When grief blooms into purpose, beautiful things can happen. For Kelly Entzel, a UND alum and former English teacher, that purpose took root in 2024 with the creation of Wildflowers of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting all individuals and families in the Red River Valley experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.
Kelly’s story began years earlier. Originally from Fosston, Minnesota, she came to UND in 2009 to pursue her degree in education, a decision that led not only to her career of 13 years as a teacher but also to meeting her husband. The two married in 2013 and started building their family in Grand Forks.
Their journey, however, wasn’t without heartbreak. After two miscarriages and the devastating loss of their daughter, Collette, in October 2023 due to a rare genetic condition called Triploidy, Kelly and her family experienced profound grief.
“I knew our family wasn’t complete, but I also knew that grief is isolating,” Kelly shared. “Unless you’ve been through it, it’s hard to understand. I wanted to create a space where families could find hope, community, and healing.”
On Collette’s half-birthday, April 18, 2024, Kelly and her sister Emma Preston, began dreaming up a way to support others in their grief journey. As plans for their nonprofit began to sprout, Kelly asked her friend Sarah Anderson, to come alongside them to build and launch Wildflowers of Hope, named for the resilience and renewal that wildflowers symbolize, was officially established in October 2024. “Every spring, new life and new hope come back. Flowers bring joy and the promise of something better,” Kelly said.
At home, Kelly’s life is filled with energy and love. She’s the proud mom of four energetic kids who keep her days bright and busy.
Building Community Through Compassion
As a member of UND’s Center for Innovation, Kelly found both practical and personal support to grow her nonprofit idea into reality. Through CFI, Wildflowers of Hope gained workspace and printing access, as well as valuable connections to community partners — including The Sunshine House, where the group now holds its monthly meetings.
“The Center for Innovation gave us a home base when we were just getting started,” Kelly said. “Having access to resources, a space to work, and people who believed in our mission made all the difference.”
Wildflowers of Hope offers monthly support groups for families navigating pregnancy and infant loss, hosted at the Sunshine House in Grand Forks. Kelly explained that choosing a neutral, comforting space was important. “After loss, the last place you want to be is a hospital or funeral home. The Sunshine House has been a beautiful place for people to come, breathe, and share.”
Local businesses have also rallied around the organization, with All Seasons Garden Center donating wildflower seed packets, and The Wired Bean and Bernie’s providing coffee and pastries for meetings. “It’s been amazing to see the community come together to support something so personal,” Kelly said.
Each month, Wildflowers of Hope also sends remembrance cards and wildflower seeds to families across the region. Their newsletter and online store, featuring beautifully designed flower cards by co-founder Sarah Anderson, help spread awareness and raise funds for their outreach.
Finding Purpose in Growth
Though it’s in its second year, Wildflowers of Hope has already touched lives throughout the Red River Valley. Kelly’s long-term vision includes expanding mental health partnerships, offering educational resources, and eventually growing into a full-scale nonprofit providing comprehensive grief and postpartum support.
“My dream is to do this full-time, to walk alongside families in their darkest times and remind them they’re not alone,” Kelly said. “Hope is necessary when you’re going through grief. Without it, it’s easy to get stuck in a dark place.”
As October marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Wildflowers of Hope will also take part in the International Wave of Light on October 15, lighting candles at 7 p.m. to honor babies gone too soon. “The idea is that a candle is lit in every time zone,” Kelly explained. “It creates a wave of light across the world as a symbol that our babies’ lives still shine.”
Get Involved
Wildflowers of Hope hosts group meetings on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Sunshine House in Grand Forks. Individuals can get involved by:
- Purchasing items from their online store or donating to support their mission
- Joining their newsletter to stay connected
- Volunteering as a local partner, sponsor, or fiber artist (to make small “lovies” for families)
- Spreading the word about their mission
For Kelly, every wildflower planted represents a story of love, loss, and resilience. “Collette’s life gave us purpose,” she said. “Through her, something beautiful has grown.”
Learn more or support Wildflowers of Hope on their website, or follow them on Instagram or Facebook!