CAMC Women and Children’s join global event commemorating pregnancy and infant loss

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Candles were lit across the nation Wednesday night to honor babies lost during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

The International Wave of Light is a global event held to commemorate Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. For 24 hours, a continuous wave of light spans the earth, symbolizing love and remembrance for babies lost too soon.

Vandalia Health’s CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital was among the hospitals and families who lit candles. The individual flames formed a continuous wave of light encircling the earth, symbolizing that these lives will forever shine.

Hospital chaplain Devontae Edwards said this was the first year the hospital participated in the national event.

He said this is meant to honor not only the babies lost, but their families as well.

“Lights up and commemorate those families who have lost a baby too soon, and so what we do here is that we remember them, hold them dear in our hearts, and light a candle for those families,” Edwards said.

During the ceremony, Edwards led everyone in prayer, and a moment of silence was held to remember every baby lost too soon.

Edwards said they want to ensure they are there for anyone grieving the loss of a baby.

“Each person grieves in their own way, and what we do here is try to meet all the needs of all the family who have lost loved ones, who’s gone far too soon,” he said.

Along with lighting candles, the hospital will be illuminated in pink and blue lights throughout the week to represent both grief and hope, and to honor every story, every name, and every heartbeat of those lost.

Edwards said they want to ensure that families and mothers feel like they are supported throughout the loss.

“Our moms are not grieving in silence, that they are loved and they are cared for, and to have some compassion and empathy for those who have lost their little ones,” he said.

Edwards said he hopes the effort spreads throughout the entire Charleston area.

“The idea is that it’ll catch on more to not only just our hospitals but into our communities as we remember those families who are grieving, so the goal is to not only let it catch fire here but allow it to spread throughout our nation,” he said.