By Joyce DeWallace, Contributing Writer
Northborough – It’s hard to believe, but one in four women experience miscarriage or infant loss, according to the TEARS Foundation, which provides assistance and support for bereaved families. The group is sponsoring its first fundraiser, Rock and Walk for Babies, Sunday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett St., in Northborough.
Many of the founders and volunteers at the foundation have experienced the loss of their own baby, and want to reach out through their organization to support newly bereaved parents in their time of devastating sorrow.
That’s how Kelly Trefry became the Massachusetts chapter leader and is heading up the effort to make their kickoff event a success. She had a miscarriage in 2011 and then lost twins in a ruptured ectopic pregnancy in 2012. She also has two healthy girls, Alyssa, 6, and Kayla, 2.
When she was going through the grieving process after her loss, Trefry found the TEARS group on Facebook and welcomed its support. When she asked about how she could contribute, she was told the group needed a leader to start a state chapter in Massachusetts. She accepted the challenge.
“I hear so many stories from women who feel that they can never talk about this,” Trefry said. “One of my goals in bringing this foundation to Massachusetts is to break the silence. My personal goal is to make it so no woman feels alone and to be that glimmer of hope in such a time of darkness.”
The fundraiser is being held to let bereaved families know they are not alone, raise funds to support these families and build awareness about miscarriage and infant loss. Individuals can form teams and collect pledges to “walk” the track and “rock” in rocking chairs, to represent the families there with empty arms.
When someone registers to participate, there is a place to enter the name of a baby who was lost and a butterfly will be placed on the track in honor of those angels.
To register online, visit www.firstgiving.com/tears/2016massachusettsrockwalk. Registration will be $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Trefry is asking people to enlist pledges from their family members, friends, and co-workers to walk in honor of a child’s memory or just to walk in support of families in the community.
Each dollar raised goes to help bereaved families after the loss of a child. Funeral assistance, funds to cover the cost of a funeral or cremation, grave markers, emotional support and other programs will be offered.
“Expecting parents save money for diapers and formula, but they never think of having to bury a child,” said Trefry.
This is a family friendly event with activities and crafts for the children, face painting, a silent auction, a DJ and refreshments. Some of the auction items include gift cards to local outlets, passes to the Ecotarium and New England Aquarium, handmade items and Red Sox items.
Rock and Walk for Babies hopes to raise $15,000 and wants to inspire hope, honor a child, and celebrate a life.
For more information or to participate or form a team, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/MATEARS or call Trefry at 978-944-0214.