November 19, 1999

Families of MGH pediatric patients who have died gathered for the eighth annual Pediatric Memorial Service Nov. 7. Families were joined by MGH staff members at the special ceremony sponsored by the MGH Pediatric, Neonatal, Obstetric Bereavement Program.

According to Fredda Zuckerman, LICSW, MSW, of MGH Social Services and coordinator of the service, the annual event is meant to provide comfort and support to those who have experienced the loss of a child. "Whether it is a loss of a teenager or an infant, the grief may be different, but the families have to deal with a loss of dreams, hopes, plans and expectations," she says. "This year's ceremony was truly beautiful and well attended."

In addition to poetry readings by family members, the service included a slide presentation of children and adolescents and remarks from Alan Ezekowitz, MBChB, DPhil, chief of MassGeneral Hospital for Children; Bonnie Glass, RN, associate chief nurse for Patient Care Services; and Howard J. Weinstein, MD, chief of MGH Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

During a naming ceremony, parents received a carnation and read aloud the names of their children. The participants also enjoyed music performed by the North Shore Gospel Choir, the St. Florence Choir and the Wakefield Repertory Theater.

Family members then pinned heart-shaped fabric decorated with their children's names to a memorial quilt that will be made by Louise Sethman, RN, of the PICU. A quilt made from balloon-shaped fabric from last year's ceremony and sewn by Linda Kimball, RN, of Ellison 18, was also on display.

Following the service, families and staff participated in a bubble- blowing ceremony led by Chaplain Ana Ruth Higbee-Barzola, in honor of their young loved ones. A reception was held in the Wellman Conference Room with catering services donated by Nonie and Friends and sponsored by the volunteer group Angels Above.