Schroeder Family Establishes Memorial Fund to Support Families Facing Pregnancy and Infant Loss

The Defiance Area Foundation is honored to announce the creation of the Sufficient Grace Ministries Memorial Fund, a heartfelt initiative established by Chelsie and Layne Schroeder in loving memory of their son, Paxton, who was born at just 28 weeks gestation.

With an initial donation of $3,000, the Schroeder family launched the fund to support Sufficient Grace Ministries (SGM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to walking alongside families facing pregnancy and infant loss. SGM provides comfort, memory-making services, and tangible resources to those navigating unimaginable grief. Once the fund reaches its goal of $10,000, it will begin awarding annual grants to help SGM continue and expand its mission throughout Defiance County, the state of Ohio, and beyond.

“The purpose of this fund is to create a lasting source of support for families experiencing loss,” said the Schroeders. “While we did not receive services from SGM at the time of Paxton’s birth, we have since become closely connected to the organization and know many families who have found comfort, healing, and hope through its care.”

Sufficient Grace Ministries, founded and led by Director and President Kelly Gerken, has become a lifeline for thousands of families by providing compassionate, faith-based support. The establishment of this memorial fund will ensure that more families in need can access its services during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

To contribute to the Sufficient Grace Ministries Memorial Fund, visit https://defianceareafoundation.org/donate-to-a-fund/ and select the memorial fund from the dropdown menu.