LILY WYN
A: I am a dedicated community health coordinator at UCHealth focusing on heart health education for students. Through interactive programs on smoking/vaping prevention, nutrition, stress management and exercise, I empower students to make informed choices about their wellbeing. As an online pregnancy loss advocate, I provide support and raise awareness for mothers experiencing loss. I have created a safe space where women can find solace and discover a sense of solidarity.
Q: Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
A: My journey began with a deep-rooted passion for community health that was nurtured by participating in the very program I now work for. Inspired by the impact it had on my life, I pursued a degree in kinesiology, which equipped me with a solid foundation to build my career on. When I experienced miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, I realized the need for open conversations and support surrounding pregnancy loss. That’s when I started using my voice to uplift fellow loss moms online. I’m proud to have merged my love for community health and pregnancy loss advocacy.
Age: 27
Occupation: Community health coordinator at UCHealth, founder of Love Wyns
A: I was a dancer for over 20 years and then went on to become a certified barre instructor. I found that I just couldn’t give up how much I loved dance and wanted to merge that with my love for all things health and wellness. I became an instructor in 2017 and continue to teach community classes to this day.
Q: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
A: My biggest accomplishment has been becoming a mom to my son, a double rainbow baby (rainbow babies are babies born after losses). After experiencing loss, I think you are that much more ecstatic about motherhood, and I feel honored every day that I get to call him my son. There’s no accomplishment greater than being his mom or getting to use our story to bring hope to fellow loss moms.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
A: Over the next few years, I see myself as a business owner in some capacity here in NOCO. It’s a dream of mine and something I have in my long-term plan. I will always foresee myself continuing to stay active in community health in some capacity because it’s where my passion lies.
Q: What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
A: Simply become who you are. You don’t have to worry about the opinions of others or try to conform to who you think you need to be. You are enough as you are. And it’s okay to not be everyone’s cup of tea. You could be the juiciest peach in the basket, but there will always be someone who doesn’t like peaches.
Q: How have you helped other women who have experienced pregnancy loss and miscarriage?
A: My social media is dedicated to topics specific to women going through loss. I try to imagine all the things I Googled during my losses and provide answers that are less medical and more the voice of an understanding and compassionate friend. I highlight topics like treatment options for ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, recovery tips, how to cope with pregnancy announcements, body appreciation after loss, finding hope again and how to manage grief. However, the most rewarding way I empower women experiencing pregnancy loss is through the one-on-one conversations. I get messages weekly, often from fellow ectopic mommas who have lost a fallopian tube like I did, looking for advice, hope, solidarity and just someone to talk to who gets it. I feel so honored that women trust me with their story, and getting to walk with them through their grief is such a special role to play. Plus, I’m often the first one to find out about rainbow babies, and that is the biggest party ever!
Q: What words of encouragement do you have for women going through pregnancy loss?
A: That it’s OK to feel every emotion and embrace your unique journey of grief. Though not everyone will understand, you are not alone or invalid in your feelings. The tough part about pregnancy loss is that sometimes you just have to sit in the hard stuff and work through it, but there is also so much hope for life after loss. I always say that it’s the worst club to have to be a part of, but it’s the best one in terms of the support, love and compassion that comes from fellow loss mommas.