Support Society
About Us
A peer support community in Edmonton, Alberta, walking alongside bereaved parents since 1988.
Our Story
ParentCare Support Society was founded in 1988 by two nurses from the Misericordia Hospital, Lilias Gillespie and Claire Lefebvre, along with two Edmonton families who had experienced the devastating loss of their babies. What began as a small circle of grieving parents has grown into a lasting community resource for families across the Edmonton region and beyond.
We provide monthly peer support meetings offered in a hybrid format (in person and via Zoom), a lending library of grief books, curated grief resource suggestions, memorial events, and ongoing connection through our community channels. Our meetings are open to anyone who has experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons (TFMR), or early infant death, including SIDS.
ParentCare is not a clinical service — we are parents helping parents. We don’t have all the answers, but we understand what it’s like to carry grief that feels too heavy for one person. You don’t have to carry it alone.
Get in Touch
Mailing Address
Box 3081Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3A4
Patti Walker
Facilitator
Patti Walker began attending ParentCare in 1994 following her own loss journey and started facilitating the group in 1997. She is passionate about creating a safe, compassionate, non-clinical space where grieving parents can share their stories, listen, and find connection with others who truly understand. Through peer support, Patti helps foster a sense of community, understanding, and hope for families navigating the loss of a baby.
What to Expect
Our meetings are gentle, informal gatherings. There is no pressure to speak or share — you are welcome to simply sit and listen. We typically begin with introductions and the lighting of candles to honour our babies, creating a soft circle of light and love.
We then open the space for anyone who would like to share their experience, speak about their baby, or ask questions. Tears are welcome. Silence is welcome. You are welcome.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month.
Grief shared is grief made lighter.