Nothing compares to the pain of losing a child. The grief can seem unbearable, but knowing there are others who understand can bring comfort on this sad journey.
This is why Cassondra Sawatzky launched the annual Wonderfully Made Memorial Walk in Altona six years ago, to show other grieving parents that they are not alone.
Sawatzky and her husband know how devastating that journey is. Two of their sons, Deklyn and Wyatt, died due to a rare genetic bone disease called hypophosphatasia.
Sawatzky decided to create something to help others who might be feeling as alone as she did.
“I had heard of other organizations having memorial walks and I felt it would be so nice to have one here,” Sawatzky explains. “I think one of the greatest fears parents have is that their child will be forgotten, and I am really trying my best to help others feel like their child is remembered and loved.”
The event is open to anyone who wants to support or remember a child who has passed away.
“This includes any infant or child loss—miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, infant death, or child death,” Sawatzky says. “It’s a chance for others to rally around those they love who have lost a child, to support and remember with them.”
During the event, with parents’ permission, there is a reading of the names of children who have passed away.
“This is another piece that I really hope gives families the feeling of their child being remembered,” says Sawatzky. “These are names that should be said every day but unfortunately, they are said so little. It can be such a joy just to hear their name, especially said by someone else. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, friends—anyone who wants their child’s name read at this event, please send me a message so I can take down their name. Even if you can’t be at the event, I can still gladly read their name.”
Anyone who wants to come in memory of a child, even if the child was not theirs, is welcome to join the 30-minute walk around Altona Centennial Park on Sept. 14 starting at 10 a.m.
“Just show up. There is no cost to attend or have your child’s name read, but I do take donations that go towards making packages for families who have lost a child,” Sawatzky says. “If you can’t make it but would like to help, let me know.”
You can connect with Sawatzky via her Facebook page.
