Walk to Remember honors pregnancy and infant loss

Beebe Healthcare’s Perinatal Loss Support Services hosted the 21st annual Walk to Remember at Savannah Beach in Lewes Oct. 19, after being postponed from its original Oct. 12 date due to rain.

About 45 people attended the event, which gave families and individuals an opportunity to mourn and honor the memory of babies who died through tubal pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal or infant death. 

After a half-mile walk, participants gathered on the beach for a brief memorial service. Each person received a white rose and had the chance to release the petals into the bay to honor the infants lost.

Participants also had the option to purchase memorial shirts for $15.

The Walk to Remember takes place every October for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Until this year, it was the only walk of its kind in Delaware, though similar walks take place nationwide each fall. 

Terri Wyatt, a registered nurse and Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing instructor, created the event in 2004. Last year, she stepped down from her role as event coordinator after 20 years. 

This was the first year it was held at the beach – a setting symbolic of loss and rebirth, said Beebe OB nurse Anna Drocella. Previously, it was held at George H.P. Smith Park, about a mile and a half down the road.

To help offset costs associated with the annual walk, Beebe is accepting donations from the community.

“Anything donated will contribute to the growth of perinatal loss support services for our community in the future,” Drocella said.

Checks may be made payable to Beebe Medical Foundation with the memo line, “Supporting perinatal services.” All donations are tax deductible.