About This Program
The Memories to Hold program offers inpatient and outpatient support for families in Central Indiana who have lost a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.
Recognizing that infant loss is a lifelong parenting and bereavement experience, the purpose of the Memories to Hold program is to support bereaved families as they navigate this difficult time, from diagnosis, delivery and beyond.
Memories to Hold is a compassionate collaboration of our physicians, spiritual care, nursing, social workers, program staff members and volunteers.
All bereavement support is offered free of charge to families whether they received care at a Franciscan Health location of other hospital system.
Remembrance Events
Parents’ Remembrance Day
When: Second Sunday in June each year
Where: Franciscan Health Indianapolis
What: Parents' Remembrance Day is a family event including Blessing of the Angel Garden and placement of baby remembrance bricks in the spring at the Indianapolis campus.
Walk to Remember
When: First Saturday in October each year
Where: Beech Grove, Indiana
What: The Walk to Remember is an annual walk held in Beech Grove where families from all over come together to remember and celebrate the lives of their babies that have ended all too soon. Following the walk, a memorial service is held in Sarah T. Bolton Park.
Christmas Memorial
When: Second Tuesday in December each year
Where: Franciscan Health Indianapolis
What: Our Christmas Memorial provides families a sacred place to come and remember their baby during the Christmas season in the Franciscan Health Indianapolis Chapel.
Support Groups
Pregnancy Loss Support Group
The Memories to Hold support group is a safe place to talk about the many feelings that accompany a pregnancy loss.
Some families find just attending one group meeting to be helpful. Others attend many support group sessions. Then there are a few parents who continue to attend to be a support for the newer families. Knowing you are not alone in your grief may bring comfort.
The support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month (except December) from 7 to 9 PM. Meetings are held at Franciscan Health Indianapolis, located at 8111 S. Emerson Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46237.
There are no fees to participate, but we do ask that you register via the link on the event page, so that we can ensure enough space and send email reminders.
For more information, call 317-528-5199.
Subsequent Pregnancy Support Group
We offer facilitated support for families who, after losing a baby during pregnancy or shortly after delivery, are now expecting another baby. Our support group is led by Julie Jackson, LCSW, a licensed social worker and family counselor.
After experiencing a pregnancy loss, it can sometimes be bittersweet to be pregnant again. You are not alone in feeling this way. A pregnancy after a loss can be a very anxious time for families. We want to offer comfort and a safe place to discuss your feelings. Grief is a personal journey, but we are here for you if you need additional help and support.
Our Subsequent Pregnancy Support Group meets monthly. Please contact the Memories to Hold office for the schedule.
There is no cost to participate in the support group.
For more information about our programs, please call 317-528-5199. Leave your name and number and the best time for a return call.
Caring Companions
Offered at Franciscan Health Indianapolis and Mooresville, Caring Companions are mothers who have lost a child to miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. These women feel called to share their experiences and bring comfort to other parents going through pregnancy loss. Caring Companions are not nurses. They are trained volunteers certified as RTS (Resolve Through Sharing) caregivers. There is no fee for their time and services, which include:
- Making mementos and taking pictures of your precious baby
- Providing information to your questions
- Providing support to you and your family
