History of the Walk to Remember

Each year over 1 million wanted babies die during pregnancy, at birth or shortly after. In 1988, in honor of these lost babies, former President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Anyone whose life has been touched by the loss of a baby is encouraged to attend LLOST's Annual Healing Heart Walk to Remember, which is held the 1st Saturday of October. The memorial walk provides families with an opportunity to remember and acknowledge their baby's life along with others who have endured similar tragedies. We hope you will share this special day with us.

The Walk is planned and organized by LLOST's Tresured Memories Campaign Committee Members. All proceeds from the Walk go to suopprt the mission and goals if this campaign.

Background on How the Walk Started

megans family On Saturday, October 4, 2008 I (Michelle Blazek) sent a pink balloon into the air for Megan, who was to be my miracle baby. She died on March 13, 2007 at only 17 1/2 weeks gestation. This being my second pregnancy was a complete out of the blue happy surprise. I guess I would say I struggled with infertility. Doctors told me I was very lucky to have gotten pregnant with my first child, Austin, who was 9 at the time. When I found out I was 3 months pregnant my husband David, Austin, and I were totally ecstatic. I had waited for so long for the baby that was growing inside me and felt this was going to make our family complete. We started preparing for a baby and making plans. I could see my belly starting to swell and feel new life growing and moving inside me as the weeks went on. On that very cold day in March I wasn't feeling well, so I made an appointment to see the doctor. The news I was given on that very day was the worst day of my life. Those are words you don't expect to hear, " I'm sorry your baby has died". Her heart stopped for no apparent reason.

I was introduced to Tammy Ruiz, MWH Perinatal Bereavement Coordinator. She provided us a lot of comfort . She helped to give us the best gift from Megan. Tammy made hand prints and hand impressions out of modeling clay that was placed into small seashells for us to treasure forever.

megan At the hospital's perinatal bereavement support group meeting I grieved with others who understood my loss. I wanted to turn something that was tragic in my life into something that was good. It was Spring of 2008 when I was talking to other moms about ways to raise awareness and bring those families who suffered early pregnancy deaths,late pregnancy deaths (often called,"miscarriage or stillbirth" which many parents dislike) and neonatal or infant death (SIDS) together. I had heard of other walks around in other communities, but we didn't have one local.

megan I knew in my heart that organizing the walk is what I was meant to do. I had no second thoughts, I just did it. This is only one of a few things that I can do for my daughter, I walk for the steps she'll never take.

It is a day to help bring others who suffer the loss of a baby together.

It is a day to help promote awareness, and to honor the memory of our babies.

As a society, pregnancy and infant death is not talked about openly. It is my hope that we will change that and the walk is one way publicly together we can let the world know...We will always remember, when they don't.

~Megan's mom, Michelle Blazek
Member of the Treasured Memories Campaign Committee

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