WOODBRIDGE, VA – All roads lead to Potomac Mills Mall on June 13, 2021, for the highly anticipated Car Show fundraiser organized by Alaina’s Gift Inc. The story of how this organization came together was the result of triumph in the midst of tragedy for the Combo family, Delvon and his wife Charie.

They learned their daughter Alaina no longer had a heartbeat due to complications caused by Turner’s Syndrome.  Months later after delivering Alaina, The Combos were presented with the responsibility of paying labor & delivery costs for a baby they could not bring home.  While reluctant to pay these bills while grieving, the Combos paid the bills and soon after were exposed to an entire community of grieving parents who were burdened with medical bills associated with their own pregnancy loss.   

To date the organization has helped multiple families by paying on average about 40% of a medical bill associated with their pregnancy loss.  The organization has hosted 5k races, fitness events, virtual comedy shows, and this year a car show to raise funds to be able to assist families in need.  Alaina’s Gift has a yearly goal to assist at least 10 families with hopes to do more! 

The show is among the must-attend events in Woodbridge this summer. It will feature a host of exciting activities for people of all ages and genders. The event will include vendors, food trucks, games, and door prizes for all to enjoy and a variety of cars and trucks on display. All proceeds from the event will go towards Alaina’s Gift Inc and will be used to assist moms and dads who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss.

Recently we spoke with Charie about the couple’s own experiences and how they turned tragedy into an opportunity to help others.

“We decided to start Alaina’s Gift as a way to be able to help other families who had experienced a pregnancy loss because we knew they were out there and in need of help,” said Charie.

“It was a battle. Going through two back-to-back pregnancy losses was rough and an experience that we weren’t ready for. However, we found other people that shared in similar experience; there were people just like us that needed help. It was peeling off a band-aid form a sore but then there were bills that we had to deal with, and it reminds you off that you’ve lost a baby and that baby’s not with you.”

“This is why we decided to do it, after our second daughter who had passed. We knew other people needed help with their bills on the medical sides of things. What we went through was a big deal, but other people’s stories are different and they are not in the same situation financially that we are in.”

She goes on to discuss that it’s not just the mother’s that are impacted. “Dads are just as affected as the mothers are, and there’s still that connection that is missing. We wanted to be that safe space for them to share their experiences as well.”

So how has the support been for the Combos since they started this organization? “So far, we’ve been accepted with open arms. I more work in the forefront, and when we realized there were other non-profits that assisted, it just worked out great. Everybody helps each other and it brings people together. Even my prior OBGYN and other doctors are helping us in the process.”

Alaina’s Gift continued to be a presence in the community during the pandemic. “Pre-COVID we did 5Ks in the Hampton Roads area, where we’re originally from, and we had to do it virtually last year. October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, so we do the Angel’s Run in Occoquan. They bring out more women than men, but with the upcoming car show we want to be able to reach men. We know they grieve differently, but they grieve. A car show will bring out more guys and that way we can share our story.”

How is she able to keep people encouraged who have experienced such a tragic loss? “I would say to never give up, even if it comes down to the fact you can’t have a child yourself. I was in partnership with an adoption agency, and we did an Instagram Live to talk about the tough road and being pregnant after the loss.”

“Keep the faith; I’m a living testament that it is possible.” The couple does have two beautiful daughters, Destiny & Shaina.

The organization aims to provide support in various forms, such as financially by paying a portion of their hospital bill associated with their loss. Emotionally, they offer them access to their peer support groups and provide a list of professional resources to assist them in their time of need.

There is a $5 entry donation for spectators at the car show fundraiser while kids are free. Attendees must observe All Covid-19 protocols such as wearing a mask and following proper sanitizing techniques.

Persons interested in donating to Alaina’s Gift, being a vendor, sponsor, or entering their vehicle in the show can still sign up.  Contact: www.hiddengemsofnovacarshow.com or call 571-882-2913. 

Information on Alaina’s Gift, Inc. is below:

Website: www.alainasgiftinc.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlainasGiftInc

Instagram: @ alainas_gift_inc