On Sept. 16, 2021, Kiosha and Joseph Dickey experienced the stillbirth of their daughter, Autumn Rei. 

At 20 weeks gestation, the baby was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, resulting in many of her organs developing abnormally. About half of the babies with Trisomy 18, who are carried to full term, are stillborn.

“It was most traumatic, but at the same time it was a feeling of relief,” Kiosha said on Monday, three years after Autumn’s still birth. Kiosha said she was relieved because she knew her daughter felt no pain, just love.

As Kiosha carried Autumn, she said she bonded with her baby, and became “very close to her.” Kiosha also said Autumn’s birthday is not a time of sadness, but a time to celebrate what Autumn meant to her family. “She was a blessing,” Kiosha said. 

Joseph said the family has leaned on their faith in God and prayer to get through the loss of their child and he feels that celebrating Autumn is a way for her to live on. “We will never forget her and we’ll cherish her memory,” he said. 

After Autumn’s birth, the Dickeys founded Autumn’s Way.  The two attorneys have a daughter, Alexis, 6, and in 2023, Kiosha gave birth to Joey, who is now 19-months-old. (Autumn’s Way on Facebook)

“We founded Autumn’s Way to help hospitals provide families who have experienced the loss of a child with support,” Joseph said. “We can’t change what families experiencing loss are going through, but we can have an impact on their lives with our contributions.”

He also said the response from friends and donors to Autumn’s Way has been humbling. “The people of West Columbia and the Cayce community have put their arms around us. It’s inspiring. It makes your heart full.” 

Since its inception, Autumn’s Way has delivered stuffed animals to several pediatric hospitals, including: Prisma: MUSC: Roper; and St. Francis. At Lexington Medical Center Autumn’s Way has donated children’s books and helped procure a cuddle cot.

Kiosha said in addition to the donations, she has had contact with mothers who have experienced stillbirth and offered to be a “sounding board” for them and a source of comfort as they deal with the trauma. Joseph also said he doesn’t want Autumn’s stillbirth to be in vain. He wants to help. “We can offer a shoulder to lean on or a hug for those going through this process,” he said. 

But the journey to get over the loss of Autumn has been difficult. “I don’t think you ever heal,” Joseph said. “We handle it by celebrating Autumn and we make sure her brother and sister know about her.” 

Kiosha said the Christmas season can be the hardest, but Autumn’s Way has helped her move forward.
“It’s not only a way to honor the memory of Autumn, it helps with the grief process,” she said.