Supporting Families Through Grief and Beyond: Any Baby Can’s Mission

Losing a child is an unimaginable tragedy for any parent. Amber and Miles Garza experienced this harrowing loss when they lost their sons, Miles and Aiden, to Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a genetic condition. Their story reflects the profound impact of supportive communities and resources during such a painful time.

A Comforting Legacy

Amber Garza dedicated herself to ensuring her children received the best possible care. This included providing specialized medical equipment designed for comfort, such as an expensive medical bed that significantly improved Miles’ sleep. Sadly, Miles passed away in 2021, leaving the Garzas devastated.

Any Baby Can: A Local Nonprofit with a Big Heart

In the wake of their loss, the Garzas turned to Any Baby Can, a nonprofit organization in San Antonio dedicated to assisting families of children with special needs. Serving families at no cost, regardless of their financial background, Any Baby Can offer critical support, including bereavement services for those navigating through grief.

After Miles’ passing, the Garzas decided to donate his medical bed, hoping it could bring comfort to another child in need. Amber received a heartfelt letter from Any Baby Can, informing her about the positive impact the bed had on a new family. “It made me feel so happy to hear that,” Amber shared, illustrating the healing power of giving.

Leadership and Impact

Jenny Hixon, who became the president and CEO of Any Baby Can last summer, emphasizes the importance of support for families facing challenges. With an extensive background in public health and as a former executive director at Thrive Youth Center, Hixon brings valuable experience to the organization. She is committed to advancing the nonprofit’s 40-year mission focused on holistic well-being for children and families.

Comprehensive Services

Any Baby Can operates across Bexar County and 16 surrounding counties, offering varied services that are free for families. These services include:

• Support for medical needs
• Connection to resources for appropriate diagnosis
• Guidance through bereavement and loss

Hixon points out how critical these resources are, especially for families not yet able to obtain a diagnosis for their child’s condition. The organization acts as a bridge to ensure families can access the care they need.

The Future of Any Baby Can

Despite challenges in the broader political landscape, such as federal funding cuts, Hixon reports that Any Baby Can has remained insulated from these impacts. The organization continues to serve vulnerable populations that may already face significant hardships in meeting basic needs.

Looking ahead, Any Baby Can is preparing for its 21st annual Walk for Autism, scheduled for April 26 at Palo Alto College. This event, along with others, is vital for fundraising and raising awareness about the resources available for families.

Conclusion

Any Baby Can’s commitment to children and families exemplifies the profound impact of community support in the face of adversity. Through the stories of families like the Garzas and the leadership of dedicated individuals like Jenny Hixon, the organization not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters resilience and healing within families coping with grief and challenges.