Date: Saturday, 12th October
Start Location: Long Jetty
Finish Location: The Entrance
Choosing Hope is more than just a walk; it’s a heartfelt tribute and a community gathering dedicated to supporting families who have experienced the profound loss of an infant. This annual event, created to offer solace and recognition to bereaved families, also raises crucial funds for Bears Of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support, a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and support to those in need.
A Journey of Remembrance and Support
The walk will commence at Long Jetty and gracefully follow the picturesque Tuggerah foreshore, concluding at The Entrance. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a meaningful remembrance service and participate in a symbolic act of release, letting a flower float into the lake to honor the baby they walk for. This poignant gesture allows families to commemorate their loved ones and find solace in a shared experience of remembrance.
The Goals of Choosing Hope
- Support: The event provides a nurturing space for those grieving, offering them a supportive environment to navigate their loss and find comfort among others who understand their pain.
- Honor: Choosing Hope is dedicated to honoring the lives of the babies who have been lost, ensuring that their memory is cherished and celebrated.
- Fundraise: The walk aims to raise funds for Bears Of Hope, supporting their vital work in providing teddy bears, care packages, counseling, and support services for bereaved families.
A Personal Journey
The inception of Choosing Hope is deeply personal. The event was created nine years ago by a mother who experienced the heartache of losing her unborn son due to injuries sustained in a car accident. Feeling isolated despite knowing that infant loss is a common experience—affecting 1 in 4 pregnant women and resulting in 8 stillborn babies each day in Australia—she sought to create a space where families could come together, feel acknowledged, and take steps towards healing.
Over the past eight years, the Choosing Hope walk has not only provided comfort and recognition but has also raised over $700,000 for Bears Of Hope, with events replicated across Australia. The walk remains a testament to the resilience of families and the enduring spirit of community support.
Join us on 12th October as we walk to support, honor, and fundraise—taking steps together in memory of the lives we hold dear. For more information on how to participate, visit www.choosinghope.com.au