To the Editor:

When NBC's new drama, "This Is Us," debuted last week, it received rave reviews — no more so than within the pregnancy-loss community. The season premiere depicts the stillbirth of a baby, and the emotional tidal wave that follows.

For those of us who have endured this loss in our own lives, the episode provided a bittersweet reminder of our dearly loved and sorely missed babies. More importantly, it shone a spotlight on pregnancy loss and stillbirth, and made these topics part of the national conversation — something that happens far too rarely.

The episode was also extremely timely, given that October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Each year, Angel Names Association, a Saratoga Springs-based not-for-profit that offers a variety of programs supporting the families of stillborn children, commemorates this month by hosting a memorial walk in Saratoga Spa State Park.

Hundreds of people participate in this family-friendly, uplifting event, which aims to raise awareness of the prevalence of stillbirth — more than 26,000 babies are stillborn in this country each year. It also aims to raise funds for ANA's programs, including one which covers funeral and headstone expenses for stillborn babies.

We on the ANA Board of Directors believe that by assisting other families of stillborn children, we are providing a light to families enduring their darkest hours. You can help, too.

Join us at our annual memorial walk at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 in Saratoga Spa State Park. Learn more about the walk, and ANA's mission, by visiting our website, angelnames.org, or finding us on Facebook. Or, simply watch the season premiere of "This Is Us," and commit to starting a conversation about stillbirth and pregnancy loss.

With your help, we can work to erase the stigma attached to pregnancy loss, and can remember all babies lost too soon.

Lisa Rose, vice president

Angel Names Association