Walkers and runners pushed empty strollers in support of families grieving the loss of a baby during the 6th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township on Sunday, Oct. 12.
In total, nearly 2,000 participated virtually and in-person at three walk sites (Heritage Center Oct. 12, Lewistown Oct. 18 and Scranton Oct. 19) to raise funds for the Adalyn Rose Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support to families grieving the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or during infancy.
“Say their names. You walk that 5K or mile and think of your baby, talk about your baby and celebrate the impact that they have left on this beautiful world,” Foundation co-founder Chloe Ciferri, mother of the foundation’s namesake, said prior to the Remembrance Walk along the Tulpehocken Creek path.
Participants pushed empty strollers in support of families grieving the loss of a baby during the 6th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township on Sunday, Oct. 12. (Lisa Mitchell/MediaNews Group)
So far, the Empty Stroller Run and Walk has raised $162,000, including the two satellite events.
“I’m just blown away by how big this has grown and by the love that is here today,” co-founder and board president Adam Ciferri said to the crowd gathered at the Heritage Center grounds.
Adam and Chloe Ciferri lost their daughter Adalyn Rose during the second trimester in 2017.
“We felt so alone in that time and felt like there weren’t supports around to help families that are experiencing the loss of a child,” said Adam.
That night, sitting in the hospital, Adam said they would do something in their daughter’s honor and support families. In 2019, they launched the Adalyn Rose Foundation.
“Our programs have grown so much since then,” said Adam. “Where we saw gaps where hospitals and families needed support, we’ve always stepped in to fill those gaps.”
Foundation services include financial support for burial and cremation costs, partnerships with 47 hospitals in seven states, Remembrance Carts, training for healthcare professionals, community education, support groups and therapy.
“When a family has a loss and they reach out to us, our family care coordinators really tailor the care for the family,” said Adam.
Programs and events continue to grow.
“It’s become so much bigger than we ever imagined,” said Chloe. “We’re so grateful.”
At the walk, the Foundation announced the launch of new initiatives for early miscarriage and loss.
“We noticed there were families that were suffering silently, and that’s not okay,” said Adam.
At events like the Empty Stroller Walk, families connect with others who have been through a similar situation and can be surrounded by people who understand.
“You’ll see people crying, laughing. You’ll feel the love. That’s because it’s one of the few places that they’ll be able to feel all of those emotions and not have to hide anything or keep anything in,” said Adam.
“It’s emotional because it literally shatters your heart,” said Chloe. “It’s okay to cry and it’s okay to have fun and to laugh and feel all of the things.”
Empty Stroller
The Empty Stroller Run and Walk featured a one-mile Remembrance Walk, a 5K run and a 10K run at the Berks County Heritage Center campus. The overall top runners were 5K female Kirsten Truver, 5K male Franklin Ramirez, 10K female Caitlin Browne and 10K male Mark Joseph.
Top Overall 5K Female runner Kirsten Truver, center, celebrates with Adalyn Rose Foundation co-founders Adam and Chloe Ciferri during the 6th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township on Sunday, Oct. 12. (Lisa Mitchell/MediaNews Group)
“For us, it was really important to provide an opportunity for the community to get together,” said Chloe. “We know you don’t get to throw a birthday party for your baby … This is their birthday party. This is their day.”
A day of remembrance and celebration filled with love, hugs and tears, the family-friendly event included a post-race celebration featuring live music by Erich Cawalla and Friends from The Uptown Band, raffles, complimentary coffee and donuts, and local food trucks. The kids’ area included face painting, vendor stations and photo opportunities with popular characters.
“We have things all over that allow people to say their baby’s name, write their baby’s name. Really take a day to celebrate their kid. They matter,” said Chloe. “There are so many people here who are literally months out from loss or 8 years. There is so much hope.”
Teams big and small came out in memory of their lost babies.
“There are so many gifts that Adalyn gave us, but one of the biggest gifts is being able to really carry these other families who are in the thick of their grief and give them the support that we wish we’d had,” said Chloe.
Rylee Benner, 2, poses for a photo with Chase of Paw Patrol during the 6th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township on Sunday, Oct. 12. (Lisa Mitchell/MediaNews Group)
Steven and Amy Lied of Lancaster brought their twins Harper and Scarlett, 7, and their youngest Rowan, 2, far left, to the Empty Stroller Walk at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township on Sunday, Oct. 12. (Lisa Mitchell/MediaNews Group)
Victoria Dorsey and Adam Hoover of Lancaster have participated in the Empty Stroller Run and Walk every year since its inception. (Lisa Mitchell/MediaNews Group)
Olaf and other characters offered hugs during the 6th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township on Sunday, Oct. 12. (Lisa Mitchell/MediaNews Group)
Elle Rose Ciferri, 4, gets her face painted during the 6th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township on Sunday, Oct. 12. (Lisa Mitchell/MediaNews Group)
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Rylee Benner, 2, poses for a photo with Chase of Paw Patrol during the 6th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township on Sunday, Oct. 12. (Lisa Mitchell/MediaNews Group)
Ryan Benner of Columbia, Pa., took photos of Rylee, 2, with Chase from Paw Patrol.
