This past May, Fox Valley Hands of Hope held our 23rd Annual Footprints Memorial Walk, a remembrance service and walk  for those who have been affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or infant loss.

This year we had 24 adults and children join us for the service and walk through Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin. Ed Hunter, volunteer Chaplain and FVHH Board Member, was present to lead the ceremony and FVHH Bereavement staff were also present in order to support participants. Rick Ellis from the City of Elgin, Bluff City Cemetery was present to host the site and coordinate the days events.

Mark and Emily Christopherson, from Professional Cemetery Services, in collaboration with City of Elgin and Elgin Granite Works, created and donated the beautiful monument in honor of the babies lost due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death.  Mark and Emily have been supporters of the Memorial Walk for many years and have witnessed the need to create a sacred space for families to visit and remember their babies. They thoughtfully included a paved walkway where families can purchase bricks to engrave in memory of their loss.

The Christopherson’s also donated butterflies for the families to release at the end of the ceremony. This is a new tradition that will continue for years to come.

Thank you to Ed Hunter, Rick Ellis, and Mark and Emily Christopherson for supporting the mission of Fox Valley Hands of Hope and honoring our families who attended this May as well as the families to come.

To learn more about our Footprints support groups and the Footprints Memorial Walk, visit www.FVHH.net/get-help/