A GROUP of inspiring young women delivered 500 miscarriage packs and 130 memory boxes, along with blankets and teddy bears, to King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) to commemorate this month’s A Day of Hope.
Led by Carly Dudley, the group known as Luminous Light created care packages over an afternoon tea that have proven to play a role in healing for families who have experienced a miscarriage or lost a baby.
Ms Dudley said it began in 2010 when she, along with her mum and a friend, brought in two boxes each.
The event ran once again last year and has now quadrupled in size.
Ms Dudley said about 200 women who had been patients at KEMH were now part of the group.
She said an empty box, which she received and filled with memories after losing her son in 2007, was her most treasured item.
“We (the group) get along great,” Ms Dudley said.
“We cry, laugh together. We get together quite often.”
Clinical midwife consultant Belinda Jennings, who is KEMH’s perinatal loss service co-ordinator, said the Luminous Light project was the envy of the world, as it was the only place in Australia to deliver such a service.
“It’s stunningly awesome,” Ms Jennings said
“It no doubt (makes a difference) and is so highly valued by the families.
“We acknowledge many families have been through pregnancy and perinatal loss, and we acknowledge it as a significant life-changing experience.
“You can’t fix it but you can make it a little less awful.”
Women and Newborn services director Margaret Davies said the hospital continued to appreciate the support and ongoing mementos the volunteers provided.
“It’s generosity beyond,” Ms Davies said. “It shows us despite your grief, you want to give something back.”