EP organization’s walk supports families who experience infant loss

On a nearly perfect fall morning, almost 600 Minnesotans participated in last Saturday’s “Let’s Not Be Still Run/Walk” fundraiser for the Star Legacy Foundation. The foundation is an Eden Prairie-based non-profit organization dedicated to reducing pregnancy loss and neonatal death and improving care for families who experience these tragedies. 

In addition to a run/walk on the Round Lake Park trail loop, the event featured face painting and other children’s activities. Along the trail, custom signs memorialized lost loved ones and provided information about resources available to those who have experienced stillbirth.

Proceeds from the event will support the Minnesota Center for Stillbirth and Infant Death, which the foundation founded with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health. The center helps bereaved families find resources to aid the grieving process, including locating support groups and therapists, connecting with organizations and agencies, and providing financial assistance.

Founded in 2004 by its executive director, Lindsey Wimmer, after her son was stillborn, the Star Legacy Foundation is based in Minnesota but has a nationwide footprint with 18 chapters. In Wimmer’s words, the foundation provides “a real community, a sense of support. Many of our members describe us as a club no one ever wanted to belong to. We aim to provide an otherwise missing social framework for families that have experienced this unique loss.”

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“Let’s Not Be Still Run/Walk” is an annual event. Next year’s event will be held in October during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. In keeping with its mission to increase awareness, support research, promote education, and encourage advocacy and family support regarding pregnancy loss and infant death, the foundation also sponsors an annual Bereaved Mother’s Day Tea.