October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, with October 15th being the day of awareness. This day is observed nationally since 2002 when the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day Campaign was started. Each year thousands of families across Canada mourn the death of their babies.
For several years the Hope Box Team has generously donated Hope Boxes to Temiskaming Hospital, providing resources and support for families who are experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. There have been 65 boxes distributed locally this year.
“Our team is privileged to be able to provide our local families with a hope box to create heartfelt memories to acknowledge the life of their beautiful child and provide hope” stated Rikki Hendrickson, Obstetrics/Level 1B Nursery Manager at Temiskaming Hospital.
“Hope Boxes were created as a grief support resource to encourage and support families on the grief journey. Families are not alone. We also want to equip medical staff to provide compassionate care at a time that can be confusing and difficult for families. We are greatly appreciative of those in the community, including Temiskaming Hospital, that have supported families practically through Hope Boxes. It means a lot to grieving families.” said Jenita Naylor.
(Left to Right, Rikki Hendrickson, Ayda Naylor, Jenita Naylor, Mikayla Naylor)
Rikki continued, “On behalf on Temiskaming Hospital, I would like to thank Pete & Jenita from the Riverside community church, the founders of Hope boxes, for their generous donation of Hope boxes to Temiskaming Hospital. The ongoing donation of these beautiful boxes for Pregnancy and Infant Loss enable us to provide resources and support to our local community during a time that they are experiencing such a tragic loss.”