Wave of Light Event Honors Families in San Francisco
The annual memorial offers a supportive space for parents navigating the grief of miscarriage and stillbirth.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Pregnancy
Families in San Francisco gathered at Baker Beach for the annual Wave of Light, a memorial event honoring babies lost to miscarriage or stillbirth. The gathering provides a space for parents to share their experiences and find community support following pregnancy loss.
Why it matters
Pregnancy loss remains a common but often isolating experience for families across the United States. Events like the Wave of Light facilitate open dialogue about grief, helping to reduce the stigma frequently associated with stillbirth and miscarriage.
Data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists indicates 1 in 10 known pregnancies ends in miscarriage, while CDC reports show 21,000 U.S. stillbirths occur annually. The exact prevalence of stillbirth remains 1 in 175 births, though individual long-term grief recovery paths remain under investigation.
The players
La'Zette Smith
Founder of the LaSaaun Lives Foundation who advocates for families coping with pregnancy loss.
LaSaaun Lives Foundation
A non-profit organization providing resources and support for families impacted by infant and pregnancy loss.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
A professional medical association that provides clinical data on reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The national public health agency that tracks and reports incidence rates of pregnancy complications and stillbirths.
The details
At the annual ceremony, participants place lights in the sand as a physical representation of remembrance. This ritual serves as a community-based intervention for grief processing, allowing families to openly honor children lost to pregnancy or infant death. It highlights the necessity of compassionate care environments for parents navigating loss.
Timeline
LaSaaun Smith was stillborn in 2020.
The Wave of Light event took place on October 24, 2026.
Health Landscape
This event follows the pattern of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day initiatives by creating community-based support structures. It reflects a broader shift in reproductive health care toward acknowledging the emotional impact of loss alongside clinical treatment.
Families affected by pregnancy loss may find that community memorial events provide valuable emotional support during the grieving process. If you are struggling with the emotional impact of a loss, speaking with a primary care provider about professional counseling options is a recommended first step.
The takeaway
Recognizing the frequency of pregnancy loss is a vital part of the recovery journey for many families. If you or someone you know is navigating this experience, reaching out to specialized support groups or a trusted physician is a proactive way to manage long-term well-being.
Further reading
For more on the emotional aspects of reproductive health, explore our resources on Pregnancy.
More information
Access additional support materials and information through the LaSaaun Lives Foundation resources.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
