LAKE HAVASU CITY — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fetal deaths affect nearly 1 and 175 births a year. Additionally, 21,000 babies are stillborn in the U.S. The national public health agency also stated it that this is roughly the same amount of infants that pass away within the first year of life. Sufferers of these losses typically go through intense sorrow and may require immediate and ongoing support.
Owner Kate Deparini of Havasu’s Sunshine Indoor Play will be giving victims of these tragedies the attention they deserve. The Havasu native has always felt strongly that the community has shown continuous support when it comes to families.
A year and half ago is when Deparini along with her husband Kamyn opened Sunshine Indoor Play. The mom of 3 aspired to develop something she felt the community lacked which was an inclusive atmosphere where children and parents could come together.
Looking back, the couple is still content with their choice. Deparini added, “We built Sunshine Indoor Play ourselves from the ground up, and while it’s been a huge learning curve, creating this space for families has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.” Aside from wanting to give assistance to the local families, the childcare business came from a more of a personal place in her heart.
Deparini shared that after experiencing her first miscarriage, the parent felt that the company needed to be more than just a kids play zone, but also place to connect people and while maintaining a strong community presence.
The unexpected loss of an additional miscarriage is initially what ignited a supportive event to ease many.
“After my second loss, last August, my good friend Denelle, who has also experienced two miscarriages, suggested we bring an annual Wave of Light event to Havasu,” Deparini said.
The company’s very first Wave of Light event occurred just last October and Deparini hopes that by shedding light on the topic that it will strengthen attendance amounts in the future. The business owner also shared how she wishes she had access to this type of help after her first loss. Although it’s sensitive topic for Deparini and many others, the survivor feels it’s more of an open conversation nowadays.
This year doors are open for anyone wanting to share their story. The nurturing occasion will give participants the opportunity build their own bouquets, write notes to the angels they’ve lost, receive specific remembrance pieces, at home spa giveaways, and relaxation stations. Husbands are welcome to attend as well.
The annual Wave of Light gathering will be on Wednesday October 15. Doors open at 6:30pm for love, comforting, and connections. A candle lit memorial service at 7pm will follow. Candles are for families of loss all over the U.S. to symbolize a wave of light, followed by open floor discussions.
Address for the ceremony is Sunshine Indoor Play at The Shops At Lake Havasu at 5601 AZ-95 Unit H814. RVSPs are strongly encouraged by visiting their Facebook page. This event is free to the public.
Sunshine Indoor Play’s largest mission is to carry on with assisting others who have gone through the ordeal and provide them with recognition.
“We want to be able to offer a safe place to make sure no family feels alone in their grief and we want to be able to treat these families with care and love,” Deparini said.
