CORNWALL, Ontario – In recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, PAIL Support for Cornwall & Area hosted their second annual Wave of Light Ceremony, taking place between 7-8 p.m. at Memorial Park.
Now an international movement, the event commemorates babies lost during or after pregnancy. Organizer, Penny Brown says that the memorial event is a cathartic way to connect with others who have experienced similar loss.
“There’s something special about supporting one another and doing this together,” said Brown. “It’s important that people know that they don’t have to go through this alone.”
Candles are lit in a group memorial, taking place in Cornwall and across the globe.
James Clarke was one of the parents in attendance, holding a candle for his son, Alexander, who passed away last December.
“He was diagnosed with a fatal infant disease, and we were told we would probably get two years,” said Clarke. “Unfortunately, he only made it for eight-and-a-half months after many surgeries.”
Despite the numerous challenges Alexander faced, Clarke says that his demeanor remained pleasant.
“We call him Smiler, because he went through everything and just kept smiling,” “We are glad to be here supporting other parents. This is extremely tough.”