Hope & Hearts Run/Walk FAQs

1. Do I need to know someone who has experienced a loss, infertility or adoption in order to participate?

No, not at all. The goal of the Hope & Hearts Run is to promote public understanding and advocate for families to ensure they get the support and resources needed for pregnancy/infant loss, infertility and adoption as well as the access to comprehensive, patient-focused prenatal care. 
Whether you have experienced a loss, infertility or adoption challenges, know someone who has or just want to show your support, come and join us to give hope a voice.

2. How can I find out of there is a Run in my area?

The Missing GRACE Foundation is looking to grow the event in states all over the country. Click on Hope & Hearts in YOUR State to learn more about starting a Run/Walk. If you are interested in hosting the event in your state, please contact the National Directors of Hope & Hearts Run: Chad and Heather Hemphill at chadhemphill@comcast.net or heather-hemphill@comcast.net. Click on 'Event Info' to Find a Run/Walk in your area.

3. Not everyone in my family can run or walk. Are they still able to participate?

Yes! The Hope & Hearts Run is open to participants of all ages. We love to see lots of strollers and baby carriers for the little ones too. There are places to sit down, relax and watch the excitement. If you cannot walk or run, please be a member of the cheering section and cheer on the runners and walkers as they go by.

4. I’d like to volunteer at the Hope & Hearts Run. How do I get involved?

For information on volunteering at the event, please contact us at texas@hopeandheartsrun.com.

5. Will there be awards/prizes given at the run?

Yes. Prizes will be given to the top male run finisher and top female run finisher. In addition, ribbons will be given to all kids participating in the Kids Fun Run.
Prizes will also be awarded to Top Individual Fundraiser and Top Team Fundraiser.

6. Do I need to register my child if they are not participating in the Kids Fun run but walking along with me?

Registration is only required for children 12 and under who are participating in the Kids Fun Run. Otherwise, children can participate in the walk with a parent and will not need to register.

7. Can I bring my dog with to run or walk with me?

Yes! All are welcome to bring along their “best-friend” pooch. Please be aware the city where the event takes place requires that your dog is on a leash and that you bring a bag to clean up any deposits made.

8. What happens if it rains the day of the event?

Hope & Hearts Run takes place rain or shine.

9. Where on the shirts can we include the name of our baby in heaven?

On the backs of the shirts there is a box to write the name or names of babies whom you are honoring as you walk or run. Supplies are provided at the event to stamp the letters with fabric safe ink and fabric pens are also provided.

10. I am running / walking to support Missing GRACE, however I am not doing so in honor of a baby. Do you have an alternate shirt option for me?

Yes, we have 2 shirt options: Option 1 says “I am honoring the memory of” this t-shirt includes a box below this saying where people can fill in a name, and the Option 2 t-shirt has our “Hope is how dreams become reality” saying on the back.

11. How will the funds raised benefit our local area?

A percentage of all the proceeds made from the Hope & Hearts Run will go to provide resources and support to the local community and the surrounding areas of the event location. GRACE Care Basket and Tote items will be disseminated to local hospitals to give parents experiencing a perinatal loss. There will also be scholarships provided for: mother's needing assistance to participate in the NCSR home-fetal-monitoring program.