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

The "4 Loss Mamas Retreat" will be held May 1–3 at Baker Hill in Manhattan, giving mothers who have lost children a place to connect in comfort.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Four south suburban mothers who have found comfort in a bond forged through shared grief want other mothers like them to experience the same sense of connection. Alex Redman, Molly Finn, Mary Marrero and Katy Landuyt are planning a retreat for "loss mamas"—moms have who 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 share in the unique perspective of navigating grief, growth and healing.

Why it matters

The retreat aims to provide a safe and supportive space for mothers who have experienced the devastating loss of a child, allowing them to connect with others who understand their unique grief and find comfort in shared experiences. By creating this community, the organizers hope to help these mothers continue honoring the legacies of their children and provide them with resources and activities to aid in their healing process.

The details

Called "4 Loss Mamas Retreat," the event is set for May 1–3, timed to fall on the same weekend as International Bereaved Mother's Day. 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. Plans are still taking shape, but the organizers hope to include a schedule filled with wellness and self-care activities, as well as opportunities for the mothers to share their stories and connect with one another.

  • The "4 Loss Mamas Retreat" will be held May 1–3, 2026.
  • The retreat is timed to fall on the same weekend as International Bereaved Mother's Day.

The players

Alex Redman

A south suburban mother who has experienced the loss of a child and is one of the organizers of the "4 Loss Mamas Retreat".

Molly Finn

A south suburban mother who has experienced the loss of a child and is one of the organizers of the "4 Loss Mamas Retreat".

Mary Marrero

A south suburban mother who has experienced the loss of a child and is one of the organizers of the "4 Loss Mamas Retreat".

Katy Landuyt

A south suburban mother who has experienced the loss of a child and is one of the organizers of the "4 Loss Mamas Retreat".

Joe Kasprzyk

The owner of Baker Hill, the venue hosting the "4 Loss Mamas Retreat".

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot of people in my life, who are 'there for you.' 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 well that we have for each others' kids, families, and one another. It creates this really peaceful place to be.”

— Katy Landuyt (Patch.com)

“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. You're waking up in a home full of people, who've had the first half of your conversation already.”

— Alex Redman, New Lenox resident (Patch.com)

“... After working with this community for this many years, and experiencing it for myself—after I'd put all that time in—I still struggle with how much or how little to share, and what feels right to me. It's so unique to each individual. But it is important to share, because you never know—the person sitting next to you on the train—what they've experienced.”

— Alex Redman (Patch.com)

“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'.”

— Katy Landuyt (Patch.com)

What’s next

The organizers are still finalizing the details of the retreat, including the schedule of activities and any additional services or vendors they can secure to provide a full wellness experience for the attendees. Registration for the event has not yet opened, but interested mothers can reach out to Katy Landuyt to express their interest and stay updated on the plans.

The takeaway

This retreat represents a powerful initiative by mothers who have endured the unimaginable loss of a child, coming together to create a supportive and healing space for others who share their grief. By providing a community of understanding and opportunities for self-care, the organizers aim to help these mothers continue honoring the legacies of their children and find solace in the shared experience of navigating the journey of loss.