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    What is Common Burial Service?

    Donald Simpson Care Center Manager, Evansville Care Center 04/15/2019
    What is a Common Burial Service? 

    Between 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, a spontaneous loss that occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy.  For the past few years, Donald Simpson, Care Center Manager at Evansville Care Center in Evansville, Indiana, has hosted an infant burial service and offered families the chance to grieve and celebrate the short, yet special lives lost.

    Three times per year, Donald's team partners with The Women's Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana and Alexander Memorial Cemetery to arrange the burial service for parents who have experienced a miscarriage. The service offers parents the chance to say goodbye, share personal poems and stories and build a support network with other families. 

    "This service is a unique opportunity for us to help bring closure for the parents who attend," says Donald. "Our mission is to create an interactive service that celebrates the special life of their child."

    Before the ceremony, parents are given white roses as they enter the chapel and are invited to participate in a balloon release at the end of the service. Donald is working with the hospital's new director to expand and enhance the service for parents.

    "When we started this event, we weren't sure how many families were going to attend," says Donald. "The program has grown each year and evolved into a support network where families connect and lean on one another. It's been heartwarming to experience and an honor to provide them with comfort during a traumatic time." 

    Support causes you care about in your community. Visit the Associate Volunteerism page for ideas and inspiration on how to get involved. 

    The next common burial services will be held on June 15 and October 12, 2019 at Alexander Memorial Cemetery on Mesker Park Drive in Evansville. All services begin at 10:00am. For more information, please contact The Women’s Hospital Bereavement Coordinator at 812-842-4574.
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