LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- What used to a symbol of new beginnings is now being transformed into final memory.
Boxes full of wedding dresses donated by women across Kentuckiana will soon be torn apart, only to be sewn back together as angel gowns.
“It wasn't about ripping something beautiful apart, I knew it was going to be several beautiful pieces that could come together out of it,” said Tammy Boarman with God’s Littllest Angels.
The Center for Women and Infants at University Hospital told WHAS 11 that on average, they see two infants die a month. Some are stillborn; others are born extremely premature.
“When a mother and father, when they lose their little one it's a very sad time and this is just something tangible that they can hang on to,” said Laura Parker with the Center for Women and Infants at University Hospital who is responsible for bringing the ministry to Louisville.
Littlest Angel Gowns can be worn by the baby for the burial, or put in a keepsake box for parents to hold onto.
Three women that were once strangers got together to deliver the gowns to three hospitals across Kentuckiana, most recently partnering with University Hospital.
The gowns can be worn by the baby for the burial or put in a keepsake box for parents to hold onto.
“I get teary eyed when I... this is just so special to me, and every gown I make, there's a part of me that's in that gown,” said Mary Fogle who started the ministry in Owensboro, Kentucky.
One wedding dress can make 10 to 12 angel gowns.
Mary started this ministry 18 months ago. She then recruited Tammy Boarman who handles the business aspect, and just a month ago, a second seamstress, Jan Hockensmith.
The hobby has become a full time commitment. It’s an act of kindness, for someone they'll never meet.
“We’ll never see any of these parents, but there are a lot of us who care, and we've made this gown with love, and we give it with love,” explained Fogle.
Already hundreds of wedding dresses surrounding Mary's studio, but she's ready for more.
If you’re interested in donating, you can drop gowns off at Babyology on Dutchmans Lane in DuPont or bring them to the Center for Women and Infants on the third floor of University Hospital.
They also accept bridesmaids’ dresses and prom dresses, to add a zing of color.