13 Oct Local Pregnancy Center to Host 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 Saturday, October 15, at 6:00 p.m. at its headquarters, 297 Lafayette Ave in Hawthorne, NJ.
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 ceremony. In addition to the lighting of candles, the observance will include music, words of reflection, and prayer – all designed to providecompassionate 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.
Since 1984, Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center has provided free, confidential services andlife-enhancing support for women, men and teens facing unplanned pregnancies and related concerns. For assistance, pleasecall 973-238-9045, text 201-677-2394 or email help@lighthouseprc.org.###
