Registration Open, Donations Sought For Weekend Retreat For Loss Moms

MANHATTAN, IL — Registration is open now for an upcoming weekend retreat designed to bring together mothers who have experienced child loss.

Organized by four south suburban mothers who have found comfort in a bond forged through their shared grief, "4 Loss Mamas Retreat," is set for May 1–3, timed to fall on the same weekend as International Bereaved Mother's Day. The event can accommodate 20 moms for overnight stays, and 20 more for a Saturday wellness workshop and Sunday brunch. Some spots still remain.

Alex Redman, Molly Finn, Mary Marrero and Katy Landuyt have planned the retreat for "loss mamas"—moms who have endured child death—to gather for a weekend among others whose motherhood stories include a chapter of loss. Each organizer has experienced a child loss of her own and shares in the unique perspective of navigating grief, growth and healing.

Participants are invited to stay at the Baker Hill property in Manhattan, where they'll be invited to "fill their cup"—a weekend of activities designed to replenish and rejuvenate their spirit, channel grief, and inspire healing.

Read more: 4 Moms Linked By Child Loss To Lead Weekend Retreat For Others Like Them

Now in its second year, the retreat that started as a one-day effort has now expanded to a weekend experience at the Manhattan farmhouse. Organizers hope to offer a schedule filled with wellness and self-care activities; hopefully, they said, attendees will feel the weight of their loss lifted—even if momentarily—by gathering there.

"There’s a lot of people in my life, who are 'there for you,'" said Manhattan resident Katy Landuyt. "It’s a different feeling that a loss mom gets, when they’re walking through something with another loss mom. There’s an underlying understanding. There’s a different kind of love that we have for each others’ kids, families, and one another. It creates this really peaceful place to be."

As they finalize plans, the organizers are still seeking businesses or individuals to donate services for Saturday's wellness workshop, said Landuyt. Currently, Lisa Zack, owner of Eva Lucien, has agreed to donate sound bath meditation. Shayna Starzyk will provide scalp massages. Tracie Gambino will host a paint and sip.

The women plan to provide guests with journals, which participants can decorate and use for reflection throughout the weekend and moving forward. They also hope to gift each woman with a coffee cup—keeping with the theme of "Fill Your Cup"—to decorate and use. Last year's participants each received a welcome bag with comfort and self-care items like socks, face masks, and more—something they'd like to offer again this year. Anyone willing can purchase items off the organizers' Amazon wishlist.

Redman said spending time with other loss moms at the retreat brought her a unique sense of peace. Redman is planning the weekend in memory of her son CMR (honored by initials only), whom she and husband Mike lost in a miscarriage.

"When we all got together in that house, during that weekend, we experienced something you just don’t get with your 'normal' friends—the people who don’t understand loss because they haven’t walked through it," said New Lenox resident Redman. "You’re waking up in a home full of people, who’ve had the first half of your conversation already."

Manhattan resident Landuyt's efforts are in honor of her daughter. Born at 24 weeks and weighing just 14 ounces on Sept. 16, 2022, Landuyt and husband Tim's daughter Sophie Jean fought mightily against time and the odds, until her tiny body surrendered at just 30 days old. Landuyt speaks openly about her family's loss, saying she's also drawn comfort from gathering with other "loss families," as she calls them. It gives her an opportunity, she says, to reconnect with her sense of identity as Sophie's mom.

"I know for me, when we get together in any group setting, with any loss families, it feels like I’m ‘hangin’ out with Soph,'" Landuyt said.

Landuyt met Redman and Marrero through a support group for loss moms—a connection that has deepened with time and communal healing.

"Finding that group, those people that will help carry you through and sustain you through your grief, has been key for us," Landuyt said. "We want to be able to do that for other people. While it’s helping us, it’s helping people who are deep in the waters of being a newly loss family. That helps us to continue Sophie’s legacy in different ways, for both of us. Finding the right people who will carry you through, has been really helpful for us."

Molly Finn, of Plainfield, organizes and joins the retreat in honor of Lincoln Tate; Marrero, also of Plainfield, does so in honor of Roman Bennett and Baby Marrero.

"... The idea is that we’re providing space and opportunities for people to feel they’re doing something for themselves to honor their motherhood to that child or children they’ve lost," Redman said.

An estimated 10 spots remain, with two price package options available. The cost to attend varies by offering.

The "Full Embrace Package" fee is $150 for the entire experience, Friday, May 1 through brunch on Sunday, May 3.

This full retreat experience includes the overnight stay, meals, guided healing activities, remembrance moments, and time to connect with other mothers who understand the journey of grief.

The "Fill Your Cup Package"—which includes Saturday, May 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and brunch on Sunday, May 3 beginning at 10 a.m.—is $75. This package includes a wellness day on Saturday with restorative activities and reflection, followed by a Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday for connection and shared support. It does not include an overnight stay.

Registration is available online.

Individuals or businesses interested in donating services can reach Landuyt at 708-845-0296, or by email at katyflynn34@gmail.com. Their biggest need is for aestheticians and massage therapists.