AT the end of October, Laurieton will host the Choosing Hope walk in support of bereaved families who have lost a baby.
Fundraising Liaison at Bears Of Hope, Abby Dante, shared the statistics of loss in Australia. Six babies are stillborn each day; every five minutes someone will experience miscarriage; and three babies will pass away before their first birthday, she said.
“The statistics are real,” Ms Dante said. “And the families experiencing this are real. Bears Of Hope exists with the sole purpose of providing support and care to families who experience this devastating loss.”
On 31 October, during International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, the initiative by Bears Of Hope will take place in the morning.
The path begins at the Laurieton United Services Club outdoor riverfront area.
Walkers will make their way up to Stingray Bridge and turn around after crossing.
The morning waterfront walk is a time for remembrance, reflection and connection.
After the walk, a special ceremony will commence.
The names of the babies who parents have lost will be read out loud. Flowers can also be placed upon remembrance.
“Parents often never hear their babies’ names spoken, so this is an opportunity to hear their baby recognised as a person,” Ms Dante said..
The event doubles as a fundraising initiative for Bears Of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support.
They offer early and ongoing support for families who have lost their baby.
Ms Sante said that the atmosphere of the event would be heartwarming and, of course, hopeful.
By Shalise LEESFIELD
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