More than 200 people gathered Sept. 19 for St. Tammany Health System’s inaugural Walking with Angels: A Walk of Remembrance, held in memory of pediatric losses throughout the community. Family members and friends walked alongside others who have experienced the loss of a child through stillbirth, miscarriage, or death after infancy.
“Today is about remembrance, connection and support. We recognize that every story is different, but each of you shares something that connects your hearts to one another,” said Joan Coffman, president and CEO of St. Tammany Health System. “As we walk together and reflect, we honor these little ones and we honor the families who carry their memory forward every day.”
Notable guests included Louisiana State Sen. Patrick McMath, co-author with Lamarque-Bordelon of the recently enacted Angel’s Law, and Louisiana State Rep. Kim Carver, who played a key role in advancing the landmark legislation through the state House of Representatives during the 2026 legislative session.
The law, which grew from Lamarque-Bordelon’s own experience with the loss of a child as well as her work with bereaved families, ensures that hospitals with maternity units or neonatal intensive care units have access to specialized cooling devices that allow families to spend unhurried time with their baby if they choose. It also promotes education for healthcare professionals on compassionate communication and support practices, while helping connect parents with grief counseling, support groups, and community resources.
Those practices are already in place at St. Tammany Health System. Now, patients throughout Louisiana will have access to the same level of compassionate care.
Proceeds will support the bereavement program at St. Tammany Health System and its future expansion. Information about bereavement resources and support groups is available at sttammany.health/BereavementServices.