Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance | Video

Retha Colclasure | 10/15/2012

Families who lose an infant, or are faced with the loss of a pregnancy, often grieve alone. But today is a day to tell them they don`t have to. October 15 is national Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Retha Colclasure talked with a woman who suffered one of the the worst losses imaginable.

"She was awesome, she was smiley and giggly," said Tammy Czapiewski.

Tammy`s daughter Addison was born on January 15. Tammy brought her to work with every day.

"I had her by my side every single day. She just lit up a room."

But when Addison was six months old, she passed away from SIDS.

"At first you`re just in shock. You somehow get strength from places you didn`t even know existed."

One of those places was a support group for parents who have lost babies or suffered miscarriages.

"There`s a lot of families out there that don`t share their grief or they don`t even know about support groups in the area. That`s really helped me through this a lot is having the support of friends that know my story, that have been through similar circumstances."

October 15 is a day for all who have suffered a similar loss to come together and grieve, and for those around them to reach out. That`s why Tammy wanted to share her story.

"I just wanted everyone to be aware of what that day is all about and the importance of remembering all the babies that have gone to heaven or have been lost too soon."

Even though her daughter only lived for six short months, she says she will never be forgotten and she will carry her story with her forever.

Everyone is asked to help create a wave of light at tonight at 7:00 to remember lost babies and their families. Sanford Medical Center is also holding a committal and remembrance service tonight at 6:00 at the Fairview Cemetery.

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