First ever Memorial Walk held in Poarch

When Magen Weaver’s cousin lost her child last March due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), she soon found out that she needed to do something.

Along with the help of a committee, that something came in the form of the first ever Memorial Walk for Pregnancy, Infant and Child Loss held at the PCI Football Field in Poarch on Monday night.

The walk was for parents who have lost a child, whether it be from miscarriage, stillborn, SIDS, cancer, fatal diseases, house fires, car adccidents, drownings, uknown causes or any other accident, officials said.

Weaver said a lot of people came to her cousin with their stories.

“We just wanted to encourage those grieving parents,” she said. “Our sincere hope is that the Memorial Walk will bring comfort and healing to families who have experienced pregnancy, infant, or child loss as well as raise awareness about this sensitive issue.”

SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between 1 month and 1 year old, according to the Healthy Native Babies Project. American Indian/Alaskan Native babies are nearly three times as likely to die from SIDS.

Weaver said she thought the event was a success.

After a time of prayer, song and dance, those who have lost a child, along with their family and friends, took a solemn lap in silence for those who have moved on. Before starting the walk, participants stood by in memory bags of those who passed away.

“Our goal is to help the parents that are grieving,” Weaver said. “We also want to let them know that Jesus Chris is a helping hand in the community.”

Weaver said they are aiming to hold the second annual event and onward, on the second Monday of October.

For more information on SIDS, visit www.cpsc.gov.