CHICAGO – A walk on Chicago’s North Side provided hope for many families who have experienced the loss of an infant.
Fifty-three babies were remembered by their families traveling the same path.
“I lost my daughter Charlotte on May 5, 2017. She was 39 weeks,” attendee Kasey Macha said “They know how you feel on the hard days. They know how you feel on the birthdays, the anniversaries, the deaths, Christmas even. Things can be really hard and it’s a lifelong journey I really believe. I lost her seven years ago and I still have days that are just really tough.”
More than 300 people walked around Horner Park for the event “Remember Us Still.” It raised awareness and funds for the Star Legacy Foundation. Founded 20 years ago, the nonprofit envisions a day when all pregnancies have a happy ending.
“21,000 a year stillbirthed alone. Then you factor in sudden infant death as well as miscarriage and we’re talking millions of women affected every single year from losing a baby,” said Kristi Noonan of the Star Legacy Foundation. “We also do extensive work in education and research trying to find the causes of why stillbirth is happening. We anticipate 25% of cases could be prevented.”
Attendee Jim Reidy even wrote a song to remember his daughter by.
“This particular one, it’s called ‘Sea of Roses,’ and her name is Charlotte Rose. She’s one of the cousins. All the kids point at her pictures so she’s part of the family, and the kids say her name so it’s the best part,” he said.