About the Event

RUN, WALK or CRAWL and join us for Gracie's Hope & Hearts Run on October 15th, 2011 for the 2nd Annual FAMILY EVENT which will include a 5K Timed Run, Memorial Walk, Kids' Fun Dash, music and great food!

The first Hope & Hearts Run/Walk was held in Minnesota in 2006. April and Dan Wurst and Candy and Steve McVicar founded Hope & Hearts Run and began hosting the event in honor of their daughters, Kaila and Grace, who were both stillborn due to cord issues at 38 and 33 weeks gestation respectively. Hope and Hearts is about hope for the future through education and research and supporting the hearts of families who have lost to move forward. Help make a difference and join us as we...Run. Walk. Give Families Hope!



Jennifer and Eric Lamphere joined Missing GRACE Foundation to host the first Hope & Hearts Run in Kentucky in honor of their daughter, Gracie, who they lost five days after birth due to brain death from lack of oxygen resulting from a complete placental abruption at 34 weeks gestation. They lovingly remember their daughter and want to support other families who have endured the loss of a child and desire to help educate the community in hopes of preventing such a loss for others.

Proceeds from Gracie's Hope & Hearts Run/Walk benefit the Missing GRACE Foundation which provides support and resources locally in Kentucky and nationally to aid individuals as they Grieve, Restore, Arise, Commemorate and Educate. The mission of Missing GRACE Foundation is to provide resources and support to families who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss, infertility or adoption challenges and to advocate for proper management of pregnancies for all women.
www.missinggrace.org

Missing GRACE now offers support group meetings for bereaved parents in the Paducah area. Click here for information about meeting location and times. Additional information is also provided about GRACE online support groups.



Proceeds benefit the Missing GRACE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit. The mission of Missing GRACE Foundation is to provide resources and support to aid families who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss, infertility or adoption challenges and to advocate for proper management of pregnancies for all women. Thanks to this important event, funding can be directed to the local communities in Kentucky to receive requested services and support needed for families. This event's banner and goal is to "Raise Awareness About Pregnancy Loss and Promote Stillbirth Prevention." By participating and contributing to this event, you help us achieve this goal. Join us as we Run. Walk. Give Families Hope!

Hope & Hearts Run/Walk Event INFO

Fees:
$25 for Run or Walk (when registering by October 13th, 2011 / $30 if registering onsite on the 16th of October).
$8 Kids Fun Run (when registering by October 13th, 2011 / $10 if registering onsite on the 16th of October).

Online Registration Closed:
October 13th, 2011 11:59 PM Central Time

Mail-in Registration Deadline:
Must be postmarked by October 4th, 2011

Event Location:
Gracie's Hope & Hearts Run/Walk will take place at Bob Noble Park, Paducah, Kentucky.

Bob Noble Park
2801 Park Avenue
Paducah, KY 42001

**Please enter at the Park Avenue Entrance - The entrance by the ballparks

Gracie's Hope & Hearts Run/ Walk takes place rain or shine!

Saturday, October 15th, 2011 Kentucky Event Day Schedule/Timeline:
8:00am      Onsite registration and pre-registered participant check-in
8:00am      T-shirt Stamping/Personalization and Refreshments
9:15am      Kids' Fun Dash
9:30am      Welcome
10:00am    5K Timed Run
10:10am    Memorial Walk
11:00am    Missing GRACE Foundation Presentation
11:15am    Awards Ceremony for Runners and Top Fundraisers
11:30am    Commemoration: Baby names read aloud, unified reading of poem and Hearts to Heaven Balloon Release

* Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets along when you check-in or register onsite. You can then proceed to reserve your spot in front of the Balloon Release area where the Commemoration Ceremony takes place at the close of the event.
* Announcements made every 15 minutes for event times and start locations



Pre-register online by September 15th, 2011 to ensure you get your Gracie's Hope & Hearts T-shirt! Participants who register online after September 15th or on-site can get T-shirts the day of the event, however, there will be a limited quantity available and will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. Another option is for participants to design their own T-shirts. If participants do not want the Hope & Hearts Run T-shirt, simply select the "NO T-SHIRT" option under the T-shirt size question.

T-shirts will be available beginning at 8:00am on event day on a first-come, first-serve basis, and in limited quantities.

The Fee Includes: Event participation, refreshments and balloon release along with your free T-shirt (if registered by September 15th, 2011)

For Children: The Kids' Fun Dash is for ages 12 and under. Children registering for the Kids' Fun Dash will receive a free event ribbon and T-shirt (if registered by September 15th, 2011)

Event Awards and Prizes go to:
1. 5K Run Top Male Finisher
2. 5K Run Top Female Finisher
3. Top Team Fundraisers (Most Funds Raised by a Team)
4. 2nd Place Team Fundraisers
5. 3rd Place Team Fundraisers
6. Youngest Top Fundraiser (17 years and younger who raised the most funds)

Pre/Post Race Food/Drink: You are invited to enjoy water, coffee, juice, bagels, muffins and fruit in the refreshment area.
* The 5K Run is certified and timed
** Parents are welcome to participate with their little ones in the Kids' Fun Dash