Shining a light of hope and remembrance together.

Every year, on October 15, Lexington Medical Center invites families to join in a heartfelt remembrance as part of the global Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The annual Wave of Light Ceremony, held from 7 to 8 p.m., provides a supportive space for families to honor the babies they have lost during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Established in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, October is designated as a time of reflection and support for those who have experienced perinatal loss. Every year, the Wave of Light ceremony begins at 7 p.m., where families light candles together, creating a united glow of remembrance. During this time, the names of the lost babies will be read aloud, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.

A Personal Journey

Dr. Kelly Russin, Center for Simulation and Experiential Learning (SAEL) Director at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing, has been organizing the Lexington Medical Center Wave of Light ceremony since 2021. As a Labor and Delivery nurse at Lexington Medical Center and head of their Perinatal Loss Program, Kelly’s commitment is deeply personal. After losing her daughter at full term in 2009, she and her family lit a candle each year from 7 to 8 p.m. in her memory. Kelly’s motivation for Wave of Light was to create a space in Columbia for families who may have been remembering privately, like her, to all come together.

Labor and Delivery nurses play a crucial role in guiding families through the challenging process of perinatal loss. Kelly emphasizes the importance of training in the following areas:

• Communication: Knowing what to say—and what not to say.
• Creating Memories: Providing items such as footprints, photographs, and yellow roses - which symbolize loss at Lexington Medical Center.
• Grief Counseling: Offering emotional support during a devastating time.
• Support Necessities: Assisting with paperwork and post-mortem care.

The Wave of Light is a celebration of life to honor our babies that passed away from miscarriage, still birth or infant loss. As we light the candles from 7 - 8 p.m, it creates a wave of light around the world. 

- Kelly Russin, DNP, RNC-OB, CHSE 

A Community of Support

The Mayo Clinic states that 10 - 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.  Multiple National Institute of Health (NIH) studies highlight that social support is vital in helping parents navigate this bereavement period. The Wave of Light ceremony is a testament to this support, bringing families together in their shared experiences. Connecting with others who understand can be incredibly healing.