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The second annual Walk to Remember is a way to raise awareness for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month Date published: 9/27/2009
BY BRYNN BOYER
Michelle Blazek wears a small silver lapel pin in the shape of a heart. It's a silent symbol for her, and for those she encounters in her life, of her grief. It's a symbol that will be prominent at the second annual Healing Hearts Walk to Remember in Fredericksburg on Saturday. The event, which coincides with National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, brings together people who are grieving the loss of a baby. Blazek, 33, organized the walk in memory of the baby girl who was to complete her family. She found out she was pregnant with her second child in January 2007. But on March 13, Blazek went to the doctor since she was not feeling well. There, she learned that her baby had died. Blazek was 17 weeks pregnant. "There was no warning," Blazek said. "I was not expecting to get the news." Her son, Austin, got to choose his baby sister's name--Megan Marie. "How do you explain that to a 9-year-old?" Blazek said. "How do you console a child when it doesn't make sense to yourself?" Blazek started attending counseling and group therapy sessions at Mary Washington Hospital. About 300 pregnancy and infant losses occur every year in the Fredericksburg area, according to Tammy Ruiz, the perinatal bereavement coordinator at Mary Washington Hospital. "This is a subject that is not seen on TV and not really discussed," Ruiz said. "So, people are surprised that it happens." The idea for the walk grew out of discussions Blazek had with other women in the group who were also trying to deal with their loss. "We talked about the Loss of Loved Ones to Sudden Tragedy Foundation and were curious if there was a walk in our area for all of us to gather," Blazek said. "Finally, we just said 'Let's go for it!'" Ruiz said the walk serves a dual purpose. "Since it's still a taboo subject, there are not many safe places for people to talk about their baby," Ruiz said. The walk gives families a space to grieve while also raising awareness within the general public. "It's a time for people to come together as a community," Blazek said. Last year, about 50 people attended the walk, raising about $500. This year, Blazek hopes those numbers will double. The money will go to Treasured Memories, a program that collects keepsakes for hospitals to give to women affected by perinatal loss. Blazek knows how special the small mementos can be. She has clay impressions of Megan's hands that Ruiz made for her. Ultimately, Blazek believes the walk has been a source of healing for her. "I've changed for the better," she said. "I'm a better person than I was 2 years ago. I had to make something good out of something really terrible." Brynn Boyer: 540/374-5000, ext. 5779
Date published: 9/27/2009
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