To symbolize to the community that our babies were real, were wanted and were loved. The Walk to Remember for Families is a annual memorial event for parents, family members, and friends to come together to remember a precious baby who has died due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy termination, stillbirth or early neonatal death.

The actual walk is 0.7 miles from the MUSC Horseshoe area to Colonial Lake ( or approximately 7 blocks). The roadway is paved, so it is stroller and wheelchair accessible.

We had to reschedule the walk once in the past 10 years and that was for Hurricane Floyd. The walk should go on this year, rain or shine unless we have orders from the City of Charleston to postpone the event. It is always good to prepare for the weather conditions on the day of the walk. We encourage a sweater or jacket and if rain is in the forecast, an umbrella or rain jacket.

While dogs are allowed at Colonial Lake on a leash, we ask that you leave your dog at home due to the number of attendees participating.

The roadway to Colonial lake is concrete and the sidewalks at the park are concrete. There are grassy areas. The park is handicap accessible from various directions.

We are delighted to offer this walk to anyone who wishes to attend! Please invite your family and friends to walk with you and support you.

All proceeds raised by a Walk to Remember For Families throughout the year go toward the funding of bereavement packages received by families to assist in their grieving process after the loss of a baby. We also fund two annual events, THe Memorial Service in March and the Walk in October. Any additional funds go toward educational bereavement programs that we provide to staff.

All family and friends, young and old are invited to participate in the Walk.

Yes, many families will bring strollers for their children and we encourage this as the Walk is 0.7 mile in length.

Regardless if your loss is recent or was 20 years ago, we encourage you to participate and walk through the grieving process to remember your baby.

We encourage you to register on the day of the walk. Please come early so you have time to sign the 2011 banner with your baby's name along with any message you might like to add. Currently, only on-site registration is available. If you cannot attend but wish to have your baby's name added to the banner, please contact Mary.

We will , based on availability, have t-shirts for purchase for on-site registrants on the day of the walk. After the walk, t-shirt purchases will be based on availability.
T-shirt prices are as follows:
$8 for adult sizes ($10 for XXL size)
$8 for child sizes

• The 2011 t-shirts are purple, short-sleeved, 100% pre-shrunk cotton. Each shirt includes, on the lapel, a set of white footprints with the words, "We Walk to Remember" above the prints and "Charleston, SC" printed below the footprints. Shirts are not personalized with your child's name, but fabric pens will be available if you want to handwrite your child's name on your shirt.

Over previous years, we have seen a large increase in the number of baby names that were registered for the Annual Walk to Remember. It is difficult to predict how many t-shirts will be sold at the event. By forgoing dates on the shirts, they can be used for additional years as necessary. Thank you for your understanding.

Any t-shirts, memory stones or medallions left over from the day of the walk will be available for purchase after the walk by contacting Mary. Please understand that quantities of the 2011 Walk shirts may be limited and shipping fees will apply.

You can make a financial contribution any time of the year by contacting Mary for details, or you can provide a financial contribution on the day of the walk. Proceeds will benefit the Tender Memories program. This is a wonderful options for those who cannot attend the walk but would like to support bereaved families.

If you live out of state or are unable to attend the actual walk, but would still like the opportunity to remember a lost child or purchase 2011 Walk items (t-shirts, memory stones and/or medallions),please e-mail Mary. We can add your child's name to the banner. Should you want t-shirts, memory stones or medallions, please note that these items will not be shipped until after the Walk.

• You may make a special donation in honor of a family or a child at any time of the year. Donations are appreciated and go directly to help fund the Tender Memories program at MUSC.

Volunteers for the Walk are always welcome. If you would like to volunteer your time at the 2011 Walk to Remember, please contact Mary.

Email Mary  for any questions you may have regarding the walk that have not been answered on our Walk page or this FAQ page.

• October 21, 2012.