STEPS OF LOVE - Pregnancy & Infant Loss Memorial Event (5K Run / 1 Mile Walk)

Forever in Our Hearts is honored to host the 5th Annual Steps of Love Pregnancy & Infant Loss Memorial Event on September 19th!

This special event offers an opportunity to come together in remembrance and reflection as we prepare for October, a month recognized as Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Whether your own journey includes pregnancy or infant loss, or you are coming to support a loved one, this event is a meaningful opportunity to honor every life remembered. Together, we recognize the many forms of loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, and early childhood loss, while creating a welcoming space where families can find understanding, encouragement, and connection.

Join us in person or virtually as we remember, support one another, and raise awareness. Proceeds from this event will benefit Forever in Our Hearts, helping us continue our mission of providing comfort, resources, and hope to families affected by pregnancy and infant loss.

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2026 Theme – Forever Loved. Never Forgotten.

Grief has a way of changing how we see the world. For many families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, the love they have for their child doesn't end—it continues in the memories they carry and in the moments that unexpectedly remind them of the little one they hold in their hearts.

This year's Memorial Walk celebrates those meaningful reminders. Whether it's a sunflower reaching toward the sun, a butterfly landing nearby, a feather along the path, a cardinal perched in a tree, or another special sign, many families find comfort in these simple yet powerful moments. While each person's experience is unique, these symbols often become cherished reminders of the enduring love they have for their child.

As we walk together, we honor every baby's life and recognize that remembrance looks different for every family. This year's theme encourages us to embrace the symbols that bring comfort, share the stories that keep memories alive, and stand beside one another in a community of love, hope, and remembrance.

As we walk together, we honor every precious life, remember every child, and support every family. Together, we celebrate the love that never fades, because our children are Forever Loved. Never Forgotten.

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Registration
🗓 Important Deadline: Sunday, August 30, 2026
To guarantee the following, please register by this date:

·       Receive an Event Shirt
·       Purchase a Memorial Kit for loss parents

     Please Note:
     The website will remain open for registrations up until the start of
     the event. However, event shirts cannot be guaranteed for those
     who register after August 30th.

You can register multiple participants at once for added convenience.

If you're signing up for the in-person 5K Run, you're also welcome to join the 1-Mile Walk with your family, friends, or team. Only one registration is required to participate in both activities.

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Virtual Participation Options
Choose your own location and time
Saturday, September 19th through Sunday, September 20th

·       5K Run
·       1-Mile Walk

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In-Person Event Options
Saturday, September 19th

·       5K Run
·       Kids Fun Run (for ages 12 and under – 1/8 mile grass course)
·       1-Mile Walk

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📍 Location
Taha-Zouka Park – Softball Complex
(S. 5th St & McKinley Ave)

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📅 Event Schedule

Join us for a heartfelt day filled with food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities!

·       1:00 PM – Registration Opens
·       1:30 PM – Welcome Remarks & Largest Team Recognition
·       2:00 PM – 5K Run Starts
·       2:45 PM – Kids Fun Run
·       3:00 PM – 1-Mile Walk

You're welcome to stay and enjoy the event for as long as you'd like!

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Teams

·       Create a team in memory of a child, or gather friends, family, coworkers, or departments (e.g., "L&D Department").
·       The largest registered team will win a special prize!

Note:
One person must create the team name in RunSignUp. All other team members should select that team during their own registration process.

Team Shirts Encouraged!
We encourage all teams to create and wear custom team shirts to show unity and strength in numbers. Not only do team shirts help create a sense of connection and purpose but selling them to your team members can also be a meaningful way to raise funds in support of a heartfelt cause or a special “in memory of” donation.

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Memorial Kit

If you're a pregnancy or infant loss parent, you may purchase a Memorial Kit in honor of your baby:

·       Includes a custom yard sign with your baby's name, displayed along the event route and available to take home afterward.
·       Your baby’s name will also be featured on the event banner with all other honored babies.

🌐 Virtual participants are also welcome to purchase a Memorial Kit.

NOTE: This year, we are offering six sign design options inspired by the little things that remind us of our babies. We understand that these may not reflect what reminds you of your child. If there's something special that holds meaning for you—such as baby's breath, sunshine, or another symbol—please include it on your order form. We will do our best to accommodate your request.

In the event that we are unable to create your custom design, please indicate which of our six sign options you would like us to use as your backup choice.

Optional:
If you'd like to include a photo (e.g., a sonogram) on your baby's yard sign, please email it to:
📧 admin@foreverinourheartsne.org

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Local Pickup (Virtual Participants Only)

·       For virtual participants who cannot attend in person, we offer local pickup for event shirts.
·       Pickup time and location details will be sent directly to those who select this option.
 
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🚩 Start/Finish, Route & Parking
The race will begin and end at the same location, following a beautiful loop along the Cowboy Trail.

·       Clearly marked parking areas will be available.
·       Public restrooms will be open and accessible.

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🌤 Weather & Comfort

·       Please dress appropriately for the weather.
·       Picnic tables will be available, and you're welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets for extra comfort.

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Volunteer Opportunities

If you’re interested in volunteering, we would be honored to have your support!
Please click the dropdown menu and select the "Volunteer" tab to view all available opportunities.

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If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out through the Event Contact Info form.

We look forward to having you join us for this meaningful and heartfelt memorial event. 💜