Engage. Educate. Equip. Empower. |
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ComfortCare Women's Health • Winter 2022 Newsletter |
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Past studies have shown that women consider, decide, and proceed with an abortion within 7 days of suspecting they are pregnant. Move into current day and, in the name of progress, she can fast-track that decision… as if it wasn’t fast enough already.
Now, she is encouraged to make a decision without an ultrasound, without an in-person meeting with a doctor, without even leaving her home. She can receive her abortion pills in the mail after a telehealth visit and (maybe) watching some educational videos. Is that actually progress?
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Together, we can be a voice for progress.
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It would seem to me that a woman would feel empowered to make a decision when she is provided with information, with options, and with support. Would you join us in learning how we can educate her more effectively about the realities of the abortion pill and the option of abortion pill reversal? Would you join us by helping us engage her with abortion-alternative options? Would you join us by empowering her with resources and support? Together, we can be a voice for progress – progress for her, her family, and her future.
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Even after taking the first medication of the chemical abortion process, a woman still has an option to stop the abortion. “The Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) protocol is started within 72 hours after taking the first abortion drug, mifepristone, and before the second drug, misoprostol, is taken.” Through the use of progesterone, which works to reverse the effect of the first abortion medication, the abortion process can be stopped and a healthy pregnancy can continue. A study of the APR protocol conducted in 2018 reflected a “64-68% success rate in saving unborn babies.” In those pregnancies, they also found no correlating risks of birth defects or premature births.*
There are still options! There is still hope!
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Just this past year, ComfortCare had an opportunity to serve a young woman who had already started her abortion by taking the first medication in the process. While we can’t disclose too many details to ensure her anonymity, we can tell you that she made the brave decision to stop the process and pursue APR (abortion pill reversal).
She was referred to a local physician that is certified to perform the reversal process and we were honored to do an ultrasound for her a week later. As of the writing of this newsletter, she was 14 weeks along and her child continues to grow and remain healthy.
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Please praise God with us for how He intervenes in our lives and the courage this woman had to listen! Also, join us in covering her and her child with prayer for a healthy pregnancy and birth. |
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Get to know our Staff Members |
JENN WADE
VP of Engagement
Tell us about your family: I've been married to my high school sweetheart, Mike, for just over 23 years. We are the the proud parents of two young women: Our older daughter, Lauryn, is wrapping up her associates degree at BRCC this semester and plans to pursue animal science studies at Virginia Tech in the Fall. And our younger daughter, Carmen, is taking classes currently at BRCC and plans to attend Liberty University in the Fall. Let's just say Mike and I will soon enter a new season of life as empty-nesters!
How long have you been involved with ComfortCare? I've been involved with ComfortCare for about 16 years! I've been on staff for almost 8 years and I served as a volunteer graphic designer for nearly 8 years before that!
What led you to ComfortCare? In my previous job in the corporate world, I was using my skills, but still felt there was more I could be doing. I had been volunteering for ComfortCare for several years when the position came open which included advertising and marketing. I knew this role was a good fit for me - somewhere that I could use my skills to serve God and our community.
What inspires you about this ministry? The stories. Probably my favorite part of this job is being able to capture our patients' stories. These women inspire me every time I get to meet with them for photos or interview them for a video. Many of our patients have been through very difficult situations and they've emerged resilient. Every time they talk about how ComfortCare has impacted not only their pregnancy decision, but their life... that inspires me.
Who has been an inspiring influence in your life and why? I was raised at Calvary Baptist Church in Staunton and my pastor growing up was Rev. Willard "Tuffy" Goforth. He and his wife, Doris, are the most wise, kind, and caring people I know. Mr. Goforth baptized me when I was 8 years old and continued to be an influential part of my life well into my adult years as the Goforths have remained close friends with my parents. I remember they were visiting my family once just before I began working at ComfortCare and Mr. Goforth said something to the effect of... "there's nothing more satisfying in this life than serving Jesus." The Goforths are a prime example of that devotion and service to our Savior.
What is your favorite place to vacation? My family spends a week at our favorite beach each summer - The Outer Banks! It's fun to travel other places, but OBX will always be our favorite place to relax and make memories.
What is your favorite way to relax? See previous answer... I love sitting on the beach doing absolutely nothing (except maybe reading a good book).
Coffee or Tea? For several years I was very much a coffee girl, but just in the last few months, I've switched to hot tea. Now I enjoy Tazo Awake English Breakfast tea with honey each morning, but I also love a good mocha latte now and then! :-)
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Get to know our Board Members |
PAT TAYLOR
Board Member
Tell us about your family: I have been married to my husband, Miguel, for 33 years. We met in Madrid and have lived there and in four different states. We hope to call Virginia our forever home. We are blessed with three lovely adult daughters, an adopted son who is a junior in high school, and one awesome son-in-law. We are spread out from Minnesota to New York City and Virginia, but we manage to get together for summer vacations, ski trips, and holidays. We have a good time playing board games, watching movies together and enjoying outdoor activities.
How long have you been involved with ComfortCare? I started volunteering in November of 2018.
What led you to ComfortCare? When we moved to the Valley four years ago, I joined a ladies’ Bible study. Several of the ladies there who had volunteered at ComfortCare told me about it. I had been involved with various pro-life ministries for years, so when a friend invited me to the Fall Fundraising Banquet, I was excited to sign up as a volunteer. I have volunteered as a receptionist, translator, and office helper. In 2020, a retiring Board member suggested I consider volunteering as a Board member, and I volunteer in that capacity now as well.
What inspires you about this ministry? The attitude of everyone involved at Comfort Care is one of not only real concern for the baby that they are trying to save, but also true care and compassion for the mother/parents. They help the mother fully understand her options, and they guide her to resources that can help her care for her baby/family after birth if that is what she chooses. Many women get an abortion because at the time they don’t think they have another option.
Also, I really think that the free ultrasound is an important part of engaging women with unplanned pregnancies and especially helping them to understand that they are carrying a human life within them.
Who has been an inspiring influence in your life and why? My aunt, Marte, is only 13 years older than me and we have always been close. She has been a strong Christian influence in my life and a huge support in difficult times. She stayed at home to raise four children and then went to college, started working in her local government and now is the Chair of the County Legislature. Last year she was voted President of New York State Association of Counties and celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary. She is an example of women being able to have a family and a career, but also the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and timing.
What is your favorite place to vacation? Anywhere my family is, but I am especially fond of beach vacations. Most years we go to the Outer Banks.
What is your favorite way to relax?
I really enjoy gardening. I love flowers of all kinds, but I especially enjoy planning, planting, and tending my vegetable garden.
Coffee or Tea?
I really enjoy that first cup of coffee of the day.
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