{{Editor’s Note: I had no idea what to expect when I first attended this event two years ago. It was stunning and impressive: the turnout was very large, and it was an extremely emotional day. Those emotions ran the gamut of hope, solemness and joy. I urge you to see for yourself on Saturday September 28. All the information is below. Thanks to Amy Reinink for submitting this – AG}}
SARATOGA SPRINGS – One in four pregnancies ends in loss, and more than 26,000 stillbirths occur in the United States annually. Yet pregnancy loss remains a taboo topic in much of our society.
With its 14th Annual Memorial Walk on Saturday, Sept. 28 in Saratoga Spa State Park, the Saratoga Springs-based nonprofit Angel Names Association aims to end the silence surrounding pregnancy loss and infant death, raising awareness and honoring dearly loved babies.
ANA held its first Memorial Walk in Oct. 2005. Seventy-five people attended the event, which included a three-mile walk and a memorial service. No participation fee was charged, and donations raised $2,000.
The walk is now in its 14th year, and is attended by hundreds annually. It is the main fund-raising event for ANA, which helps the families of stillborn babies through programs that fund end-of-life services and grief counseling. Registration for the walk remains free.
The walk aims to provide comfort to bereaved families and to increase public awareness of pregnancy loss and infant death. The event is held rain or shine, with the majority of the day’s events under cover at the pavilion.
It’s a day filled with music and refreshments, activities and crafts for children, and opportunities to create new friendships with those who have had similar experiences. The spirit of the walk is of encouragement and community. It is hopeful, uplifting and empowering.
14th Annual Angel Names Association Memorial Walk
Sept. 28, 2019
Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs 12866
Columbia Pavilion
Registration/Check In: Noon – 1 p.m.
Walk: 1:15 p.m.
Nondenominational Memorial Ceremony: 3:30 p.m.
To register/for more information: https://www.firstgiving.com/event/angelnames/ANA-Walk-2019/participants
The 12866 