Light & Unite is our annual memorial event with our community of bereaved parents, their loved ones, and anyone affected by pregnancy loss, to remember our babies in a safe space to grieve. We participate in the International Wave of Light, a world wide candle-lighting and remembrance ceremony in the comfort and company of other bereaved families.
Light & Unite is held every year on October 15, the nationally recognized Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. Please check back on info for our 7th Annual Light & Unite 2025, which is usually updated on our Facebook page.
Light & Unite 2024 was held at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.
We participated in a tree dedication to all of the babies gone too soon. This tree is located near the pond and provides a quiet space to sit and reflect. Each familiy received a White Spruce seedling to take home and plant in remembrance.
Plant a Tree by David H. Wright
“If when I am gone
Thou would’st honor me
Then plant a tree.
Some highway, bleak and bare,
Make green with leaves.
So radiant and fair
And full of leaves my monument will be,
So ever full of tuneful melody.
My monument will be
A sight most rare –
Trees planted everywhere.
A highway broad from city to the sea –
Plant this in memory of me.
Light & Unite 2023 was held at Aspinwall Riverfront Park.
We lit white lanterns around the bonfire. The lantern provides light. Light helps lead the way forward, towards the future, gently pushing aside the surrounding darkness. A long path before us is useless without the light to see what is along the way and provide warmth for the journey.
Light & Unite 2022 was held at The Villa at Springwood in Verona.
This year's theme was the lotus flower, which represents purity, beauty, and transcendence. It has long been revered for its ability to remain pure, its center never tainted by its journey, despite growing only in a muddy and murky environment. Symbolically, out of a dark place, we can all come together in an evening of togetherness and connection, remembering our babies' purity of heart and soul. The lotus flower blooms slowly one petal at a time, which is similar to the gradual steps required to reach spiritual enlightenment. In this sense, the lotus is a symbol of personal progress.
Click the video below to watch.
Light & Unite 2021 was held at Gilfillan Farm in Upper St. Clair. In this serene farm setting, families thoughtfully remembered and celebrated the their experience of life and loss. Horse With Hope provided therapy horses to enhance the meaningful evening.
Click the video below to watch.
Light & Unite 2020 was virtual due to the pandemic.
Our inaugural Light & Unite event was also held in 2019 at Choderwood. Click here to see a video from the event on post-gazette.com.