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

Forever in Our Hearts is honored to host the 4th Annual Steps of Love Pregnancy & Infant Loss Memorial Event on September 27th!

This event is a meaningful way to ready our hearts for October, a month dedicated to honoring Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness.

Have you, a friend, family member, or coworker experienced pregnancy or infant loss? This heartfelt event is dedicated to raising awareness of all forms of infant loss—from miscarriage through early childhood loss—while creating a safe, supportive space for those walking through this grief journey.

We invite you to participate either in person or virtually as we come together in remembrance and community. All proceeds from the event will go toward supporting the mission of Forever in Our Hearts, helping us continue to provide resources, compassion, and support to families affected by pregnancy and infant loss.

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2025 Theme – Forever in Our Hearts

As we host our 4th Steps of Love Event, our focus this year is to acknowledge that 1 in 4 women will experience pregnancy thru early infant child loss. This theme holds deep significance, as our mission at Forever in Our Hearts is to support and walk alongside every family facing this difficult journey.

By choosing this theme, we honor every child—dreamed of, hoped for, lost, and loved. Each one is remembered at this event and remains forever in our hearts.

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Registration
🗓 Important Deadline: Sunday, August 31, 2025
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 31st.

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 27th through Sunday, September 28th

·       5K Run
·       1-Mile Walk

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In-Person Event Options
Saturday, September 27th

·       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
·       1:45 PM – 5K Run Starts
·       2:30 PM – Kids Fun Run
·       2:45 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.

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. 💜