Bereavement Archives - National MPS Society

Let us introduce you to Jacob Ray (J.R.) Anton, one of the many faces of MPS.

J.R., who passed away in May 2024, was one of approximately 500 boys in the U.S. with MPSII, also known as Hunter Syndrome. In Chapel Hill, NC, though, J.R. was just a Tar Heel. Despite living in Omaha, J.R. was a well known and beloved member of the Tar Heels team, and they often flew him out during the season to attend games.

“The biggest smiles of any of the pictures I see of J.R.,” said Walt Anton, J.R.’s father, “Are the pictures of when he’s in North Carolina with the players.”

Read more about J.R. at: https://ow.ly/KzfS50SXYCl

Photos courtesy of: Carolina Baseball, The News & Observer

Each year, we remember individuals with MPS or ML who have passed away but remain in our thoughts and hearts. We invite families and loved ones to share their memories with others.

Through the Angels Among Us publication, we encourage you to join the community in lifting up, remembering and honoring their lives as you read their names and reflect upon their memories.

The 2024 publication is accessible below. This publication is available in a smaller format (standard resolution) for faster download or high resolution for those who want to print a copy.

Angels Among Us: Standard Resolution

Angels Among Us: High-Resolution

Families often face difficult and painful losses, and we want to help. If you have a death in your family or need to reach out, please contact us.

Bereavement Expense Program

The National MPS Society seeks to provide support to all families throughout their MPS and ML journey. As part of this support, the Bereavement Expense Program helps to provide financial assistance through a one-time grant for up for final expenses.

The Bereavement Expense Program provides the grant directly to a funeral home or other professional service provider associated with final expenses, within 90 days following the death of an individual with MPS or ML. Please contact Leslie Urdaneta, Director of Family Support and Communication for more information.

Bereavement Expense Program Guidelines

Angels Among Us

Each year, we publish Angels Among Us to remember those who have passed away. Please visit this link to learn how to submit (submissions are due by mail with annual membership renewal or through an online form by March 1 of each year) or to view the current edition of this publication.

Bereavement Resources and Links

We hope you find these links to information helpful in your journey. If you have resources to add, please contact us. Disclaimer: the National MPS Society offers these suggested sites for additional information; however, inclusion in this list does not constitute any real or implied endorsement of their content by the Society.

Bereaved Parents of the USA

This program provides support groups and information for family members after the loss of a child. BPUSA hosts an annual family conference for support.

Compassionate Friends

This program provides support groups and information for family members after the loss of a child. Information regarding state and local support is available.

Courageous Parents Network: CPN

This network was created for and by parents, and provides support, information, and knowledge bases around issues of parenting and caring for children with illnesses, as well as bereavement and loss support.