On June 1, 2010 I gave birth to my son, Sawyer, at Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Soon after his birth, doctors informed us that Sawyer had numerous congenital heart defects, and early on the morning of June 3, 2010 - we said goodbye to our beautiful baby.
Overwhelmed with grief, I looked to many organizations for help and support and stumbled upon the official site of “Pregnancy and Infant Loss” (PAIL) Awareness Day which is held every year on October 15. In 1988, President Regan issued a Presidential Proclamation making October PAIL awareness month. Many states began holding walks in honor of all babies that have been lost too soon.
While searching to find a walk through their website, I was saddened to discover that none were listed in the Will-Grundy county area. And at that moment, decided to quickly begin work on the first annual “A Walk To Remember” on October 16 at McKinley Woods - Kerry Sheridan Grove in Channahon.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to “Angels of Hope, Inc. NFP” a Morris-based organization that was created in July 2005 to serve as beacons of hope for those suffering from the emotional and physical absence of a child. “Angels of Hope” has constructed a memorial park in Coal City and has also launched a project named “The Everlasting Footprints Grant” which will provide headstone and burial cost assistance to area families who suffer the death of a child from stillborn to the age of three. More information can be found by visiting their website at http://www.angelsofhopeinc.org.
If you are able to help sponsor “A Walk To Remember” please contact me at mktarrant@gmail.com or by phone at 708-717-5846.
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