In October 2025, the ACDA compiled “Project Pocket Hugs: A Little Hug for Someone You Love” for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Hundreds of pocket teddy bears, each lovingly labeled and named after a child affected by ACDMPV, were given away by the ACDA at an international medical conference. These special “pocket hugs” are intended to create connections around the world and inspire joy in honor of our children. We hope it brings some comfort to imagine each bear finding a home and spreading a bit of happiness in each child’s name.

A special way to participate this month is by reflecting on the teddy bear names—scrolling below—as you light your candle during the ACDA Wave of Light on October 15.

A small sample of the hundreds of bears distributed,
each labeled with a name of every child registered with the ACDA.

Please go HERE to learn how to participate in the ACDA Wave of Light on October 15, 2025. #WaveofLight #ACDAWaveofLight

We encourage you to take a moment to view the names scrolling above and reflect on the lives of these precious children and the heartbreaking loss endured by their respective families, friends and loved ones.

Projects for October 15 in prior years have included calligraphy, luminaries, collages of our babies, photo project of bereaved parents, memorial wall, written word project about grief over time, audio compilation of spoken names, stories about the meaning behind a child’s name, interactive map and digital quilt. Many of these touching projects are available for viewing at anytime on our website, allowing you to engage with the tributes and stories shared.