A peer support group for families who have lost a baby during any stage of pregnancy, birth, or early infancy, will hold its annual candlelight vigil Tuesday Oct. 15 at the Hospice House of the EUP.
Silent Hearts of the EUP is a hospice peer support group that began 18 years ago when Margaret Swedene who lost a child ten and one-half hours after birth.
"A dear friend, Melanie Greenfield, supported me through my pregnancy with my baby, Benjamin, who had a terminal diagnosis. Melanie and I wanted to form a community support group so that families wouldn’t have to suffer through this grief alone. At that time, I was a hospice volunteer. Tracey Holt from hospice of the EUP reached out and offered to support Silent Hearts as a bereavement group," Swedene said.
Since 2006, the Hospice House of the EUP has held an Oct. 15 candlelight vigil. This the International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. Worldwide candles are lit at 7 p.m. hence causing a “wave of light” around the world in honor of babies who died too soon.
This event offers time to honor the babies and to come together to both give and receive support. Swedene believes that in order to move through the grief journey, it’s important to set time aside to allow feelings to be expressed.
"At this event, out precious babies names will be read aloud, we will listen to a beautiful poem, and we will take a short walk down the path behind the Hospice House to the baby garden, where we each light a candle and honor of the babies we remember," Swedene added.
Swedene encourages parents who have lost a precious child to be a part of the group, but also participate in the ceremony Tuesday.
"Silent hearts is a peer support group that offers support online and in person. You can find us on Facebook at Silent Hearts of the EUP. Shannon Warner, RN from MyMichigan Sault, Paula Jarosz a bereaved grandmother, and myself aim to support families who are grieving the loss of a baby regardless of when that loss occurred," Swedene said.
Swedene encourages people to show up at 6:30 p.m. on the back deck of the Hospice House with the walk to start at 7 p.m.
The Hospice House of the EUP is located at 308 W. 12th Ave. in Sault Ste. Marie.
If you’d like more information, to RSVP, or if you’d like to help with the event, please contact Margaret Swedene at [email protected].
