Butterfly release honors babies' memories
Parents who have lost children before or just after birth can honor and remember their babies Tuesday, June 5, at the Edward Hospital SHARE program's annual Wings of Hope Angel Garden Blessing and Butterfly Release.
The event begins at 6 p.m. on the campus of Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville. The garden is located on the south side of the campus, near the Emergency/Outpatient Entrance.
SHARE is a support group for those who have experienced a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or neonatal death.
The garden opened in 2010 as a place that allows parents who have lost a baby to remember and celebrate their child's life.
Features of the garden include brick walls where parents can memorialize their baby, benches, a fountain and plants that attract butterflies.
For information, to donate in support of the garden or to purchase a memorial etched brick paver or etched butterfly, visit eehealth.org/wings.
Membership in SHARE is not required to attend the garden blessing and butterfly release. The event is open to all who have experienced a similar loss.
SHARE meets 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in the Edward Hospital Education Center, Room E305, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville.
SHARE meets 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in the Birch Room of the Elmhurst Hospital Arboretum Conference Center, 155 E. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst.
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 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Edward Hospital Education Center, Room E308, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville.
SHARE also coordinates special events to raise awareness, including a Walk to Remember.
The 14th annual walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion in Naperville. For information or to register, visit eehealth.org/walktoremember.
For information about SHARE events, support groups and resources, visit eehealth.org/SHAREResources or call (630) 527-3263.
If you go
What: SHARE program's annual Wings of Hope Angel Garden Blessing and Butterfly Release
Why: To honor and remember babies who died in pregnancy or as infants
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 5
Where: Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 527-3263 or eehealth.org/wings