A local nonprofit organization will hold a special event in Berks County on Sunday to honor babies who have passed away.
The Adalyn Rose Foundation will hold an “Empty Stroller Run and Walk” at Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township.
The event is the culmination of a monthlong campaign dedicated to honoring babies who have passed away and supporting families navigating grief. Other events have already taken place in Lewistown, Scranton and Souderton.
“Every single one of these events represents so much more than a run or walk,” Chloe Ciferri, founder and executive director of the Adalyn Rose Foundation, said in a statement announcing the Berks event. “For families who have experienced the loss of a baby, there is something incredibly meaningful about seeing an entire community show up to remember their child. These events give families a space to say their baby’s name, share their story and know that their child will never be forgotten.
“We are so grateful to the incredible families, volunteers and communities who have made these events possible.”
Sunday’s event will included a timed 5K race, as well as a memorial walk. The day will also feature music, family-friendly activities, food trucks, raffles and remembrance opportunities.
The Adalyn Rose Foundation will hold an “Empty Stroller Run and Walk” on Sunday at Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township to honor babies who have passed away and to support their grieving families. (Courtesy of The Adalyn Rose Foundation)
“Our hope is that families leave feeling surrounded by love,” Ciferri said. “Whether they are joining us for the very first time or have walked alongside us for years, we want every family to know that their baby matters, their story matters, and they will always have a place within our community.”
Check-in and day-of registration for the event begins at 8:30 a.m. Online registration will remain open through Sunday at adalynrose.org/upcoming-events.
The timed race will begin at 10 a.m., and the memorial walk will begin at 11 a.m.
The Adalyn Rose Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and continuous care to families grieving the loss of a baby or young child.
Founded in 2020 in memory of Adalyn Rose Ciferri, the foundation provides compassionate support through hospital partnerships, financial assistance, emotional support services, education and ongoing remembrance programs.
Its stated mission is “to ensure that no family feels alone in their grief and that every baby is remembered, honored and loved.”