WILMINGTON – Clinton Memorial Hospital will join in an international “Wave of Light” on Tuesday, Oct. 15 in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.

Attendees will be invited to write a message on a colored ribbon and hang it from a tree on the hospital campus. Attendees will then be invited to join a candle light ceremony at dusk, where a CMH chaplain will provide a brief message of remembrance and a moment of silence.

“Pregnancy and infant loss affects an estimated 1 in 4 women,” shared Tracy Stewart, Director of Mother-Baby Care at CMH, “and we want to ensure that no one in our community feels they are suffering alone.”

Lance Beus, CEO, echoed Tracy’s sentiment and emphasized the importance of the event.

“Working in healthcare, we stand beside patients in moments of great joy, but also in periods of deep grief. It’s important to us that we support those who have suffered pregnancy and infant loss and provide a space for remembrance and community.”

October was proclaimed National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in 1988 by then President Ronald Reagan, who shared: “When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world.”

This year’s event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct.15. The candle lighting will take place at 7 p.m. with the event concluding shortly after.

For more information about Clinton Memorial Hospital upcoming events, please visit CMHRegional.com.