In October 1988, President Ronald Reagan of the United States proclaimed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. “When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world.”

In addition, October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. The day is observed with ceremonies and candle-lighting vigils, concluding with the International Wave of Light; a worldwide lighting of candles. The International Wave of Light invites participants from around the world to light a candle at 7:00 p.m. on October 15 in their respective time zones, and to leave the candle burning for at least an hour. The result is a continuous chain of light spanning the globe for a 24 hour period in honor and remembrance of our babies we have lost.

We hope all of our ACDA families and friends around the world will commemorate this special day by participating in the ACDA Wave of Light event. On Tuesday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m. in your respective time zone, please share a photo of your candle on the ACDA public Facebook page to create an ACDA Wave of Light. Please also use the public forum to share your child’s name or special memory in the comments. The ACDA Wave of Light provides a time for quiet remembrance and reflection and is a powerful worldwide experience in honor of our loved ones. #WaveofLight #ACDAWaveofLight

The ACDA sends love and light to all of our ACD affected families and friends this month. Searching for answers…hoping for a cure.