Balloon release planned Sunday for mothers dealing with loss of baby

Staff report

CANFIELD

Area residents are invited to a balloon-releasing ceremony for mothers who have lost a baby to stillbirth, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or neonatal death.

Gianna’s Light is hosting the event at Greasel Park on Mother’s Day at 10 a.m. Sunday. The event is free, and any participants are asked to register through their website, giannaslight.org, or by contacting Sheri Horvat, 330-261-8827, or by email, sherri@giannaslight.org.

Gianna’s Light was founded by Horvat after her 28-week-old daughter was stillborn after it was discovered she no longer had a heartbeat during an ultrasound check in April 2009.

The organization offers Gianna’s Ribbons, black remembrance ribbons with a crystal heart in the center, for families dealing with loss. According to a release, they have distributed 12,000 of those ribbons.