Tree Dedication for Baby Hope Honors Memory of Abandoned Newborn

WHEATON, IL — Nearly a year after Baby Hope was found abandoned in a wooded area, a tree dedication ceremony will bring new life in her memory. The “Tree of Hope” Ceremony will serve as a memorial and as part of Baby Safe Haven Awareness Month.

The Tree of Hope dedication will will take place on April 26 at 10 a.m. in Seven Gables Park in Wheaton. Mayor Michael Gresk will attend, along with members from the Wheaton Police and Fire Departments, and the Saved Abandoned Babies Foundation. Residents can purchase a #SaveHope T-shirt to benefit the Safe Haven Law for abandoned babies. The Tree of Hope’s Facebook event page includes more details about the event and a promotional code towards a T-shirt purchase.

Baby Hope was found in a wooded area in unincorporated Wheaton on August 15, 2016. Her body had been placed in a black Everest backpack that was discovered by landscapers working in the area. Police later released rendered images of what Baby Hope’s parents might look like. Police are still searching for the abandoned newborn’s parents.

>>Flier image courtesy of Rest in His Arms