Bridgeport, W.Va. – On October 15, WVU Medicine United Hospital Center (UHC) held a local candlelight vigil for the annual Global Wave of Light to honor babies lost to pregnancy, stillbirth, or infant death. The event, organized by UHC’s bereavement support group, Embracing Invisible Wings, was attended by more than 24 people who lit candles and placed ribbons with babies’ names on a memory tree.
“Sharing this moment was a powerful reminder that we are all here for the same reason. Parents never forget their loss, and it is important that we recognize their pain, even if others move on,” said Jamie Rudash, BSN, RN, CLC, patient educator of Maternal Child.
The global event, which involves lighting candles at 7 p.m. local time, creates a continuous wave of light to support bereaved families and break the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss. This is a special service at the hospital, which provides a way for parents and loved ones to remember and honor their loss that was taken too soon.
“The event helps to connect people with others who have gone through similar grief,” said Rudash. “It’s nice that we could all come together to share in this moment.”