The Adalyn Rose Foundation (ARF), a Reading-based non-profit organization, hosted over 1,000 people at the Berks County Heritage Center on Sunday, Oct. 15 for their 4th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk. Over $100,000 was raised, which will be used to fund their mission of supporting families grieving the loss of a baby during pregnancy, infancy, and in the first few years of life. The funds raised will allow the non-profit to continue enhancing the comprehensive and continuous care they provide. The non-profit recently announced that in 2024, they will be expanding their resources to families throughout the United States.
ARF Founder and Executive Director Chloe Ciferri stated, “There is a huge community of people right here in Berks County that have lost a child and want to honor them while helping the families that come after them.”
Over the last few years, the ARF team has created a comprehensive care system that includes training healthcare professionals, providing immediate resources in over 20 hospitals, and ensuring families don’t have to navigate life after baby loss, alone. Like the non-profit’s programs and services, the Empty Stroller Run and Walk has also grown significantly since it first began.
Co-founder and Board President Adam Ciferri shared, “We have grown this event from 160 people the first year to over 1,000 participants Nationwide. The love and support we have received from the community has been incredible and has shown just how needed this organization was.”
Sunday’s event was a successful fundraiser and a wonderful event for the entire community. Run participant Jaime Daniel shared, “Last year was such a touching, moving, and fun-filled event. But this year, somehow, they managed to reach a whole new level. Everything was perfect, from the race logistics, to free coffee and donuts, to the vendors, to the swag shop, to the fun activities for the kids.”
A post-race event with tons of entertainment followed the 10K and 5K run and 1-mile walk. Guests enjoyed complimentary coffee, donuts, and post-race food. There was also a kid’s area with free caricature drawings, face painting, and a huge bubble show! In addition, local singer-songwriter Stephanie Grace and her band performed for the large crowd.
The couple shared, “We are already looking forward to next year!”
The Adalyn Rose Foundation provides comprehensive support to families grieving the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or during infancy. We provide training for healthcare professionals, immediate support within the hospital setting through our Remembrance Carts, and financial support for funeral and memorial costs. We host free monthly support groups, bereaved couples workshops, and events for loss moms, dads, and siblings.
