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Families can share grief, hope at May 15 memorial

On Saturday, May 15, Fox Valley Hands of Hope is hosting the annual Footprints Memorial Walk at 9 a.m. at Bluff City Cemetery on Elgin's southeast side.

To participate in this free annual remembrance service, email info@fvhh.net or call (630) 232-2233.

The pain of losing a baby is life-altering. One moment you are preparing for an exciting addition to your family, but the next moment you are mourning an exceptionally painful loss.

Many women who are affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or neonatal death feel isolated and even guilty about the loss.

Fox Valley Hands of Hope hosts the annual memorial walk to show support for those who have lost such precious lives. The goal is to remind those affected that they are not alone, and that there are resources for support and healing. On this day we will honor the lives lost and empower the attendees to find avenues of positive coping mechanisms.

Mark and Emily Christopherson, from Professional Cemetery Services, stand in front of Footprints Memorial monument they created and donated to Bluff City Cemetery. Courtesy of Fox Valley Hands of Hope

In 2019, Mark and Emily Christopherson from Professional Cemetery Services, in collaboration with City of Elgin and Elgin Granite Works, created and donated a monument in honor of the babies lost due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. The couple 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. There is a paved walkway where families can purchase bricks to engrave in memory of their loss.

The nonprofit, founded in 1981 and based in Geneva, is dedicated to providing expert support for children, families, and adults who are experiencing grief, loss, or life-threatening illness.

Visit www.fvhh.netor www.facebook.com/foxvalleyhandsofhope/.

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