PLATTSBURGH, NY (09/30/2024) – Families have a chance to lean on each other for support in the wake of one of the most challenging times in their lives: the loss of a baby.

The Alice T. Miner Women and Children’s Center (WCC) at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) is hosting a Wave of Light gathering on Tuesday, October 15 from 5:30 - 8 pm. The event will be held in the conference room of the Medical Office Building located at 206 Cornelia Street.

“It’s an important opportunity for people who have lost an infant to celebrate that life, no matter how short of a time they may have had with that child,” says Nancy Boucher, MSN, RNC, a WCC nurse who is organizing the event.

The gathering is being held on World Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Observed annually on October 15, the goal is to raise awareness regarding pregnancy loss, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and infant death, which include miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn mortality. At the same time, Boucher wants to give community members a place where they can be open and share their experiences with each other.

“Every time I care for one of my patients who has a loss, I think about what that might mean to that parent in the long term. I just want people to have a safe place to come and see that they’re not alone in what they’re going through,” she explains.

The event includes a candle lighting ceremony, known as the Wave of Light.

“Many things happen when these patients go home. It can be hard for them to jump back into life. As we all know, life does not stop,” Boucher adds.

Boucher also hopes to learn more from attendees about their needs to help them better reacclimate to their life. Anyone interested in participating in the event can learn more or sign up by calling 518- 562-7587.