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Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have lost their baby boy, after the model was hospitalized over the weekend due to heavy bleeding.

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From celebrities (most recently Chrissy Teigen and John Legend) to families throughout the United States and those in our own local community, the death of a baby is a heartbreaking reality that happens to thousands of moms, dads and families each year. 40 deaths occurred in our area last year alone.

For the past 17 years, Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition has hosted a Walk to Remember each October to honor the lives of those lost as well as provide support to those experiencing such grief. This year is no different.

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, Healthy Start will host the event virtually as a way of supporting the community with a night of inspiration, healing and hope.

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, Healthy Start will host the Walk To Remember event virtually as a way of supporting the community with a night of inspiration, healing and hope. (Photo: Tony Giberson, Tony Giberson/[email protected])

Few things generate as much heartbreaking sorrow as the death of a baby. That happened nearly 3,000 times in Florida last year, with the loss of 2,843 prenatal and postnatal babies — with 41 of those in Leon and Wakulla counties.

To support local grieving families and parents, the Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition (CAHSC) will host its 18th Annual Walk to Remember virtually this year.

Held each year to commemorate National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, the Walk to Remember gives families an opportunity to honor their child or children — regardless of how much time has passed since their loss — and share their stories with others who have had similar experiences. 

This type of loss is a tragic reality faced by many in the area — and that one local mom knows all too well. She lost her son on Jan. 19, 2019. 

“My purpose in life immediately vanished as I held my son,” the mom, who wishes to remain anonymous, said. “I couldn’t help but to apologize to him over and over because he was alive and healthy until he was born. My body was the issue and not him. So tiny and perfect, I was able to spend 24 hours with Greyson before it was time to tell my sweet love, ‘until next time.’”

“Families are forever changed when they lose a child. It is a heartache that they bear, sometimes in silence,” said Chris Szorcsik, executive director of CAHSC. “The Walk to Remember gives families an opportunity to be seen and heard – even though this year is a little different, it is our privilege to hold the space for families in the Big Bend.”

The virtual event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 via Zoom. Activities will include a non-denominational memorial service, the reading of each baby’s name, the sharing of stories of hope and healing and a shared moment of silence for those lost. 

Though this year’s event is virtual, participants still will be able to request a commemorative candle and/or quilt square kit to be mailed upon registration. 

For more information, visit www.capitalareahealthystart.org/2020-walk-to-remember/ or call Chris Szorcsik at 850-488-0288 ext. 101.

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