Sentara Obici Hospital in Norfolk unveiled a dedicated “Butterfly Room” within its Family Maternity Unit on Tuesday, offering a quiet, private sanctuary for families coping with the loss of an infant. The room was made possible by a generous $35,000 donation from Kennedy’s Angel Gowns, a local nonprofit founded by Heather and Demitri Wilson after they lost their own baby, Kennedy, more than ten years ago.
Community‑driven compassion
Kennedy’s Angel Gowns volunteers craft burial gowns and sailor suits for newborns using donated wedding dresses and other fine fabrics. These garments are provided to families who request them, helping to honor each infant with dignity and love. The organization’s contribution underscores the power of faith‑based, family‑centered service in the Norfolk community.
A soothing environment for grieving parents
The Butterfly Room features a specially designed bassinette that circulates cool air around the baby’s body, allowing families to spend more time with their little one in a comfortable setting. Hospital officials say the space is intended to give parents a moment of peace, a place to hold, pray over, or simply be with their child away from the bustle of the larger maternity ward.
Comprehensive bereavement support
Beyond the physical space, Sentara Obici’s bereavement program offers counseling, support groups, and resources to help families navigate the emotional aftermath of infant loss. Hospital staff emphasize that the program is rooted in compassion and respect for each family’s unique journey, aligning with the institution’s broader mission to serve the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
Local faith and family values at the heart of the effort
Both the hospital and Kennedy’s Angel Gowns highlight the importance of faith, family, and community in healing. The Wilsons’ personal story of loss and hope has inspired many volunteers, and the Butterfly Room stands as a tangible expression of that shared commitment to caring for the most vulnerable.
Looking ahead
Sentara Obici hopes the Butterfly Room will become a model for other hospitals seeking to provide compassionate, faith‑aligned support for grieving families. By integrating a private, soothing environment with professional bereavement services, the hospital aims to uphold the dignity of every infant and the comfort of every parent.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
