The Reading of Names

Concluding the walk on October 16th, we will be reading the names of babies and infants that have gotten their wings too soon. If you are attending and would like us to read your child's name at the end of the walk, please send me an email with the name as you would like us to read it and any information on pronounciation as it pertains. Thank you - mktarrant@gmail.com

Planning Committee - Event volunteers

We will be holding our second planning committee meeting on Sept. 15th at 7 p.m. in Channahon. Everyone is welcome to attend and any ideas and input are greatly appreciated.

We are also in need of volunteers on the day of the event. If you are able to help with set-up, break-down and walk activities, please message me at mktarrant@gmail.com for more information.

Auction and raffle ticket information

We are currently selling raffle tickets for "A Walk To Remember" at $5 each. We are also looking for people willing to help us sell tickets as well and if you would like to help, please send me an email at mktarrant@gmail.com.

If you would like to purchase a ticket by mail, you can mail me a check for the amount of tickets you would prefer (please make checks out to Michelle Williams or Angels of Hope) and I will mail you back the raffle stub.

We have had SO many amazing donations from numerous sponsorts. Raffle ticket prizes currently include: Several themed gift baskets and gift cards from area businesses including Tantress Salon, Enricos Italian Dining, Nick's Steakhouse, Enjoi Bakery, Jimmy John's Gourmet Subs and many more!

We will also be holding a silent auction that includes the following items up for bid: A full-house cleaning from Cleaning Solutions by Bridgette, one full-month session provided TM Martial Arts (uniform included), one free photography session from Maggie Cuprisin Photography (with a $50 credit toward photo purchase) and more!

Welcome message and our story

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.