The month of October is recognized as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to honor families who have experienced unimaginable loss — and to celebrate how love and purpose can emerge from pain. On On Point with Juandolyn Stokes, Kristen Matthews shared her family’s inspiring journey of transforming grief into compassion through the creation of the Blankies 4 My Buddies Foundation.
Kristen shared her story with Juandolyn Stokes, beginning when she went into labor at just six months and heartbreakingly lost her baby girl. Her son, Chris “C.J.” Matthews, only five years old at the time, was deeply affected by the loss of his sister. Seeing her child’s grief, Kristen and her husband knew they had to find a way to help him heal. From that moment of sorrow, young C.J. found a way to channel his pain into kindness. He told his mother he never wanted another kid to feel as sad and lonely as he did — and that simple wish became the foundation of Blankies 4 My Buddies.
What started as a small project to bring comfort to grieving children has blossomed into a community organization that provides cozy blankets, socks, books, and other tokens of care to children facing grief, illness, and homelessness. Now 17, C.J. has grown into a passionate changemaker, author, and visionary leader — joined by his younger brother Kollin, the family’s beloved rainbow baby, who proudly stands beside him in their mission to comfort others.
Through Kristen’s unwavering love and C.J.’s powerful heart for service, the Matthews family has turned tragedy into a legacy of comfort, connection, and hope. Blankies 4 My Buddies stands as a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness — like wrapping someone in a warm blanket — can make a world of difference.
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