In the quiet spaces of a mother’s heart, the loss of the smallest life can leave the deepest footprints. One woman in Columbus County is striving to never let the memories of her babies who didn’t get the chance to grow up be forgotten, and on Oct. 17, other moms, dads, and families will join Victoria (Tori) Fernandez for the first ever Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Walk.
In 2019, Fernandez had her world turned upside down when her son, Jensen McGee, was born sleeping at 34 weeks.
“It completely destroyed my heart,” she expressed.
She lost another baby, Baby Fernandez, in 2022, but instead of letting it tear her apart, it only made her stronger.
“I am incredibly blessed to be the mother of these angels,” she said. “Long ago, I promised them both I would do everything in my power to make sure they were remembered and honored.”
The organization of this first annual memory walk is her chance at keeping her promise to her unborn children.
After speaking to Whiteville’s Emergency Management Director Hal Lowder to approve the date, time, and location of the event, Fernandez put the wheels in motion to help other mothers who have, and who will, go through the same experience that she had.
Several neonatal loss donation boxes have been posted at local businesses in Columbus, Horry, and surrounding counties, and the supplies will be donated to the Bereavement Chapter at Novant Health. Ideas for the boxes can include keepsake items parents can personalize, blankets in pale shades of pink, blue, and yellow, baby gowns, bunting, tiny handprint or footprint kits, memento bracelets, etc.
The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Walk is set for Oct. 17 at 11 a.m., and route will begin at Vineland Station Depot, around the historic Columbus County Courthouse, and back to the depot. A brief ceremony honoring the names of the children lost will also take place at the event. If you would like your little one’s name included, you can comment on the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Walk Facebook page, or you message Fernandez directly.
Resources for those in need—including information on support groups and counseling services—will be on hand at the walk. Volunteers, donations, and monetary gifts are greatly appreciated at this time.
The biggest thing Fernandez wants folks to know about the gathering is that it is for everyone to join.
“I want the world to know our children were here, that they were loved, and they were remembered,” she voiced.
She hopes that the walk will have enough support to make it an annual tradition in Whiteville, not only for her family, but for other parents all united for the same cause.
If you have any questions or if you would like additional information about the event, please reach out to Victoria Fernandez at torisfernandez@gmail.com.
