After the devastating loss of their baby boy at 40 weeks and one day, Kaylah and Justin Collins faced unimaginable grief. This sorrow continues to be part of their daily lives.
Now, they are working with other grieving parents to improve support systems for those experiencing infant loss.
In a personal effort to contribute, Justin Collins is cutting off his long hair to raise money for this cause.
After their son Kalin’s death in 2018, the Collins family initially received numerous offers of support. However, they soon realized there was a lack of sustained assistance.
This prompted Kaylah and other grieving mothers to establish the Central West Pregnancy and Infant Loss group (CWPAIL).
“We met at a bereaved Mother’s Day High Tea and realized our experiences were terrible. We didn’t want other parents to go through the same,” Mrs. Collins explained. “So, we decided to take action ourselves.”
CWPAIL holds monthly meetings to discuss Child and Infant Loss. The next meeting, in July, will focus on men’s mental health and will be held in collaboration with The Amend Project.
In support of the group’s efforts, Justin Collins is cutting his long hair, which he has been growing for six years, to raise funds.
On Saturday, July 6, he will have his hair cut at a lunchtime event at B Town BBQ. “It will be mostly shaved, but we’ll use scissors on some parts. It will be cut to a satisfactory short length,” he said.
“I’m not worried about losing it. If I want it back, I can grow it again. We’ll see how my scalp looks after all this time. It’s just hair.”
During the time he has had long hair, the Collins family welcomed two more children, who have never seen their dad without his long locks.
Justin set a fundraising goal of $5,000 and has already raised over $3,500 a week before the event. Donations can be made via PayPal through a fundraiser link.
All funds will go to CWPAIL to cover costs such as catering for events, venue hire, information packs, and take-home resources. Since the group is entirely volunteer-based, funds will also help co-founders with home visits for those in need.
“We’re like big sisters who come over to help,” Mrs. Collins said.
