Leaves of Hope Provides Comfort, Connection and Lasting Remembrance for Families Experiencing Loss
10/5/2026
POPLAR BLUFF, MO –The Leaves of Hope Bereavement Program offers compassionate support to families navigating the profound loss of a baby during pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth or infancy. Established in 2023, the program is rooted in the belief that every life is meaningful and every family deserves to be supported, remembered and cared for during one of life’s most difficult moments.
Through emotional and psychological support, personalized remembrance items and connections to helpful resources, Leaves of Hope helps families honor their babies while finding comfort and community in the days, months and years following a loss.
“Pregnancy and infant loss can feel incredibly isolating, but families should never have to carry that grief alone,” said Taylor Huston,RN, PBRMC program director of the Leaves of Hope Bereavement Program. “Leaves of Hope is here to remind families that their loss, their love and their baby’s life matter. We want them to know there is a community ready to walk alongside them with compassion, understanding and support.”
The program provides families with meaningful items designed to preserve memories and create lasting connections. Personalized keepsakes may include footprint and handprint castings, as well as memory boxes that families can use to hold treasured mementos. Families may also receive Mamie’s Poppy Plates, special remembrance tokens intended to honor the unique life and legacy of each baby.
In addition to keepsakes, Leaves of Hope connects families with ongoing resources and supportive community care. By creating opportunities for remembrance and providing compassionate guidance, the program helps ensure families do not have to face grief alone.
The program’s message reflects the individuality and significance of every child it serves: “Like leaves, we all are unique and special. No matter how long we are here, we all are Leaves of Hope.”
Leaves of Hope is sustained entirely through donations. This community support allows the program to continue providing comfort items, remembrance resources and emotional support to families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.
In recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, the Leaves of Hope Bereavement Program will host a Celebration of Life and Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place at PBRMC in the cafeteria classroom and will offer families and community members an opportunity to gather, honor babies who are loved and remembered, and show support for those affected by loss.
The ceremony will include a lantern release, with refreshments provided. Families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss and the broader community are warmly invited to attend in remembrance, solidarity and support.
For more information about the Leaves of Hope Bereavement Program or the October 8 remembrance ceremony, contact PBRMC’s Women’s and Children’s Department at 573-776-9593.
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