Now in its fourth year, the annual Perinatal Loss Walk is Saturday, Oct. 14. The walk, an initiative of the Bellies and Babies program at Sunshine Coast Community Services, aims to bring awareness and information about infant loss to the community and to offer support and remembrance for mothers, fathers, and families who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy, infant, or child.
Gathering at the pier in Davis Bay at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, participants will walk together to Hospice House, where participants will share food, pictures, and memories to break the silence and stigma surrounding pregnancy and infant loss. This event is more than a walk; it signals love, support, and unity for bereaved families.
Pregnancy or infant loss is profound and touches parents, family members, friends, and healthcare providers. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada estimates that at least 15 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth. In addition, a number of infants die within the first year after birth. It is a complex and unique tragedy that can be difficult to discuss. Zoe Stratis, a bereaved parent, and advocate, shares her personal experience, saying, “As a bereaved parent, I can personally attest to the comfort found in shared experiences, the value of coming together, and the significance of such events that champion understanding, reduce isolation, and foster a grief-competent society. Let’s walk together, support one another, and illuminate the path towards healing and awareness.”
The event, hosted by Sunshine Coast Community Services, Vancouver Coastal Health, and Sunshine Coast Hospice, promises to be touching and meaningful, offering solace, community, and education that brings people together in a compassionate and supportive environment.
To get involved or to learn more, please email Shirley French, Family Resource Program Lead, SCCSS, at [email protected] or call 604-865-1108.
