Early Pregnancy Access Center | Family Planning | Obstetrics and Gynecology | UC Davis Health

HALO: Healing After Loss of a child

HALO is an online support group serving parents who have experienced perinatal loss, led by Shannon Clark, M.D., obstetrician and perinatal psychiatrist, and Elizabeth DeFazio, R.N., M.F.T. The group meets on Wednesdays from 12:10-1:10 p.m. If participants have questions, Q&A time follows from 1:10-1:30 p.m. Participation is free and is never billed to insurance.

HALO’s mission is to provide a safe, compassionate community for all who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. Through peer support and clinician-led care, we help parents grieve openly, manage guilt and trauma, and—when desired—prepare emotionally and medically for a future pregnancy.

Parents may self-refer, and providers are encouraged to refer anyone affected by pregnancy or infant loss.

Contact: referral@halosupportgroup.net

ARIEL HALO: "A Remembrance In Everlasting Love; Healing After Loss of a child" Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness and Memorial Event

When: Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 | 3-5 p.m.
Where: Elk Grove Preserve at District56 (Amphitheater steps near the water)

Pregnancy and infant loss is a profound and often invisible grief. ARIEL HALO offers a place where no one has to carry that grief alone. In recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, the entire community is invited to gather in remembrance, solidarity, and love. A harpist will play requested songs in memory of beloved children, followed by a memorial butterfly release. Shannon Clark, M.D., will offer reflections, and parents who wish to do so will be invited to speak their children’s names and share their stories.

This gathering takes place near the memorial bench dedicated to Ariel. Each October, Ariel’s mother lovingly opens this beautiful space to the community in collaboration with HALO, creating a place where every child may be remembered and every family’s grief may be witnessed.

Parents, relatives, friends, children, pets, and healthcare professionals are warmly welcomed. We especially encourage providers who care for bereaved families to attend, stand in solidarity, and help raise awareness of this uniquely isolating form of grief. Whether your loss was recent or many years ago, you are invited to come exactly as you are—to remember, to reflect, or simply to be among people who understand.
This community memorial is free and open to all.

Parents may self-refer, and providers may refer anyone who has experienced pregnancy or infant loss.