Wow! This past June was incredible. God has shown us His goodness by providing in so many ways. On Saturday, June 24th at Griffith Park, Until We Arise had an amazing opportunity to host our very first Elia’s Run/Walk LA a 5k and Mental Health Fair to raise awareness and destigmatize the mental health issues that surround pregnancy and infant loss. . The outcome was greater than anticipated, with around 750 registrations and 550 check-ins. We had live music, painting, and a remembrance service to help bring the people together. It all started with Ali, the founder of Elia’s Gift, who had a vision of a walk that would honor her daughter, Elia, and provide a healing space for others who have experienced pregnancy or early infant loss. Until We Arise was honored to make Ali’s vision become a reality.
The day started with a light breakfast and Ali and Rachel leading a dance and stretch warm-up prior to the big run.
Until We Arise partnered with Aztlan Athletics to help set up the run. All registered participants received a T-shirt, a medal for finishing, and a customized bib. The course was 3.1 miles, looping around the Griffith Park Golf Course. Throughout the route, there were sponsored signs on the lawn to honor the lives of babies who were lost. There was so much beauty in seeing runners and families come together from all different walks of life who have in one way or another been affected by pregnancy and infant loss.
Tacos El Cacheton rewarded the participants with free tacos at the end of the race. This was such a great incentive to get to the finish line!
In addition to the run, there was a mental health fair. We were able to incorporate healthy coping skills, such as being out in nature, staying active, and being in a community.
Children who attended had the opportunity to create ornaments to help them process their feelings. There was also a prayer booth open to people who wanted prayer. We want to extend our gratitude to Take Action LA Health for funding this event. And a big thank you to thank all of our amazing mental health community partners:
- Our House Grief Support Center
- Pacific Clinics
- Turning Point Family Resource Center
- Return to Zero Hope
- Jonathan’s Giving Tree
- Lovesent Project
- Shield of God
- County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health
We would like to honor our amazing artists who set a beautiful tone of freedom, openness, and creativity. We were grateful to have live music from Ariel Howell and painting done by Ronnie “Ro” Robles from the Love Sent Project. .
Ro passed out free prints of his artwork and had participants add their own touch to the painting. The kids had the opportunity to add their sweet handprints. We had such a fun time painting. Check out Ro’s Coffee Paint Sips events for a relaxing painting experience
Also, Ariel blessed us with her lovely music throughout the event. Her soulful, sweet voice set the tone of the event as one of love, the presence of God, and healing as a community. Her new album “Tomorrow” is out now. You will want to check out her music!
The Remembrance Service was the absolute most moving and meaningful part of the event. Ariel sang her own rendition of Gratitude by Brendan Lake. There were stones laid out in front of her for people to collect in honor of each life that was lost too soon. People were given a gold marker to write their babies’ names, a special message, or a dream they had for them on the stone. It was eye-opening to see how many people were grabbing multiple stones. A moment of silence helped us all to remember each life. Watching different couples honor their lost child while holding onto each other was so powerful. Participants were given a beautiful canvas sack with flowers and a card to remind them that they are loved. Ali and Jon were presented with a plaque to thank them for sharing Elia’s legacy with everyone.
Elia’s Run Walk 5k LA was such a powerful event. Thank you so much to all who came out and supported us, and congratulations to all of our winners. We are beyond blessed for our supporters. We could not have done this event without you! Please continue to keep us in your prayers as God leads our next endeavors. Remember to share Until We Arise with your friends and family. Your support allows us to bring comfort to grieving mothers of pregnancy loss, create a loving community for women of all walks, and teach spiritual truths.
Photography by Jennifer Aceret
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