In honor of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center hosts a remembrance ceremony on October 15 at its Hawthorne headquarters.

This annual ceremony, which has become a cherished tradition, is open to 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. The observance includes music, words of reflection, and prayer – all designed to provide compassionate support for those who too often grieve in silence. It concludes with a candle lighting which coincided with an international wave of light at 7 pm.

“We want 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. “The ceremony offers 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. “Many 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 receive small tokens of remembrance, including a “forever loved, never forgotten” bracelet, and an ornament in memory of their children, for their holiday tree. Through the end of October, these mementos are available at the front desk of all Lighthouse centers (Hawthorne, Hackensack, Paterson and Wayne) for anyone who has suffered a pregnancy or infant loss.