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DuPage organization offers hope and support

CareNet of DuPage counsels women with unplanned pregnancies

Not everyone cries tears of joy when the pregnancy test is positive.

Instead of envisioning holding a precious little baby or playing with a child in the park, sometimes all the mother can see is her own dreams for the future crashing all around her.

And rather than looking forward to sharing her excitement with her family, she fears her own parents’ anger and disappointment in the news.

When a teen or woman sees her pregnancy as a crisis rather than a blessing, she can feel lost and alone. CareNet Pregnancy Services of DuPage offers counseling, support and prenatal care aimed at helping her see how pregnancy and life as a mother can be possible.

CareNet formed in 1981 when pastors and parishioners from 55 area churches sought to give women experiencing unplanned pregnancies an alternative to abortion. What began as a counseling hotline now has four DuPage locations that coordinate abstinence education programs, offer a range of services for pregnant women, and organize support groups for men and women who regret abortions in their pasts.

Pregnancy programs range from testing and ultrasounds to counseling about options, from guidance for teens telling parents about the pregnancy to parenting programs for new moms and dads, and from a baby bank offering diapers and other baby items to personal counseling aimed at resolving relationship issues as well as legal and financial issues that may be barriers to a woman’s success as a mother.

On Saturday, June 15, CareNet supporters are urged to “Put Your Boots on the Ground” in one of four fundraising walks. Among the walkers will be Madi Moore, a young mother who found help at CareNet during her own unexpected pregnancy. Today, she shares her story.

Madi Moore

CareNet of DuPage is an organization I love to support. Why? Because they helped me a lot when I found out I was pregnant with my son, Jack.

I was a teenager, still in high school, and my parents were very unhappy when they found out I was pregnant. I knew I wanted to have the baby, but it was very difficult for me, as I had no support from my family.

CareNet was like a family to me and they helped me realize that everything was going to be OK. They provided me with lots of resources and my CareNet counselor was always there when I needed to talk to someone.

I had so much support from CareNet of DuPage that I started worrying less and had more hope for my future. I ended up graduating high school with straight A’s and am now in school at College of DuPage to become a sonographer.

I still live at home and my parents now love Jack. My CareNet counselor was right. I could do it. With the help of CareNet everything came out OK.

I have never done the Walk for CareNet before, but I have given my testimony at other CareNet events. I am very happy to encourage people in our community to support CareNet of DuPage by sponsoring me for the walk on Saturday, June 15.

You can do that by going to the website, carenetdupage.com, and following the link for the Walk for CareNet. Click on “Give” and select “Madi Moore” to donate directly on my walk page. You also could send a check to 515 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, 60515.

I believe in CareNet of DuPage so much that I have sent other women to them who need help. It’s a great place. If you need help, you can learn all about their services by going to pregnanthelp.com.

CareNet Pregnancy Services of DuPage helps women cope through crisis pregnancies so they’ll be prepared to care for their babies. An annual walk in four DuPage locations raises money for the organization. Courtesy of CareNet DuPage
Runners and walkers will set off in four DuPage locations Saturday in the “Put Your Boots on the Ground” walks and run to raise money for crisis pregnancy services offered by CareNet of DuPage. Courtesy of CareNet DuPage

If you go

What: “Put Your Boots on the Ground” walk

Why: Proceeds support CareNet DuPage, which serves women with crisis pregnancies

When: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15

Where: Grace for Life Bible Church, 7S201 River Road, Naperville; St. John Lutheran Church, 410 N. Cross St., Wheaton; Calvary Lutheran Church, 107 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale; and St. Isaac Jogues Church, 306 W. Fourth St., Hinsdale

Details: Naperville event includes both a walk and a 5K run

Cost: Donations and pledges encouraged

Info: carenetdupage.com

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