One Family’s Infant Loss Becomes a Source of Comfort for Others

Zeke Mahkovtz was born Dec. 18, 2023, and lived for 18 minutes, surrounded by his parents and siblings who showered him with love.

Diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type II, Zeke’s life was brief, but his impact was profound. For his mom, Brittany, those 18 minutes changed everything.

“His life forever changed ours,” said Brittany, a talent management consultant in Memorial Health’s HR department. “We learned firsthand that even the smallest moments can hold immeasurable meaning, and that no family should have to walk through loss alone.”

As Brittany and her family faced unimaginable grief, they also experienced compassion from family, friends, colleagues and their community. That support inspired Brittany to create Eighteen Collective in 2025.

The nonprofit honors Zeke’s life by supporting families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. Eighteen Collective partners with Decatur Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Springfield Memorial Hospital and St. John’s Children’s Hospital to provide Hope Baskets to grieving families.

Each basket contains comforting and meaningful items, including angel wings, a soft blanket representing a hug, a cardinal figurine and homemade soap.

For Brittany, assembling the baskets is another way her family keeps Zeke close.

“It’s like he’s with us when we shop for items and put the baskets together,” she said. “Every Hope Basket represents countless acts of kindness from donors, volunteers, healthcare providers and community members who have come together to ensure that families feel seen, supported and remembered.”

Eighteen Collective provided nearly 50 baskets in 2025 and recently delivered its 45th basket of 2026. The organization hopes to expand its reach to families experiencing early pregnancy loss and provide resources through physicians’ offices.

Helping Families Feel Seen

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, observed each October, offers an opportunity to remember babies who have passed and acknowledge the grief their families carry.

“Grief after pregnancy or infant loss is deeply personal, and there is no single timeline or right way to experience it,” said Emily Legner, LCPC, a senior director with Memorial Behavioral Health. “Support from family, friends, coworkers and healthcare professionals can create space for parents to talk about their baby, express what they are feeling and grieve without judgment or expectations.”

International Wave of Light Day on Oct. 15 offers another opportunity for remembrance. At 7 p.m., families around the world light candles in memory of pregnancy and infant loss. Brittany and her family plan to participate.

For Brittany, simply acknowledging a family’s loss can make a difference. She is grateful for her Memorial Health colleagues who checked in on her throughout the three months between Zeke’s diagnosis and his birth. The support continues on as colleagues keep Zeke’s memory alive through making donations or helping to raise awareness about the Hope Baskets.

Although Eighteen Collective began with Zeke’s story, Brittany hopes its impact extends far beyond her family.

“It exists to honor every baby, support every family and remind those experiencing loss that they are not alone,” she said. “Zeke would be three this December. It feels like a long time and also so very fresh. We talk about him every day.”

Zeke’s 18 minutes continue to ripple outward, bringing comfort to families when they need it most.

Because every minute matters.