Grace that endures: Sherri McCoy’s story of loss, love and healing

LOUISVILLE, Colo. — In 2007, Sherri McCoy, Provider Relations leader and AdventHealth Foundation Board Member, and her husband were growing their family in more ways than one. They were in the process of adopting their two-year-old daughter, then in their guardianship, when they learned they were also expecting a baby.

That March, they heard their baby’s heartbeat at multiple appointments and began dreaming of the future. Just before Mother’s Day, those dreams were shattered.

They lost their daughter.

Her name is Grace Ann.

“The experience was devastating,” Sherri shared. “And it was made worse by how we were treated.” After undergoing a D&C, Sherri recalls her husband being handed their baby’s remains in a clear plastic container in a public waiting room. “That lack of dignity is something no family should ever endure.”

Weeks later, someone shared information about a pregnancy and infant loss support group at another hospital. Eight weeks after losing Grace Ann, Sherri and her husband drove more than an hour to attend a seven-week group that would change her life.

“I still remember the first question,” she said. ‘What is your goal for being here?’
“My answer was simple: to breathe without hurting.”

Even while parenting their beloved toddler, Sherri says the loss was unmistakable. “No child replaces another. Both are gifts we were given.”

What she found in that support group was unlike anything she had experienced. The intentional curriculum, the shared grief, the space to speak - or not speak, brought healing in ways she never imagined.

“Knowing we were not alone, grieving alongside others, sharing our deepest thoughts when we wanted to - it was validating,” she said. “You cannot understand that kind of healing unless you experience such a tragedy.”

“This group was oxygen to my broken heart,” Sherri shared. “These families helped me breathe again.”

Eighteen years later, that original group remains connected and Grace Ann’s life continues to impact others.

Bringing Healing Home Through PAILS

Sadly, Sherri knows her family’s story is not unique.

Right here in our community, the need for support is profound. Since 1993, AdventHealth Avista has delivered more than 62,000 babies - representing thousands of joyful homecomings. But those numbers don’t reflect the families who left the hospital with empty arms, or those who experienced loss at home, often grieving in silence.

That is why Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support (P.A.I.L.S.) exists.

PAILS provides a safe, compassionate space for parents who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss to connect, share, and begin healing together. Over the course of seven weeks, participants explore topics many grieving parents say are deeply meaningful, including:

• Understanding the journey of grief
• Caring for relationships during difficult times
• The many ways people express grief
• Honoring memories through keepsakes
• Navigating social responses to loss
• Supporting children through change
• Rebuilding confidence and looking ahead
• Addressing health and wellness questions with clarity and respect

Families are also connected with additional grief resources, ensuring no one has to walk this journey alone. Group size is intentionally limited to allow for meaningful connection and individualized support.

A Message of Hope

For those who may be grieving or who know someone who is, Sherri offers this message:

“I see you. I honor your babies. I am standing here today because a support group helped me breathe again. P.A.I.L.S. is here to help you breathe again, too.”

If PAILS may be right for you or someone you love, you and your spouse or partner are warmly invited to participate.

Learn More - Scan the QR code to learn more about the PAILS support group or register by calling Call303-661-4237.