About Us
This organization was founded in honor of my beloved son, Daniel Lee, whose brief life inspired me to create a lasting legacy of support for bereaved parents. Through fundraising and sponsorships, we will share the burden of funeral and medical expenses in hopes of bringing even a moment of relief to the broken-hearted families facing the loss of their child.
Hello
My name is Abigail Astle. I am the founder and CEO of Daniel Lee's Gift. I reside in Northern California with my husband, JD, and we have 3 beautiful children earth side and 2 angel babies. I enjoy board games, writing and creating, and being with friends and family. My favorite dessert of all time is dark chocolate.
My Story
It is such an honor to serve families that have faced similar circumstances as me. It is humbling and beautiful that I get the chance to honor my son and let his name make a legacy in this world. Below is a link to the full story of the birth of my son. I am adding this disclaimer, as it is descriptive. It share's his diagnosis and what he looked like (no images, just words). I found so much healing in writing and sharing his story. It is forever a part of me and who I am. Please read this story if you would like. His sweet, little life is the whole reason this non-profit exists. Not the way I thought my sons name would live on, but I will take every opportunity to be close to the broken-hearted, as some very important people did in this world for me and my husband.
Hello
My name is Stephanie Hudson. I reside in Northern California. I am married to a wonderful husband and we have two awesome kids earth side and one angel baby. I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, going hiking and going to the beach.
My Story
It is a privilege to honor Daniel Lee by serving families who have experienced a loss. Having experienced my own miscarriage, I know this non profit can make a positive impact for families in their brokenness. I believed in the mission from the first time Abigail shared the idea. It was an honor to be asked to be a board member and it is an honor to be a part of Daniel Lee's Gift.
Hello
Hi my name is Aimee Denno. I reside in Northern California with my husband, Jesse, in the awesome town of Auburn and we are expecting the arrival of our first little girl in October 2024! I enjoy any activities that involve being outside, being with friends and family, and a little healthy dose of competition. I love to make people smile ALMOST as much as I’ve loved every chocolate chip cookie I’ve ever encountered.
My Reason Why
I have the distinct honor of being one of the only people to have actually met Daniel Lee. I was Abigail’s Labor and Delivery nurse at the birth of her son, and helped welcome him peacefully into this world and straight into her arms. I have always had a special place in my heart for infant loss, miscarriage, and stillbirth due to personal exposure at a young age. You see, my younger brother was also stillborn at 37 weeks gestation. As an L&D nurse, I have helped countless families through some of the best times of their lives and also some of the most gut wrenching, soul crushing, and heart breaking times as well. Daniel Lee’s Gift is another avenue through which I am able to come alongside families in the weight of their grief to help alleviate even just a small portion of their burden.
Daniel Lee's Story
Although his life was brief, Daniel Lee has already impacted so many. After he was diagnosed with anencephaly, he was born sleeping at 22 weeks gestation, on September 19th, 2020.
The idea of Daniel Lee's Gift came shortly after losing him. My friend offered to pay for the cremation and urn for my son. Her simple act of generosity showed a willingness to step in and be close to my broken heart during a time of deep grief. Soon after this, the medical bills started coming in, and my husband and I were faced with having to pay for a hospitalization and birth that didn't end in us taking our son home with us. These monthly payments forced us to relive our trauma over and over again, and this sent me on a search for resources to help pay for medical services. I found a handful of resources and was so blessed by the payments they made for me. It really helped lift a part of the heavy burden that I didn't realize was affecting me so much. Each payment brought healing tears to my very broken heart. Although nothing could bring my baby back, being free from the monthly financial burden was a huge step towards greater heart healing.
In the middle of my brokenness is where Daniel Lee's Gift was born. It is an honor to be close to the broken-hearted and to be able to help others receive the same support I did when I needed it most.
-Abigail Astle, CEO