A sea of pink took over Barrie’s waterfront Saturday morning for the fifth annual Bridget’s Run, which supports those with pregnancy or infant loss.
Hundreds, many wearing pink t-shirts, came to the shores of Kempenfelt Bay to walk or run the five-kilometre route or bunny hop for a kilometre with the children.
Krista Frey of Barrie, with her husband Conner and two-month-old Cameron, was there because she’s had miscarriages and a child born still in 2020.
“I’m participating for those who suffer in silence,” she said in the Centennial Beach lot, as the rain stopped for a few minutes. “It’s a really good cause that gives locally.”
Bridget’s Run also offers comfort kits to parents who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.
“There are books on how to grieve, jewelry to commemorate (the child), medical products and stuffed bunnies,” Frey said of the kits. “Just so you don’t feel alone.”
She was there with other members of Lenna’s Angels, named after her daughter born still.
“And because I share my story, people feel comfortable sharing their story with me,” Frey said.
Bridget’s Bunnies Pregnancy and Infant Loss Foundation is a registered charity established in Barrie by Theresa and Mathew Morrison after their daughter, Bridget, was born still.
The run raised more than $150,000 during its first four years, and Theresa said it was on pace to raise $60,000 this year.
“It’s a celebration and a day of joy, but a day of sadness too,” she said. “It’s really a great day.”
“Bridget’s Run is all about celebrating babies who are not with us and supporting those who are grieving,” Mathew said.
Nadya Stewart, who said she’s had back-to-back miscarriages, was participating in her fourth Bridget’s Run on Saturday.
“As we all know, it’s a very lonely experience. This is very uplifting,” said Stewart, known as the ‘run ambassador’ for her promotion of the event.
Theresa Morrison said October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month, and that no one should experience a loss like this alone.
Bridget’s Bunnies Pregnancy and Infant Loss Foundation has also provided financial support to community organizations that give bereavement support to individuals and families in need.
For more information, visit bridgetsbunnies.ca.
