Baptist Health Paducah to host annual Wave of Light Ceremony

PADUCAH, KY (Oct. 9, 2024) – Families and friends who have lost an infant or unborn child are invited to take part in Baptist Health Paducah’s Wave of Light Ceremony on Oct.15 at 6 p.m. in the Larry Barton Atrium.

The Wave of Light ceremony pays respect to those who have experienced loss due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, sudden infant death or fetal loss. Attendees of the event will each light a candle, creating a “wave of light” across the world in reverence of beloved babies who are forever missed. The ceremony is held as a part of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, which is honored on the 15 of October each year.

“My goal with this event, and in my everyday position, is to give these patients and their families the love and caring support they deserve as well as providing meaningful memorabilia for them to take with them,” said Baptist Health Paducah Bereavement Coordinator, Dawn Mitchell. “Being able to be there for these families in their time of loss is close to my heart and provides me with such gratitude and fulfillment in my career.”

During the hospital’s ceremony, a mother who has experienced loss will share her story. Jennifer Nickell, MD will also share remarks on behalf of Baptist Health Medical Group OB/GYN. Attendees will have the opportunity to light a candle in remembrance of their child and write their name, date of loss and a short message as a keepsake. In addition, Baby Belly Bumps of Paducah will be present to provide free heartbeat bears for those who have a recording of their child’s heartbeat.

Baptist Health invites members of our community, who honor this day, to enter through the Medical Park 2 entrance to the Larry Barton Atrium.