What it's about: every summer since 2015, parents and family who have lost children in a multitude of painful ways, come together with their friends and anyone who wants to be a part, to remember losses during pregnancy, and infants children and young adults who left this world too soon. This is also a time to lift up the light and love in all of us that yearns to be heard and seen in dark hours.
It's a chance to see that both joy and pain can be held close at the same time. It's a reminder that we are still here, present, accounted for with love to pay forward in their honor, and to also remember it is worth receiving love and energy from others who understand. How it works: parents and families who have experienced child loss, are invited to submit basic information, such as name/family name, birthday, day of loss, and a photo if desired. The submission transfers to either a 12 foot white banner flying high on the course (loss during pregnancy), or a memorial marker/sign presenting an 8x10 picture, name, etc. It also comes with a small gift for the family. The parents of the child will also receive a $10 discount on registration for the event. USE CODE: PARENT at checkout
The course: a 2.4 mile loop with a large inflatable rainbow marking the start and finish line. The "Each One Counts Mile" begins with a path lined with several 12 foot white banners, each one representing a submitted loss during pregnancy, then makes a turn on State Route 245 to reveal statements of encouragement from people we all know, who also share the experience of child loss. The second mile hosts memorial markers, each honoring an infant, child, or young adult. In addition to in-person event registration, a virtual run option is available for anyone unable to attend. The registration will include: Tri-blend event t-shirt, bib number, and sky lantern with other goodies. Items will be mailed for a $8 flat rate packing and shipping charge. There will also be an option to link your run/walk activity to the Runkeeper app, if you would like to make it official and receive a certificate to print upon completion. Registration will close July 11th, 2021. Please allow 3 weeks for shipping.
2.) 7th Annual Young Life Memorial Run/Walk and Lantern Release in West Liberty, Ohio on Saturday, July 10th, 2021 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Each family/group participating together can claim a circular "pod" painted on the grass. The zones can be used as a space to keep belongings, eat, and launch lanterns from. Schedule of Events as Follows:
6:45pm-7:30pm Registration/ Packet Pickup
7:30pm - National Anthem
7:45pm - Kiddie Rainbow Dashes
8:00pm - 2.4 Memorial Walk & Run
9:00pm - Raffle Drawings
9:15pm - Candle Vigil
9:30pm - Light Up for Life Lantern Release
