NEW FLORIDA KEYS GROUP SUPPORTS FAMILIES SUFFERING THE ULTIMATE LOSS

A new group offers support for Florida Keys families who have been shattered by the loss of a child. October is Infant Loss Awareness Month, but Max’s Angels exists for all families who have suffered the loss of a child.

Cassandra Scanlon and her husband created Max’s Angels in December 2019 in honor of their son, Max Thomas Scanlon, who died at his birth on Oct. 10, 2019. The Scanlons created the support group to address the immediate and long-term support needs for Keys families following the loss of a child at any age. What started as a program with the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition quickly evolved into its own entity. The group’s website at maxsangels.org is under construction, but it also is active on Facebook and Instagram. Max’s Angels is partnering with Lower Keys Medical Center to provide credited education for nurses and volunteers, with virtual classes starting this month.

There are no resources in the Keys for mothers and families who have lost a child, and the Scanlon family found themselves helpless and in crisis when Max passed away.

Immediate support includes providing therapists/counselors, assisting with arrangements and faith-based support, logistical support for travel arrangements, groceries, prescriptions, doctors appointments, childcare and more. Long-term support includes monthly support group meetings, group activities, volunteering activities and facilitating the network of families experiencing a similar loss.  

On Oct. 25, 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated the month of October 1988 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. 

“When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world,” Reagan said.

Max’s Angels is about surviving Max’s death, honoring his life and making sure any other Keys families experiencing the tragedy and nightmare of child loss feel supported and know they’re not alone. While currently based in Key West, the plan is to become Keyswide by next year.