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International Wave of Light 2026: Remembering Our Babies Together 🕯️

Writer: Doula Synergy
Doula Synergy
Oct 15
4 min read

October 15 | Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

How to participate in the International Wave of Light, find remembrance ceremonies, and honor the babies who will forever be part of our families.


The world keeps moving. Our love doesn't.


Eight years ago, my daughter Lena was stillborn at 29 weeks. My entire world changed.


While the rest of the world continued moving forward, I was learning how to navigate a life I never imagined—one where I was still a mother, but my daughter wasn't here for me to hold.


Through my own experience of loss, I came to recognize just how much support families need, not only during the loss itself, but throughout the journey that follows.


That experience ultimately inspired my work as a doula, perinatal loss advocate, and the founder of Doula Synergy.


Doula Synergy was created to help bridge the gaps in compassionate pregnancy and infant loss support. Our mission is to advance the role of doulas in bereavement care, provide specialized education and training, and build a directory connecting families with doulas who are prepared to support them through loss.


Because no family should have to navigate this experience alone.

And because every baby deserves to be remembered.


What is the International Wave of Light?

October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging the babies who died during pregnancy or infancy and the families who love them.


At 7 PM in every time zone, families and supporters around the world light candles in remembrance.


As candles are lit across time zones, a continuous Wave of Light travels around the globe for 24 hours.


It's a beautiful reminder that even when grief feels isolating, we are not alone.


How to participate

You don't need to attend an organized ceremony to take part.

  • 🕯️ Light a candle at 7 PM in your local time zone.

  • ❤️ Say your baby's name or honor the memory of someone else's baby.

  • 📸 Share a photo of your candle using #WaveOfLight.

  • 🤍 Join an in-person or virtual remembrance gathering.

  • 🌎 Invite friends and family to participate, even if they haven't personally experienced loss.


Whether your loss was recent or decades ago, whether you have living children or not, whether you share your story publicly or hold it privately—there is space for you here.


Below are organizations hosting or sharing remembrance gatherings and resources for October 15th.


A light for Lena, and a light for your baby


Tonight, I'll be lighting a candle for my daughter Lena.

I'll be thinking about the milestones we never got to celebrate, the memories we never got to make, and the love that has never stopped growing.

And I'll be thinking of the countless other families who are doing the same.

If you're remembering a baby tonight, I hope you feel the love surrounding you.

Your baby mattered. Your baby still matters.

And you deserve to have their life acknowledged, their name spoken, and their story remembered.


With love and remembrance,


Ashley Rose Salvitti

Founder, Doula Synergy

Loss Mom, Doula & Perinatal Loss Advocate


Doula Synergy is fiscally sponsored by Star Legacy Foundation and is dedicated to expanding compassionate doula support for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.


2026 Wave of Light Events & Remembrance Ceremonies

All times are for Thursday, October 15, 2026, unless otherwise indicated.


Virtual ceremonies — join from anywhere


Postpartum Support International (PSI) — Virtual Wave of Light Ceremony

A free, 30-minute virtual remembrance gathering for parents and families honoring babies who died during pregnancy or infancy. Participants are welcome to bring a candle or special item of remembrance, keep their cameras off, or simply be present. No speaking or sharing is required.


No Foot Too Small — Virtual Wave of Light

Free virtual remembrance ceremony with candle lighting, readings, and an opportunity to honor babies by name. Also hosting in-person gatherings in Des Moines and Sioux City, Iowa.

The deadline for submitting names to be read was October 1; general attendance is free.

NO FOOT TOO SMALL


Bereavement & Beyond — Virtual Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance

A free, 30-minute online gathering featuring reflection, candle lighting, and remembrance. Participants can attend without speaking or turning on their cameras.

Baby Loss Awareness Week — Global Wave of Light

Participate from home by sharing a candle photo with #WaveOfLight. The organization also provides information about its virtual remembrance and livestream.

In-person ceremonies and additional ways to participate


The TEARS Foundation — National Wave of Light

A national candle-lighting ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, bringing families together to honor babies and raise awareness.

  • Time: 5:30–7:30 PM Eastern

  • Location: Washington, DC

  • Baby-name registration information is available on the event page.

  • National Wave of Light details 

    The TEARS Foundation


Star Legacy Foundation — Wave of Light Starlight Walk

An evening of remembrance and connection for families in Nebraska.

First Year Cleveland — 2026 Wave of Light

A remembrance gathering at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, with a candle-lighting ceremony honoring babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infancy.

  • Event begins: 6 PM Eastern

  • Candle lighting: 7 PM Eastern

  • Location: Cleveland, Ohio

  • Event information 

    Pail Connect


Additional verified virtual ceremonies

Gathering Hope — Virtual Wave of Light 2026

A YouTube remembrance ceremony featuring babies' names submitted by families around the world.

Mother Wit / The ARIAH Foundation — Healing Space & Global Wave of Light

A free online gathering offering storytelling, connection, reflection, and candle lighting.

PAIL Network — Ontario & Virtual Wave of Light

Virtual ceremony and in-person gatherings across Ontario, Canada.

Carle Health — Shining Light Memorial Service

An infant remembrance service in Urbana, Illinois, also streamed online through Microsoft Teams. No account or payment required to watch.

 
 
 

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