The death of an infant, stillborn child , or miscarriage are some of the most tragic events in life one could ever have. Having the opportunity to speak with others who have been through this horrible loss doesn't make it better, but it does allow you to start rebuilding your life. On the 7th of April, 2009, St Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem, PA informed the Perinatal Loss Program Support Group that the position of coordinator had been eliminated, and the Social Worker who was also with the program would not be returning. The hospital informed the group that if St. Lukes could not locate a new contractor to run group, the next meeting would be the last. The group has been an integral part of St Lukes for over 12 years, and has helped countless parents deal with the death of their children. Terminating the Perinatal Loss Group would deny parents who have suffered a profound loss an accepting and caring environment in which they can freely express their grief and learn how others have delt with their losses. The parents in the group feel that they are in a good position to help others who find themselves in this same situation as there is no set way to grieve for your child. Nor is there a time limit on this grief. As a parent who has lost a child and benefitted from this unique group, I ask you to please join us in petitiong St Lukes to restore the Perinatal Loss Program by re-instating our coordinator Ranae Walter. Ranae herself a bereaved parent has dedicated the past 12 years to building a bereavement program that has helped thousands of family members during their time of grief. She single handedly plans and organizes an annual Memorial Service that includes a quilt with all our children's names upon it. She runs the monthly support groups. She makes sure each of our children are dressed in beautiful clothing and blankets. We receive professional and digital pictures of our children. She makes 3D casts of our children's hands and feet placing them in seashells as keepsakes. The list of things that Ranae does to help families during this time is immeasurable! Please sign our petition to re-instate Ranae and save our support group. Feel free to add comments on how Ranae and this program may have helped your family. Thank you

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