2021 Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Ceremony

In honor of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center is hosting a remembrance ceremony and candle lighting on Friday, October 15, at 6:30 p.m. at its headquarters, 297 Lafayette Ave in Hawthorne, NJ (parking is available in front of the building or on nearby streets). 

Lighthouse welcomes anyone in the community who has experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, still birth, ectopic/molar pregnancy, a fetal anomaly, SIDS, or other circumstance, to attend the ceremonies. In addition to the lighting of candles, the observances will include music, words of reflection, and prayer – all designed to provide compassionate support for those who too often grieve in silence.

“It is our hope to provide a meaningful way for those we serve at our centers, and those in our communities to honor precious lives who were with us for too short a time,” explained Debbie Provencher, Lighthouse Executive Director. “We want the ceremony to be a special time of remembrance for parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives and friends who have shared this hurt and grief.”  

In the United States, as many as 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. The percentage is highest in the earliest stages of pregnancy and among undiagnosed pregnancies. “Some of our staff have experienced this loss firsthand, and understand the need to acknowledge and remember the child who was lost,” said Provencher.

Those attending the ceremony will receive small tokens of remembrance, including a “forever loved, never forgotten” bracelet, and an ornament in memory of their children, for their holiday tree. From October 15-31, the bracelets will also be available at the front desk of all Lighthouse centers (Hawthorne, Hackensack, Paterson and Wayne) for anyone who has suffered a pregnancy or infant loss.