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Memorial Walk for families grieving loss of baby

Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice, a nonprofit organization offering support for those with life-threatening illnesses is sponsoring a Memorial Walk for families who are grieving the death of a baby at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Blvd. in Elgin.

All family members and friends who have been affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or infant losses are invited to participate in this remembrance service and planting of a tree. Participants can bring a letter to the baby or a small article to place in the casket during the ceremony. After the ceremony a continental breakfast will be served. The walk will take place regardless of weather. It is offered in conjunction with Presence St. Joseph Hospital, Presence Mercy Medical Center and Bluff City Cemetery. Free, but advanced registration is requested.

Footprints, a bereavement program for parents and adult family members who are coping with a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death, is being presented by Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice. The program will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, May 13 through June 24, at the agency, 200 Whitfield Drive, Geneva. Free to attend the program, but registration is required one week in advance.

During the six-week program, participants will come to understand that grief is a normal, natural process and will learn the differences between how men and women. Participants will also learn how to identify a support system to assist them in meeting their needs at this difficult time. Managing special dates and holidays will be discussed and participants will engage in discussion about considering pregnancy after loss and how they know when they are ready to move on. Time will be provided to address individual needs.

To register for these programs, contact Carol Ann Richeson at (630) 232-2233, ext. 224.

All programs and services of Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice, a nonprofit organization supporting those with life-threatening illness and the bereaved, are offered free to residents of Kane and Kendall counties, and parts of DuPage, Cook, and McHenry counties. Spanish interpretation is available for all programs. Visit www.fvvh.org.

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