Butterfly release memorializes babies' lives

After a two-year break, the Edward Foundation and SHARE will resume their Wings of Hope Angel Garden Blessing and Butterfly Release.

The event begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, on the campus of Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville.

SHARE is a support group for those who have experienced a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or neonatal death.

The garden, located near Edward Hospital's south entrance, opened in 2010 as a place that allows parents who have lost a baby to remember and celebrate their child's life. The garden was closed between mid-2012 and April 2014 during construction of a two-floor addition to Edward's West Building.

Features of the garden include brick walls (including a butterfly wall where parents can memorialize their baby), benches, fountain and plants that attract butterflies. For information, visit edward.org/wingsofhope. To donate in support of the garden or to purchase a memorial etched brick paver or etched butterfly, visit edward.org/wings.

Members of the Edward SHARE group meet from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. on the second Wednesday and fourth Tuesday of each month in the Edward Hospital Education Center, and from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Edward Plainfield Outpatient Center, 24600 W. 127th St.

There's also a Sharing HOPE (Having Optimistic Pregnancy Expectations) group for people who have suffered a miscarriage or loss of an infant and who are now pregnant or considering becoming pregnant. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Edward Hospital Education Center. For information about SHARE's support groups, call (630) 527-3263.

SHARE also coordinates special events to raise awareness, including an annual Walk to Remember, this year on Oct. 11 at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion in Naperville; and a Service of Remembrance on Dec. 9 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 821 S. Washington St., Naperville. For information, visit edward.org/SHAREResources.