WRNMMC, Bethesda, Md.   –   October marks National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, with October 15 being Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's Mother and Infant Care Center (MICC) hosted the International Wave of Light ceremony on October 15 to commemorate this day.

Following opening remarks, personal stories, and shared poems, Walter Reed's Inpatient Lactation Consultant, Monica Brannon, shared that the International Wave of Light is an "integral part of this month and day where a special ceremony takes place at 7 p.m. honoring babies lost to pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and infant loss."

As Brannon read the names of the babies accompanied by notes from their loved ones, attendees placed a lantern on a decorated table in front of the room.

For U.S. Army Maj. Michael Wolk and his wife, Lerani Wolk, the ceremony is a source of comfort and healing after losing their daughter Athena Summer more than a year ago.
The Wolk’s expressed their gratitude for the ongoing support from Walter Reed's MICC staff, highlighting one in particular - Dr. Cordova.

"He [Dr. Cordova] called to let us know there hasn't been a day he hasn't thought about us," said Mrs. Wolk. "He also shared that her loss inspired him to write a poem about our baby."
Brannon read Cordova’s poem during the ceremony.

In addition to the evening events, Walter Reed neonatologist Dr. Elizabeth Schulz shared her experiences, offering support to the families in attendance.
Filled with gratitude for the support her family has received and continues to receive, Mrs. Wolk shared, "This reminds us that we're not alone. It’s also helping us to continue working through some of the grief we haven't worked through because of avoidance."

A little more than a year ago, their family experienced, as Mr. Wolk put it, "adventure, joy, and anxiousness followed by sorrow." Later, their joy came as they welcomed their new daughter in July 2023. A daughter who "came in good hands under the care of Walter Reed staff."

The Wolks, a blended family with four daughters and one son, said events like the International Wave of Light ceremony help them unpack the next layer of their grief and offer a reminder that they can both celebrate and grieve and with a supportive group and community, they can process their pain and continue to heal.