Samantha Cleland launches Still A Mom retreat to support bereaved mothers in Sarnia-Lambton

Sarnia native Samantha Cleland is launching “Still A Mom,” a complimentary one-day retreat designed to foster connection and remembrance for mothers who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss.

Sarnia native Samantha Cleland is launching "Still A Mom," a complimentary one-day retreat designed to foster connection and remembrance for mothers who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. The event is scheduled for June 14, 2026, and seeks to provide a compassionate environment where stories of loss are honoured rather than silenced.

Cleland, who became a bereaved mother in February 2024 after the death of her daughter, Vera, at 23 weeks gestation, founded the initiative to address what she describes as disenfranchised grief. This form of mourning is often minimized by society through platitudes or the avoidance of the subject, leaving many parents feeling isolated and misunderstood.

The retreat will be held for an intentionally small group of 12 participants to ensure a tender and meaningful experience. The day will include various activities curated to support emotional and physical well-being, including grounding yoga and meditation, a bracelet-making workshop, and a collaborative art experience led by local professionals.

Cleland's work began shortly after her loss with the creation of care packages for the hospital where Vera was born. These efforts have since grown into The Vera Rose Foundation, which is currently in the process of becoming a registered charity. The foundation provides resources such as grief affirmation cards and remembrance kits to hospitals in London and Sarnia.

The Still A Mom event is made possible through community sponsorships and donations, allowing it to be offered at no cost to attendees. Planning is supported by a volunteer committee including Meaghan Mott, Larissa Lynds, Ingrid Parrott, and Colleen Thakkar, all of whom have ties to the Sarnia area.

Applications for the 12 available spots open on April 12, 2026, at noon through the event’s website. Registration will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible individuals, with a waitlist established for future gatherings. Local businesses interested in supporting the initiative through in-kind or financial donations can contact the organizers directly at [email protected].

The experience is designed to be entirely optional, allowing mothers to participate in workshops or simply sit and reflect in a quiet space. By bringing these mothers together, the event aims to transform an often invisible journey into one that is witnessed and supported by a compassionate community.