LEWISTOWN — There are aspects about losing a pregnancy that most people don’t understand unless they or someone they’ve known have gone through it.

Jenna Spade, and her husband, Carter, of McVeytown, have experienced that devastation. They were thankful that in their greatest time of need the Adalyn Rose Foundation was there for them, providing support for them and other families who are grieving the loss of a baby at any point during pregnancy, infancy or early childhood.

“My husband and I were introduced to the foundation in December 2024 when we found out that one of our twin daughters went to be with the Lord,” Jenna explained. “The foundation has been so supportive in helping our family navigate life after loss.

“In April 2025, we coordinated with Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital and the Adalyn Rose Foundation to bring their resources to our local hospital,” Jenna added. “The remembrance cart that loss families now have access to in devastating times was dedicated in Eloise’s memory.”

The Adalyn Rose Foundation remembrance carts – filled with toys, books and arts and crafts supplies, help families feel more comfortable and allows them to make memories with their babies while they still can. These parents have limited time and opportunities to create memories with their babies. They are often shocked, unprepared, and don’t know what to do.

The foundation provides families with memorabilia on their hospital carts, provides financial assistance for funeral and cremation costs, facilitates group therapies and assists in coordinating singles or couples therapy through their grief journey. The foundation also provides training for hospital and medical staff and first responders.

The Adalyn Rose Foundation was created by Chloe Ciferri and her husband, Adam, in honor of their daughter, Adalyn, who they lost unexpectedly during pregnancy. Chloe was a special education teacher for many years, until resigning to work at the foundation and stay home with Addie’s brothers and sister.

The Adalyn Rose Foundation made such an impression with the Spades, they want to do more to help other families as well as the foundation, which is based in Reading, Berks County. That’s why they have organized the first Adalyn Rose Foundation Empty Stroller Run/Walk. Their goal is not only to raise funds for the foundation, but they want to bring awareness to people in the community who are unfortunate enough to have suffered a similar devastating loss.

“I hope to cultivate a community of local lost parents and show them they are supported no matter where they are in their grief journey,” Jenna said. “Lastly, it is my goal to honor all of the babies that are waiting for us to join them in heaven.”

The walk is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, at Kishacoquillas Park in Derry Township. Registration for run and walk participants opens at 9 a.m., with the run/walk beginning at 10 a.m. The race fee is $35, with children age 14 and under participating for free.

Registration is required. Participants can register by visiting adalynrose.org or in-person at the event.

Participants can choose to complete either a one-mile Remembrance Walk or a full five kilometers, walking together to raise awareness and honor babies gone too soon. Many participants walk or run with empty strollers to symbolize the babies they carry in their hearts. This is a beautiful tradition — but not required, Jenna said.

Stick around after the run/walk for a heartfelt gathering with community connection, remembrance activities and more. There will also be a soup and bake sale and various children’s activities and gift basket raffles.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to snuggle some sweethearts from MACC Acres Goat Therapy in McVeytown. Honor angel babies and snuggle sweet goats, what could be better?

All registration fees, swag sales and donations support families who have experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy, infancy or early childhood through the work of the Adalyn Rose Foundation.

“We are working toward a $5,000 fundraising goal, and we are so grateful for the generosity of our community for making it possible,” Jenna said.

While it is not necessary to have a sponsor to participate, Jenna is looking to the community and local businesses for sponsorships and donations.

For more information, contact Jenna at jennaspade9@gmail.com. Attendees can register at www.adalynrose.org.