Annual Atlanta Walk to Remember
The 2012 Atlanta Walk to Remember will take place on October 14th at 2pm at the Northside Hospital Alpharetta campus. To register, go to http://www.planetReg.com/E7221302552608
The 2011 Atlanta Walk to Remember took place on Sunday, October 16th at 2 pm at Northside Hospital Alpharetta campus. We had almost 500 people in attendance. It was such a special day that included special speakers, a walk to remember our babies, and a balloon release.
Pictures from the 2011 Atlanta Walk to Remember:
(Click on a picture to read the caption.)
Video of balloon release:
http://www.youtube.com/user/hiringforhope#p/a/u/0/ideyOTpqL1c
http://www.youtube.com/user/hiringforhope#p/a/u/1/CcQd2P8KjKY
http://www.youtube.com/user/hiringforhope#p/a/u/1/CcQd2P8KjKY
Sharing
By Candace Scaff & Neil Barrington
In memory of their daughter Bella
Speakers at the 2010 Atlanta Walk to Remember
All of us are here today to honor the memories of our precious little boys and girls.
Even though we have all experienced such a devastating loss, each story is different.
All of our stories are different, and all of our losses hurt deeply.
We have lost a precious child or children, and our lives will never be the same.
We all approach grief in different ways and heal at different paces.
As much as the loss of our baby girl Bella has hurt,
it has also brought about change, growth, love, and hope for the future.
I think of Bella, and I try my best to smile.
I miss her everyday, and we love her with all our hearts.
The negative can be so overwhelming.
But, instead of focusing on hurt and confusion,
I try to utilize the negative aspects to direct me towards the positive.
In my short 30 years, I have experienced the loss of my mother to cancer in 2001,
the sudden death of my father in 2005, and the losses of my half brother, both sets of grandparents, other family members, and several friends. Honestly, the loss of Bella has broken me. It seems to be one of the hardest things I have dealt with. Knowing that there is absolutely nothing you can do to save your child is beyond anything I was prepared for.
I always want answers to my questions, and to be honest, there is no answer for Bella’s death.
I can either remember Bella, honor her memory,
or I can go on for the rest of my life being angry and upset.
I don’t want to be bitter or resentful.
I just miss her so very much, and it is an uphill battle to fight against the negative.
By Candace Scaff & Neil Barrington
In memory of their daughter Bella
Speakers at the 2010 Atlanta Walk to Remember
All of us are here today to honor the memories of our precious little boys and girls.
Even though we have all experienced such a devastating loss, each story is different.
All of our stories are different, and all of our losses hurt deeply.
We have lost a precious child or children, and our lives will never be the same.
We all approach grief in different ways and heal at different paces.
As much as the loss of our baby girl Bella has hurt,
it has also brought about change, growth, love, and hope for the future.
I think of Bella, and I try my best to smile.
I miss her everyday, and we love her with all our hearts.
The negative can be so overwhelming.
But, instead of focusing on hurt and confusion,
I try to utilize the negative aspects to direct me towards the positive.
In my short 30 years, I have experienced the loss of my mother to cancer in 2001,
the sudden death of my father in 2005, and the losses of my half brother, both sets of grandparents, other family members, and several friends. Honestly, the loss of Bella has broken me. It seems to be one of the hardest things I have dealt with. Knowing that there is absolutely nothing you can do to save your child is beyond anything I was prepared for.
I always want answers to my questions, and to be honest, there is no answer for Bella’s death.
I can either remember Bella, honor her memory,
or I can go on for the rest of my life being angry and upset.
I don’t want to be bitter or resentful.
I just miss her so very much, and it is an uphill battle to fight against the negative.
The following people/organizations helped make the 2010 Walk possible:
Cousins Properties and Concourse Corporate Center
Megan Unger, Co-chair
Tara Spolan, Co-chair
Aimee Alexander, Perinatal Loss Office
Katherine Watson, Northside Hospital
Bonnie Hicks, Northside Hospital Chaplain
Delane Cope, Northside Hospital
Patricia Daniel, Northside Hospital
Elaine Warren, Volunteer
Lindsey Self, singer
You can order her CD called "Dance with Me" at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/LindseySelf.
The CD includes the song that she wrote and performed at the Walk called "Steel Magnolia."
It's about the strength of a mother who has lost a child.
Kalie Mosier, singer
Mark & Lee Thompson
A Balloon Services of Atlanta
Keith Spolan
Joshua Unger
Barnett/Pratt Family
Proforma Turning Point Promotions (They created our t-shirts and visors)
Katrina Brooks and Keisha Williams, CW Atlanta
Joyce Willis, Joyful Creations Specialty Cookies
Hiring for Hope, Volunteers
Cousins Properties and Concourse Corporate Center
Megan Unger, Co-chair
Tara Spolan, Co-chair
Aimee Alexander, Perinatal Loss Office
Katherine Watson, Northside Hospital
Bonnie Hicks, Northside Hospital Chaplain
Delane Cope, Northside Hospital
Patricia Daniel, Northside Hospital
Elaine Warren, Volunteer
Lindsey Self, singer
You can order her CD called "Dance with Me" at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/LindseySelf.
The CD includes the song that she wrote and performed at the Walk called "Steel Magnolia."
It's about the strength of a mother who has lost a child.
Kalie Mosier, singer
Mark & Lee Thompson
A Balloon Services of Atlanta
Keith Spolan
Joshua Unger
Barnett/Pratt Family
Proforma Turning Point Promotions (They created our t-shirts and visors)
Katrina Brooks and Keisha Williams, CW Atlanta
Joyce Willis, Joyful Creations Specialty Cookies
Hiring for Hope, Volunteers
Frequently Asked Questions about the Event:
What is the Atlanta Walk to Remember?
Each October, as part of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we gather for a short ceremony, a symbolic “walk” around the park, and a balloon release as a way to honor the babies whose lives were all too short and to raise public awareness of this tragedy.
Is the Atlanta Walk to Remember a fundraiser?
No, it is NOT a fundraiser. We sell t-shirts, car magnets, and lapel awareness pins, but any money raised through donations or other means is used to fund future walks and to provide bereavement training to healthcare professionals.
What takes place on the day of the event?
After you check-in, you will have an opportunity to write a message to your baby on a butterfly shaped piece of paper. You will hold on to it and then attach it to a balloon that will be released at the end of the event. There is a ceremony (with seating under a tent) followed by a walk around the concourse. Many families choose to wear buttons or t-shirts and/or carry signs that pay tribute to the children that they are remembering. After the walk, we have a balloon release. Throughout the event, we will have t-shirts and other items for sale. Any proceeds made from sales of those items are used to fund future walks and pay for bereavement training for local healthcare professionals.
How long is the actual walk?
We take a leisurely 15 minute stroll around the Concourse. If you are unable to or do not wish to participate in this part of the event, you are welcome to wait under the tent.
How can I get more information about the Walk to Remember?
Call Tara at (770) 442-8995 or click here to email Megan.
