Why We SHINE: Krystal’s Story & the Fight for Maternal Health Equity

SHINING for Krystal, and All Mothers Lost

April is a month that just means more for us at SHINE With Joy. It’s the month we celebrate the life of Krystal Anderson - and the reason this foundation exists. Krystal’s birthday on April 27 is not simply another milestone for those of us who loved her—it’s a stark reminder of the work still left to do.

We miss Krystal every day and often wonder what she’d be up to if she was still here with us. Maybe dancing through another birthday. Or wrapping up another yoga class. And of course, she’d be holding her daughter. But she’s not—and that truth reflects a larger crisis.

According to the CDC, which just released 2023 data, Black women in America are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Additional research indicates that 80% of these deaths are preventable. The inequities are systemic, but the solutions can and should be personal, policy-driven, and community-led.

This April, as we remember Krystal’s radiant spirit and celebrate Black Maternal Health Week, we must also remind ourselves that simply celebrating black maternal health for a week isn’t good enough. Neither is a month. Nor is a year. We need to fight for maternal health equity for all women - but especially Black women - so all of these mothers can deliver joy, and not grief, through birth and beyond.

We continue to carry forward Krystal’s light for all mothers as we keep working towards a more equitable world for maternal health.

Maternal Health Program Update

Hi, everyone! I’m Catherine Friends and I’m the Maternal Health Program Director for SHINE With Joy! Joining the team allows an opportunity for me to share resources as a passionate health advocate (board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner) and as a mother who has experienced high risk pregnancy and preterm delivery.

SHINE With Joy and our Maternal Health program has been busy this April!

First, SWJ honors Krystal Anderson this month as her heavenly birthday approaches on April 27th. We also participated in Black Maternal Health Week through various events such as “Keeping our Families Safe” from the Kansas Birth Equity Network (KBEN), Black Mamas Matter and March of Dimes virtual walks, and shared knowledge of longstanding expert foundations such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologist (ACOG). We are looking forward to highlighting more resources as we approach Maternal Mental Health Month in May.

On the horizon, we will be opening the application process for our first ever Maternal Health Scholarship Award in May - stay tuned to the website and our socials for more information!

As always, we love connecting with other partners or organizations - locally, nationally and globally - that share SWJ’s passion to support Black Maternal Health. If you have an idea on how we can work together to better support mommas, please reach out!

Looking Back & Moving Forward

Black Maternal Health Week was a powerful moment of unity and action. We were proud to join in the conversation - both nationally and locally - and continue to highlight the urgency of maternal health equity. We’re especially grateful to everyone who shared, attended, or donated throughout the week. Whether it was through a panel, social media, or a quiet moment of reflection—you were part of it.

Within the next month, we will also be launching our 2025 SHINE Awards application process. Stay tuned to our social media (@shinewithjoyfoundation on IG) and our website for the official opening of the application process. Applicants should align with our mission—whether you're a changemaker in maternal health, a Black woman pursuing STEM, or a future yoga instructor bringing wellness to your community - you’re encouraged to apply!

Other events to be on the lookout for…

Rise & SHINE is coming in June—a vibrant, joy-filled event with a focus on wellness and community - details will be released via our website and Instagram in May.

Our first Annual SHINE Dinner & Awards Ceremony will take place in August—an evening of gratitude, storytelling, and spotlighting those who keep Krystal’s legacy alive. Details will also be released in May via the website and Instagram.

This is A Year to Shine. And we’re just getting started.