Staff Report
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, and Brandon Regional Hospital continued their tradition by hosting the Eighth Annual Infant Remembrance Day in honor of those babies who have lost their lives from miscarriage and still birth. During this event, participants were part of a symbolic show of support by lighting a candle to acknowledge their loss. The theme of this year’s observance was White-out Baby Loss. Those participating were encouraged to wear white in unity with those who have experienced pregnancy loss, and in representation of the innocence of each life remembered.
The event, held last month, had a special performance by the Mulrennan Middle School band and its director of instrumental music, Michael Vail, who wrote a song in honor of the daughter he lost. This song had a very special meaning for Vail, who experienced the loss of his infant daughter in 2001. He wanted to have a composition commissioned to commemorate his short time with his daughter. Vail had his class at MS Stewart name the composition, and together they came up with On The Wings Of Angels. Vail has directed this song with the Lee County All-County Band and other All-County and All-State bands throughout the country.
“The opening begins with an ominous sound with the sustained F/C concert in the low winds. I have always held this out longer then the six counts indicated to help set the mood. This opening section measures three through ten and it reminds me of her time in the ICU,” said Vail, describing how he interprets the composition.
Brandon Regional Hospital recently welcomed neonatologists and maternal-fetal medicine physicians from All Children’s Specialty Physicians to the hospital’s medical staff, expanding the specialized care offered to high-risk mothers and infants who require Level III neonatal care. These staff additions not only strengthen Brandon’s neonatal services, but also augment its Pediatric ER and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Brandon Regional Hospital is located at 119 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon and for more information visit brandonhospital.com.
