MercyOne to Host 27th Annual Walk to Remember

MercyOne will host its 27th Annual Walk to Remember on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines in Union Park, providing families and community members an opportunity to honor and remember babies lost through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death.

Held during National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, the event brings together families, friends, caregivers and supporters to raise awareness of perinatal grief while promoting compassion and support for those affected by pregnancy and infant loss.

Sponsored by the MercyOne Perinatal Bereavement Team, the free community event will include a brief remembrance service followed by a commemorative walk, carousel rides and refreshments. Families, friends and children are encouraged to attend.

"Walk to Remember provides a meaningful opportunity for families to honor the memory of their babies while finding comfort and connection with others who have experienced loss," explained Connie Thompson, RN, bereavement coordinator for MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. "The event reflects MercyOne's commitment to supporting families through every stage of their journey, including times of grief."

Event Details

• What: 27th Annual Walk to Remember
• When: Sunday, October 11, 2026, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Where: Heritage Carousel of Des Moines, Union Park, 1801 Pennsylvania Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50316
• Cost: Free; registration encouraged at https://www.mercyone.org/event/mercyones-27th-annual-walk-to-remember

In the event of inclement weather, the program will move indoors to the MercyOne East Tower Auditorium.