Memorial Walk a Community Event

Online, September 26, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Saratoga Springs, NY - On Saturday, October 17, 2009, Angel Names Association (ANA) will host its annual Memorial Walk at the Saratoga Spa State Park. Registration begins at noon; the walk commences at 1:15 p.m. and will be followed by a nondenominational memorial and flower ceremony. The walk is held in October to coincide with National Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Month.

"Our primary goal is to support bereaved families and to increase public awareness about pregnancy loss and infant death." said Michelle Mosca, ANA Cofounder and President. "Countless lives are affected by these losses, and this event gives the community an opportunity to recognize loved ones in a positive way," said Mosca.

The event is one of acknowledgement, support, and celebration; an event that newcomers and veterans alike look forward to being part of. Families, friends, coworkers and healthcare providers, all of whom have been touched by the loss of a baby, attend the walk as a way to acknowledge, in a positive way, a life that -- although brief -- impacted them immeasurably.

Renee Perkins, whose daughter Sage was stillborn in 2006, has attended the walk every year since Sage's birth. "Attending the ANA walk brings me a sense of peace," said Renee. "It helps me to realize that I am not alone, and it gives me comfort that there are others that I can relate with at the walk."

The first year, Renee walked in memory of her daughter. The next year, she walked alongside her sister who endured the stillbirth of her son only weeks before the walk. "ANA helps those in need, and I will attend the walk every year in memory of my daughter Sage, and my nephew Ryan, so ANA can continue on the path to helping others," added Renee.

Online registration for the walk begins this week. Already, ANA is fielding calls from families planning to attend. Erin McCarthy, whose son, Dylan was stillborn in November of 2008, plans to attend the Memorial Walk this year with her husband. The timing of the walk - less than one month shy of what would have been his first birthday - adds to its meaning. "The walk presents an opportunity to acknowledge our son's life and a chance to connect with other families who have experienced stillbirth," said Erin.

ANA's programs, including the annual Memorial Walk, are offered gratis to the community and are funded entirely by individual and corporate donations. Although there is no fee to attend the walk, participants have the option of creating personal fundraising pages online, obtaining sponsors and making individual donations. These donations have helped fund ANA's programs and support stillbirth research.

"Our programs are far-reaching," noted Bernice McLellan, CNM and ANA Vice President. Though the majority of requests for assistance come from NY families, ANA helps families across the country who have endured stillbirth. "As word has spread about ANA's mission, the demand for our programs has increased dramatically," said McLellan. Just last month ANA assisted families in ND, CA and AZ. Requests from families in NY and SD came in this week.

The 2009 Memorial Walk corporate sponsors include the Adirondack Trust Company, Balet Flowers & Design, Corinth Merchants Association, Freihoffer's/George Westin Bakeries, GA Bove Fuels, the Kaelan Fund, and Michael and Linda Toohey.

Participation in the Memorial Walk is free, and anyone whose life has been touched by the loss of a baby is encouraged to attend. For more information or to register please visit ANA online at www.angelnames.org, or contact Michelle Mosca via email at [email protected], or by phone at 518-654-2411.