The Footprints on the Heart Program of Catholic Health helps families cope with the loss of a baby caused by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, and newborn death. While no one ever wants to experience the loss of a child, Footprints of the Heart was established to provide the best comfort and support to any family member experiencing such a sad loss.

On Wednesday, August 2, Mount St. Mary’s Hospital will conduct a ceremony to formally bless an area for remembrance at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.

Leadership from Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, its Center for Women, Hospital Foundation and Catholic Health will join with others at the event.

“Mount St. Mary’s is proud and so grateful to partner with our friend and supporter Carmen Colao, Director of Cemeteries for the Diocese of Buffalo, as we officially roll out the Footprints on the Heart program here in Niagara,” said Mount St. Mary’s Hospital President and CEO Gary Tucker.  “We want to especially thank Carmen for all his help on this important project. Catholic Cemeteries kindly donated this land.  Carmen then put us in touch with Tom Kock of Stone Art Memorial who donated a beautiful butterfly monument—which truly puts a special touch on this program and at this space!”

The Footprints on the Heart program covers a variety of topics to help family members heal, make final arrangements for their baby, provide counseling services and the most important part—Remembering the baby–exactly what this special piece of land will help families do—honor and remember their baby.