A Walk to Remember · Springfield Angel of Hope

First Saturday of October

10:00 a.m. at the Washington Park playground shelter.

A Walk to Remember is held on the first Saturday of October each year (unless otherwise announced), beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Washington Park playground shelter in Springfield. The walk takes place during National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and commemorates the lives of babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death.

The morning begins with a memorial service in which each child's name is read aloud, followed by a two-mile walk. We gather rain or shine.

What to expect

A memorial service, then two miles together.

The morning is shaped to honor each child individually and to hold the families who carry them. It is a remembrance, not a race — there is no clock, no pace, no finish line.

Families gather at the Washington Park playground shelter. The memorial service that opens the morning includes the reading of each child's name — every child registered is named aloud, no matter how long or short the life, no matter how recent or distant the loss.

After the service, we walk a two-mile route together through the park. Many families bring photographs, mementos, or wear something that holds their child's memory. Some walk in silence; others walk in conversation with someone who understands. Both are welcome.

Whether you are marking a loss from this year or from many years ago, there is a place for you and your child here.

Where the proceeds go

Shared with two Springfield hospital programs that walk with bereaved families.

Proceeds from A Walk to Remember are shared between the Springfield Angel of Hope, NFP and two local hospital-based bereavement programs: St. John's SHARE and Memorial's Pastoral Care.

SHARE supports parents through pregnancy and infant loss at HSHS St. John's Hospital. Memorial's Pastoral Care offers spiritual companionship to grieving families at Memorial Health. Both programs meet families inside the hospital walls — in the room, in the moment — and continue with them long after they go home. Walking together each October is one way our community helps keep that work possible.

How to take part

Three steps to walk with us.

01

Register

Sign up ahead of the walk so we can include your child's name in the memorial service. Registration opens each year in late summer.

02

Donate or fundraise

Make a gift in your child's memory, or invite family and friends to give in support of the walk. Every contribution is shared with our hospital partners.

03

Walk on the day

Arrive at the Washington Park playground shelter by 10:00 a.m. on the first Saturday of October. Bring what you wish to carry with you.

Questions families ask

Before you come.

Is there a registration fee?

Registration details — including any suggested donation — are shared each year when sign-up opens. The walk is a fundraiser; any contribution is welcome, and no family is turned away.

Can I have my child's name read if I can't walk in person?

Yes. Families who cannot attend are welcome to register a child's name to be read aloud during the memorial service. Reach out to walktorememberspringfield@gmail.com to be included.

Can I bring photographs or something that holds my child's memory?

Please do. Many families bring photographs, written notes, or small mementos. There is no expectation — bring what feels right, or come with empty hands.

Is the route stroller and wheelchair friendly?

The two-mile route winds through Washington Park on paved walkways suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. If you have a specific access question, email us ahead of the walk and we will help you plan.

What happens if it rains?

The walk goes on rain or shine. We gather at the Washington Park playground shelter regardless of weather.

Who do the proceeds support?

Proceeds are shared between the Springfield Angel of Hope, NFP, St. John's SHARE, and Memorial's Pastoral Care — two Springfield hospital programs that support bereaved families directly.

Who can I contact with other questions?

Email walktorememberspringfield@gmail.com, message us through our Facebook page, or text Kathy at (217) 899-6227.

Also from our programs

Candlelight Remembrance Ceremony

Each December 6 at 7 p.m., we gather at the Angel of Hope statue for a candlelight ceremony — a quieter, winter counterpart to the October walk.

Learn about the December ceremony