A single birthday balloon blew in the wind in Vermilion Provincial Park, marking a grim anniversary and a beacon of light for the future at the inaugural From Heartbreak to Healing memorial walk and run.
“Kayde was our son who was stillborn in 2022 after a uterine rupture,” said Alexa Conlon, founder and coordinator the The Kayde Foundation on Sept. 21.
“We were really searching for a way to keep his legacy alive and continue saying his name. We had no support, so we lost him and it just wasn’t okay with me that people had to go through this without support.
“So, it’s actually my son’s third birthday today.”
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The birthday anniversary ushered in an event aimed at raising awareness and helping people who have experienced loss to heal.
“Prenatal loss support services, infertility, child loss, miscarriage, all of the losses. There’s space for you here,” said Conlon.
Despite being the first year of the memorial and awareness walk and run, support from the public saw over 200 people preregister.
“It’s been very well received, I’ve had people reach out, saying for the first time people are talking about their losses and saying their baby’s names,” said Conlon. “Even if that’s the only thing we do, that’s good enough for me.
“Every year, we’ll have our walk and run. It’s for awareness, for education, a safe space to feel all of the emotions and be with a ton of people who get it.”
The event saw speakers welcome guests and talk about what the event was all about, followed by a walk and run, then lunch and plenty of activities for kids and adults.
“We have different vendors that support grief,” said Conlon. “There’s a wall of remembrance, a chance to say your baby’s name. We’re going to have VIBE (Vermilion Is Being Empowered) here for games for the kids, balloon animals, glitter tattoos, a barbecue and just time for connection.”
The Kayde Foundation provides support, resources and communities for families who have experienced infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, infant or child death in Rural Alberta, partnering with hospitals on their work.
For those looking to get in contact with the foundation, you can find them through their social media at The Kayde Foundation or their website, thekaydefoundation.wixsite.com/thekaydefoundation.
“If someone you know needs us, we’re here and reach out.”
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