MILA WALK
January 22, 2024
Connie Colley, BSN,RN,CLC, Community Facilitator
334-797-1131
Sofia Harper, Community Liaison
334-791-6236 Sofia@RealLifeRealArt.com
I wanted to contact you, as a member of the local media, to see if you would help us in getting the word out for this valuable community resource.
The Miscarriage and Infant Loss Awareness Walk will have it’s 3rd annual walk at Kiwanis Park at 3pm on Saturday, March 2, 2024. The walk is traditionally held the first Saturday of March. We partner with medical students to plan and host this annual event. In our first year two years we had around 200 attendees. Bereaved parents, family, friends, doctors, nurses, and other medical staff all come out to support with their presence or find resources for how to navigate their grief. We have several organizations that also offer assistance. Counseling and community groups will be present as well as local OB offices, and pediatric offices.
WHO:
Everyone is invited to attend. Individuals, couples, families, medical staff, friends, grandparents are all just some of the community members that have come each year. Infertility, IVF loss, miscarriage, stillborn, terminal diagnosis, multiple loss are just some of the conditions represented.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Miscarriage and Infant Loss Awareness Walk begins with registration, while enjoying live string music, followed by announcements, and a speaker at Kiwanis Park. She will share her story and how their family has honored the very short life of her baby boy. Our partners will have tables set up with resources, keepsakes, and volunteer opportunities. Attendees are encouraged to visit each table prior to the walk, but participation in any or all of it is voluntary.
Children are welcome. Kiwanis Park has playground equipment for the children to enjoy during announcements and our guest speaker. We have sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and coloring activities for them as well.
Although our event may elicit tears, there is also love, laughter, and peace as families connect with others who share a similar story and understanding.
Flowers are set out along the pathway of the walk to the Angel of Hope Monument. At the base of each one are artwork with meaningful quotes and verses drawn by local art students.
Once at the Angel of Hope there are paper butterflies with the names of each baby or family name represented, a music presentation, a moment of silence, and a closing as participants make their way back to Kiwanis as they are ready.
WHEN/WHERE:
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Kiwanis Park with walk to Angel of Hope, for those who are unable to walk, they can choose to drive. There will be parking at both Kiwanis and Angel of Hope. Registration is at Kiwanis Park.
OUR WHY:
Providing resources and refuge to bereaved families and the communities that serve them through education and connection is our desire. We know the pain of grief is life altering and we strive to walk alongside those who carry it.