Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
COLUMBIA CITY – Whitley County’s fifth annual Pregnancy and Child Loss Remembrance Walk will be held on Saturday, May 2 at Morsches Park beginning at 11 a.m.
This one-mile walk is provided for free by BABE of Whitley County for anyone in the community or surrounding areas who would like to attend. The event is made possible through the support of host sponsor United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties.
This year’s event will feature guest speaker Alyssa Ivanson, evening anchor at WANE 15. In 2024, Ivanson’s second daughter, Joy Agape, was stillborn at 25 weeks gestation after pregnancy complications began at 16 weeks. Ivanson and her family will share their story of grief, as well as hope and healing, offering encouragement to other families navigating loss.
“Pregnancy and child loss can feel incredibly isolating, but no one should have to walk through that grief alone,” said Laura Tucker. “This event is about creating a space where families feel seen, supported and surrounded by a community that understands.”
The 1-mile walk will be lined with personalized signs, each bearing the name of a baby or child being remembered, along with the phrase “We walk for the steps they will never take.” At the conclusion of the walk, every child’s name will be read aloud in a touching tribute, followed by a symbolic bubble release. Families are also invited to take a complimentary photo with their personalized sign.
BABE is currently seeking additional sponsors to help keep this event free and accessible for all families. Local businesses and organizations interested in supporting the walk are encouraged to reach out.
To register for the walk, visit babewc.org/walk or contact Laura Tucker directly at laura@babewc.org. BABE is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 5:30 p.m. at 309 W. Van Buren St., Columbia City.
BABE of Whitley County is a nonprofit organization in Whitley County that serves over 1,200 people regularly. BABE provides quality incentives to parents who participate in preventive and prenatal care, including parenting, educational and nutritional classes to promote a healthy pregnancy, healthy birth outcomes and early childhood development. In exchange for participating in preventive and prenatal care, participants are given a BABE Coupon that can be used to “purchase” diapers, wipes, clothes, strollers and more at BABE’s store located in Columbia City. BABE also hosts various mom groups and activities, and programs to support the families who need it most. Learn more at www.babewc.org.