“It’s a great event,” said Benner. “I like the Remembrance Walk, everyone walking together.”
Kim Francis of Reading and her daughter Charlotte, 3, decorated an empty stroller for Team Elle and Nathaniel.
“I like that this event is very community-oriented,” said Francis. “I just love that they are so supportive of the families that are affected by pregnancy and infant loss.”
Kim Francis of Reading and her daughter Charlotte, 3, decorated an empty stroller for Team Elle and Nathaniel during the 6th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township on Sunday, Oct. 12. (Lisa Mitchell/MediaNews Group)
Adam Hoover and his fiancée, Victoria Dorsey of Lancaste,r have participated every year since the event’s inception.
“I like the community building. I think it’s good to get people out in the community to bring awareness to the cause,” said Hoover.
Their empty stroller honored their nephew Hudson.
“I think our family has found a good community, and it’s grown so much,” said Dorsey.
Steven and Amy Lied of Lancaster brought their children Scarlett and Harper, 7, and Rowan, 2, to the walk in remembrance of their firstborn, Asher Ray.
“We’ve been big fans of the Adalyn Rose Foundation,” said Amy. “Obviously, we’re here because we all have lost a child in some way, but it’s still a fun family event. My children love it. They look forward to it every year, and it’s a way to honor their older brother, as well as connect with other people who know the same loss.”
Team Liliana Jean’s Legacy
For eight years, Ken and Becky Manrodt of Shoemakersville tried to expand their family. Through natural cycles, fertility treatments and adoption, they stayed positive, knowing their time would come. In June of this year, they found out that Becky was eight weeks pregnant with a baby girl, Liliana.
“We were shocked and so excited that our dreams were finally coming true,” said Becky.
In August, at just over 14 weeks, they heard those awful words: “There is no heartbeat.”
“Our world came crashing down as we assumed we were safe, as we were in our second trimester,” said Becky.
Filled with questions, the Mandrodts had no idea what to do.
“The Adalyn Rose Foundation came into our life at the darkest time. They allowed us to vocalize our emotions, assisted us through the process and ensured our baby girl was laid to rest in the most kind and respectful manner,” said Becky.
The Foundation provided kindness and guidance, a Remembrance Cart with keepsakes, cremation services, an urn and/or memorial pieces, therapy sessions, and an Adalyn Rose Foundation Friend who also experienced a loss.
“I have never met such an amazing group of people,” said Beckky. “By joining this walk, I hope to keep my daughter Liliana’s memory alive while helping other families faced with this god awful situation. Nobody should have to walk this journey alone.”
Becky and Ken Manrodt of Shoemakersville, center, and their team walked for Liliana Jean during the 6th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township on Sunday, Oct. 12. (Lisa Mitchell/MediaNews Group)
Speakers
Foundation development director Ryley Daniels and hospital care coordinator Allie Kilheffer spoke to the crowd about Remembrance Bags, which offer comfort, guidance, items to honor their babies and support.
“Having experienced the heartbreak of early pregnancy loss myself, I know just how lonely and invisible you can feel,” Daniels said. “That is why this program is so close to my heart.”
Their hope is that Remembrance Bags will be sponsored in honor of angel babies by grieving families, friends, supporters and loved ones.
“It gives everybody a chance to honor them in a meaningful way,” said Daniels.
“As we launch the distribution of our Remembrance Bag initiative to our health system partners, your support is essential to sustaining this,” Kilheffer said.
For more information, visit https://adalynrose.org/.
Speakers at the 6th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk at the Berks County Heritage Center Oct. 12 included Adalyn Rose Foundation family Steve and April Kok, Foundation development director Ryley Daniels and Foundation hospital care coordinator Allie Kilheff. (Lisa Mitchell/MediaNews Group)
Foundation family Steve and April Kok spoke about the loss of their son, Koen.
“Every day since, we have been finding ways to create a legacy for him, nurture our bond even though he is not physically here with us,” said April. “Every family here today who has lost a baby is creating a legacy for their child.”
“It is so difficult to be vulnerable and say that this happened to me,” she continued.
“Child loss is traumatic. It’s not just the death itself but the medical trauma, enduring multiple miscarriages, high-risk pregnancy, going through labor and delivery and caring for your body postpartum. In the aftermath, you’re navigating triggers, financial stress and potentially lasting health challenges.”
While they should have been celebrating their newborn, instead, they were making funeral arrangements.
“Life after this type of loss truly is catastrophic,” said April.
Their journey to build a legacy for Koen began in the hospital. The Adalyn Rose Foundation helped them honor and remember their son in the short time they had with him by providing ways to make lasting memories, including hand and footprints.
“Despite the trauma, we genuinely cherish that time with Koen. It was devastating, but it was also so special and full of love,” said April.
April and her husband Steve thanked the Adalyn Rose Foundation.
“They were there for us in a time that I couldn’t even see past the next five minutes, let alone the next year of our life. They really picked us up. They walked us through it,” said Steve. “This whole Foundation has been there for us. It’s true this is the worst club and the best people.”
“Adalyn has made an incredible impact on this community and her parents, Chloe and Adam, have created a remarkable legacy in her name,” said April.