It has been an exciting year for the ECH Foundation. Some life changes have taken place for two of our board members, and we couldn't be more excited. Sharilyn and Jeremy welcomed a new baby girl last November, and Mindy remarried and is now expecting a baby as well! A little boy will be joining her family in February.
Reflecting on these two events puts into light for us the very reason why we started the ECH Foundation. Life is precious, and fragile. For the joy that we experience with every birth, there are families who tragically share that same birth experience with marked grief and pain when a child is lost.
In time, we hope to ease some of that pain by being able to provide comfort, support and resources in their time of need. We hope to be able to offer them a sensitive alternative to the current options available for caskets.
The success of this endeavor is so important to us. Navigating the route to a successful not for profit foundation is complex and time consuming. Any time that we have invested is well spent though, if we can help even one family.
Every year, we host a 5K run for a few reasons. First, to honor the memory of our origins. If any of you know Sharilyn, you know first of all that she is a true- blue, dyed in the wool, hardcore runner. It's her passion in life and it is this passion that comforted her in her time of grief. What an excellent way to honor the courage and ability to endure that she has displayed. She has been a strength and shoulder to cry on for so many others, and an example for all.
Second, we firmly believe that we cannot be successful on our own. We have found SO MUCH support, enthusiasm and encouragement for this foundation from not just the Moscow community, but from a greatly extended area as well. Opening up an event like this allows everyone to come together, support, grieve if needed, and run for an excellent cause.
Finally, we cannot make this foundation thrive without financial contributions. It is our goal that the families who endure these trials never have to be burdened with the financial cost of respectfully laying their children to rest. True, there are low cost options available. They are however, little more than Styrofoam containers that do not honor the experience these families have been dealt.
Please join us this year for our 3rd annual 5k walk/ run on Saturday, December 31 at 9 am. The entry fee is $25 with a t-shirt and $15 without. You are welcome to run, walk, donate or volunteer on race day. Race will start at Highway 95 and Sweet Dr (Dominoes Parking lot). Registration starts at 9 am, race begins at 10. Entry forms can be picked up at the Animal Clinic on Highway 8 and Logan in Moscow, Idaho or you can e-mail: echfoundation@gmail.com and we will be happy to send one to you.
We are hoping that you will be willing to run with us and support us in our endeavor to ease the suffering of so many families. We feel that with the support of such good friends and a great community behind us, we can make our third run even more memorable and successful for both the runners and our foundation.
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