After Heather Bienz's second daughter, Reagan, suddenly passed away during the 25th week of pregnancy due to Turner Syndrome on May 28, 2015, she launched a U.S. faith-based clothing business that donates 25 percent of proceeds to other families who have lost infants. Purchasers also get the blessing of an added prayer cast over the order before shipping.
Turner Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that occurs when all, or part, of one of the female X chromosomes is lost before or soon after the time of conception. It is not connected to, or passed on from either parent, and there is nothing a person can do to increase or decrease the chance of this happening.
Reagan Twenty Five, LLC was begun in October 2015, and named in honor of Reagan Bienz, whose heart just stopped beating during the pregnancy.
"I started Reagan Twenty Five in hopes to first share the love and comfort I experienced from God during the loss of my daughter to others who may be facing difficult times in their lives in hopes they, too, turn to God," said Heather.
Secondly, the clothing entrepreneur said she wanted to raise money and awareness for girls and women currently living with Turner Syndrome.
Heather donates 25 percent of her clothing proceeds, or 1 percent for each week she carried Reagan, to an organization called Leaping Butterfly Ministry, which sponsors young girls and their families to attend a national Turner Syndrome conference each year where they receive education and resources about living with TS.
The money is also used to help provide women with hearing aids as hearing loss is common in women with TS, Heather added.
During the entire month of February, she donates 100 percent of all clothing proceeds in honor of Turner Syndrome Awareness Month.
"Because Turner Syndrome is a 'random' occurrence and is not hereditary, we were told our chances of conceiving another baby with Turner Syndrome would be extremely rare," said Heather. "To our surprise, we lost our third daughter, Hannah, on March 23, 2016, to Turner Syndrome as well."
Despite the grief, Heather said God is using Reagan and Hannah's story to bring others closer to Him.
Reagan Twenty Five offers faith-oriented clothing, accessories and gifts -- all designed, handmade and packaged by Heather.
"While creating and packaging your individual order, I pray for you. I'd love it if you would send me your prayer requests, or leave a note at checkout, so I can pray more specifically for you or the person who will be receiving my products," she said.
The shop owner said she hopes to create a community of support, inspiration and love, all while encouraging others that by having faith and trust in God, they can make it through this life with hope, peace and comfort no matter how difficult their circumstances may be.
Heather said each person who shares their stories with her helps heal her heart, and also reminds her that God provides beauty, no matter how deep the pain.
The clothing shop reopens for business May 5, 2016.
