San Francisco Families Honor Children at Wave of Light
The annual Baker Beach gathering provides a supportive space for families navigating the loss of a baby.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Pregnancy
Families recently gathered at San Francisco's Baker Beach for the annual Wave of Light, an event dedicated to remembering babies lost to stillbirth or miscarriage. The memorial provides a space for parents to process grief while honoring children through a collective light-placing ceremony.
Why it matters
Events like the Wave of Light address the profound impact of pregnancy and infant loss, which affects families across the country. With approximately one in 10 known pregnancies ending in miscarriage, public observances offer vital community support for those navigating these losses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports about 21,000 stillbirths occur in the United States each year, a rate equivalent to roughly one in 175 births. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that at least one in 10 known pregnancies ends in miscarriage.
The players
La'Zette Smith
Founder of the LaSaaun Lives Foundation who established the memorial event after experiencing the loss of her son.
LaSaaun Lives Foundation
An organization providing support resources for families coping with pregnancy and infant loss.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
A professional medical organization that provides clinical data on pregnancy outcomes and reproductive health.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The federal agency that monitors and reports on national health data, including stillbirth statistics.
The details
At the Wave of Light, participating families place lights in the sand at Baker Beach to create a symbolic display in memory of their children. The ceremony facilitates a shared environment for families to speak openly about their experiences with grief and infant loss. The event was established by the LaSaaun Lives Foundation, founded by La'Zette Smith following the 2020 stillbirth of her son, LaSaaun.
Timeline
The stillbirth of LaSaaun Smith occurred in 2020.
The annual Wave of Light event took place on October 24, 2026.
The Home Front
Public memorials like the Wave of Light serve as a vital community counterpart to the medical data tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's national stillbirth surveillance. These observances translate cold statistics into supportive spaces for families navigating the challenges of pregnancy loss.
Families affected by pregnancy or infant loss can connect with emotional support services through the LaSaaun Lives Foundation. If you are seeking professional guidance on navigating grief, consider reaching out to local support groups or health providers who specialize in bereavement care.
The takeaway
The Wave of Light underscores the importance of communal grieving for families affected by pregnancy loss. Those seeking resources or wanting to learn more about the foundation can visit the LaSaaun Lives Foundation portal.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the Pregnancy section.
More information
Families can find additional support resources on the LaSaaun Lives Foundation resources website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
