6-8, received approval to open in July 2015. For the past nine years, Mrs. Butler has dedicated herself to STRIVE as its Founder and School Leader. She is committed to ensuring that students in the McGavock Cluster are well-prepared for college by the time they complete the 8th grade.
OUR VALUES
Supporting every family with honesty and heartfelt care.
01
Compassion
We approach every family and individual with kindness and empathy, understanding the profound loss and grief they experience.
03
Advocacy
We actively promote policies and practices that reduce racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.
05
Inclusivity
We embrace diversity and ensure that our programs and services are accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
07
Integrity
We are dedicated to our mission and continuously strive to achieve our goals through persistent effort and unwavering dedication.
09
Commitment
02
Equity
We strive for fairness and justice in all our efforts, ensuring equal access to resources and support for all communities.
04
Support
We provide comprehensive and ongoing assistance to bereaved parents, helping them navigate their grief and find healing.
06
Empathy
We listen deeply and respond with sensitivity to the unique needs and experiences of bereaved parents.
08
Empowerment
We equip parents and communities with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to advocate for themselves and others.
We are committed to maintaining complete transparency and accountability in the utilization of donor funds, providing regular and detailed reports on how every dollar is spent to fulfill our mission.
OUR INITIATIVES
Empowering families with compassionate support and understanding.
01
Education
We provide educational resources to raise awareness about racial disparities in maternal health and promote informed advocacy.
02
Advocacy
We collaborate with healthcare providers to improve communication and care for bereaved families, focusing on culturally sensitive language and support.
03
Workshops
We offer workshops to help workplaces better understand and support employees experiencing grief and loss.
04
Support Groups
We create a safe space for bereaved families to share their stories, connect with others who understand their grief, and receive the emotional support they need to heal.
05
Funeral Services
We provide financial assistance and logistical support for funeral services, helping bereaved families navigate this difficult process with dignity and respect.
How Your Donation Will Be Used?
Your support will help us develop and distribute educational materials, host community workshops, and advocate for policy changes to address racial disparities in maternal health.
Donations will fund the facilitation of support groups, ensuring that bereaved parents have access to the emotional support they need
Contributions will provide financial assistance to families for funeral costs, allowing them to focus on healing rather than financial stress during their time of grief.
Your generous donation will directly impact the lives of bereaved parents and contribute to the fight against racial disparities in maternal mortality. Together, we can create a world where every parent receives the support they need and where no life is lost due to inequality.
