Dania Beach 2nd Annual 'You Are My Angel Maternal Wellness Event' Merges Loss, Recovery And Hope With Insights From Powerful Community Leaders

“I am absolutely in awe at the support our event received, and I could not be more grateful for all involved,” said Dr. Marline C. Duroseau. “This day was a true labor of love, one that transformed heartwrenching experiences into an opportunity for growth and inspiration.”

Duroseau was motivated to launch the annual event following her own experiences with infant loss after struggling with infertility for 10 years, she gave birth to a daughter named Angel Grace who tragically passed away after only a few days. Wracked with grief as well as love, Duroseau set out to create a safe space for all parents who struggled with the same pain, opening the door for unmatched connection and support.

The day opened with a moment of silence before segueing into an array of experienced key speakers and guests, including:

• Andrew Rader, Rader Law Group Founder, a pioneering IVF Litigation Attorney whose groundbreaking work helped Florida become one of the first states to recognize emotional damages for the negligent destruction of embryos.

• Clayton Anderson, Chairman of the SHINE with Joy Foundation dedicated to advocating for maternal health equity, STEM Education for Women of Color, and community wellness honoring his late wife Krystal Anderson.

• Megan Joseph, Founder of Cured Heart Candles in memory of her late grandmother that discussed the intersection of creativity, comfort, healing, and connection.

• Dr. Natasha Evans, Co-Founder of Heavenly Matched Partners (alongside her husband) and emcee of Hawt Hosting who empowers women to embrace faith and clarity as well as God-centered relationships in their path to emotional recovery.

• Denise Castro, Founder of both Neucor Construction and Virtual Mom Collective dedicated to empowering mompreneurs and fostering leadership in the workplace. She is also author of ‘Womb of a Mother: The Odyssey of Motherhood,’ which details her journey of strength.

• Diane Hernandez, a Trauma Psychologist specializing in trauma-informed care and reproductive healthcare trauma who explored mind-body-spirit approaches to healing from loss and anxiety while supporting balance and resilience.

• Dr. Kertia Duga, a naturopathic medical doctor as well as Founder of She Does Medicine: Integrative Women’s Health & Fertility who discussed the importance of accessible, holistic care prioritizing nutrition, exercise, and natural therapies before pharmaceuticals. She also teaches sacred dance to support women battling menstrual, reproductive, and fertility challenges.

• Brittany Alphonse, an Environmental Services official who has survived the loss of two babies and has dedicated herself to speaking about steps families can take to protect future pregnancies.

• Sandra Elidor, CEO and Founder of Non-Profit Filling Empty Wombs - Bringing Awareness to Infertility whose organization provides support for people encountering infertility and loss.

• Mariah Tuffy Joseph, CEO of Fertility Support Now, who began the organization to support people on their family-building journeys and is working to re-write the narrative by referring to it as Fertility vs. Infertility Support as she navigates her own journey with her husband.

The event was also attended by Dania Beach’s own Mayor Joyce L. Davis, who offered tremendous support to grieving families, strengthened the community’s bond, and provided additional resources for those in need.

“The energy of the room was one I’ll never forget, and I’m truly honored I could be part of such a moving day,” said Andrew Rader, who recently launched IVF Law Group to better assist families overcoming reproductive health malpractice as well as is the focus of the first IVF Litigation course on platform LawPracticeCLE (LPCLE). “I hope that all attendees took with them a renewed sense of knowledge, as well as understanding as they navigate the next steps of their family journeys."

Following each of the speakers as well as open panel discussions that enhanced the event’s goals of unity and light, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a candle dedication ceremony and create personalized tokens of remembrance. A memorial wall was also set up, leaving a space for families to leave photos, notes, and other memories of loved ones.

Duroseau added, “Each year, I dedicate this event to the memory of my daughter- despite her short time on this Earth, she taught me pure love, joy, and misery, experiences that have shaped my everyday life for the better. I’m so glad I could create a space where so many felt comfortable in their vulnerability, a core part of healing and moving forward.

Next year’s ‘You Are My Angel Maternal Wellness Event’ is in the works, with updates to be made available on: https://www.mcdbe.com/.