A Lafayette woman is working to honor those who've died from COVID-19.
Like most things 2020, it's a ceremony that's going virtual, and you can get involved as well.
For some perspective, the state's death toll now stands at 7,397. For so many families there are people behind the death toll.
As of December 29, the number of COVID-19 deaths parish-by-parish is - Acadia 151, Calcasieu 281, Evangeline 64, Iberia 120, Jeff Davis 64, Lafayette 188, St. Landry 197, St. Martin 82, St. Mary 102, and Vermilion 85.
This past year has been so difficult for so many families, and now a Lafayette woman who helps families navigate the grieving process, is creating a safe space online to remember their loved ones.
"They don't even have to turn on their camera. I wanted something that everyone could join in on whether they felt comfortable being in person with other people or not,” Barras explained.
Madison Barras works as a death Douala to help families prepare for and deal with death.
With so many deaths from COVID-19, she started a Facebook event called the "Acadiana End of Year Vigil," set for Wednesday at 8 pm.
"I'm excited for it to be an intimate thing. Grieving is an essential part of life and it's something that happens to everyone. Coming together as a community to come together and acknowledge that is really important,” Barras added.
In the coming year, Barras plans to partner with local funeral homes and faith leaders in the community to help provide continuous support to those who are grieving.
"There's nothing that we can do to bring that person back who has died back, but we can put an effort in to support and show our love for people who remain behind, said Barras.
Once you find the event on Facebook, it will link you to a google doc, where you can submit the name of your loved one to be read during the event, along with a brief obituary.
Facebook event: Acadiana End of Year Vigil for Those Who Have Died | Facebook
Application: Acadiana End of Year Vigil for Those Who Have Died (google.com)
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