By: Megan Ernzen
KCH Donor Relations Specialist, Stewardship & Events
At Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care (KCH), we believe that love and remembrance shine brightest when shared. That’s why we are inviting our community to join us for Circle of Lights, a special evening of reflection and celebration honoring the lives of those we hold dear.
Circle of Lights is for anyone who may have experienced the death of a loved one and wants to gather in a meaningful way to remember that someone special. Whether your loved one was cared for by Kansas City Hospice, or simply holds a lasting place in your heart, this event offers a space for healing, connection, and peace. Families, friends, and individuals of all ages are welcome.
This moving ceremony blends lights, music, and memories to create a powerful tribute to those we’ve lost. Attendees will have the opportunity to light a candle in honor of a loved one, hear words of comfort and inspiration, and take part in a shared moment of remembrance. This year, we’re honored to feature a special performance by City in Motion Dance Theater, whose expressive and moving choreography will add a unique layer of beauty to the evening.
Circle of Lights will be Tuesday, May 20 at Mill Creek Park, with the program beginning at 8 pm. Attendees are welcome to come early to allow time to light their luminaries. If you haven’t already, please request your luminary by May 15 so it will be ready for you to pick up and light prior to the event. This peaceful setting provides a natural and comforting space for our gathering under the evening sky.
Grief is a journey that doesn’t have a timeline and is not something we just, “get over.” It stays with us, sometimes quietly, sometimes overwhelmingly. It reshapes our days, our relationships, and the way we see the world. But in the midst of that pain, there can also be profound beauty – especially when we gather together to honor the ones we’ve lost. 
This year, I come to Circle of Lights, not just as a planner, but as someone personally walking through grief. I know what it feels like to carry both sorrow and gratitude in the same breath. I’ve felt the ache of missing someone who mattered deeply – and the comfort that comes from remembering them with others who understand.
Circle of Lights is more than an event. It’s a moment of connection. A space to say, “Your life mattered. You are still loved. You are not forgotten.” It’s a reminder that we don’t have to carry our grief alone. That even in darkness, light can shine.
Whether you’ve just lost someone or have carried their memory for years, you’re welcome here. Together, we’ll honor their lives, hold space for each other, and let their love continue to guide us forward.
This event is free and open to all, and we warmly invite you to take part in whatever way feels meaningful to you.
You can request a luminary to be lit in honor of your loved one, make a memorial donation, or simply join us in person for this moving evening. Visit kchospice.org/circleoflights to request your luminary by submitting your loved one’s name for inclusion in the event or make a gift in their memory. Your donation helps ensure that Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care can continue to provide compassionate care to families throughout our community regardless of their ability to pay.
Join us we reflect on cherished memories, find strength in community, and celebrate the enduring light of love.
Together, we shine.
Posted in Grief Support, In the Community, Kansas City Hospice