Des Moines Families Held 27th Walk to Remember

Local families gathered at Union Park to honor babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Pregnancy

Des Moines Families Held 27th Walk to Remember

About 300 participants gathered in Des Moines on Sunday for the 27th annual Walk to Remember. The event offered a space for families to honor babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, and newborn death while connecting with others experiencing similar grief.

Why it matters

Events like the Walk to Remember offer a vital support community for families navigating the difficult logistics and emotional toll of infant loss. Providing a dedicated space to remember these children helps families find shared healing through local connection.

The 27th annual event drew 300 attendees to Union Park, including long-time participants like Lina Guerrero, who has attended the walk 12 times. The gathering provides a recurring local touchstone for families mourning losses from miscarriage to newborn death.

The players

MercyOne

A regional healthcare provider that organizes community support events and manages medical facilities across Iowa.

Lina Guerrero

A long-time community participant who has attended the annual walk 12 times to honor her personal loss.

The details

Families gathered at Union Park for a commemorative walk to honor lost infants and pregnancies. Following the walk, participants moved to the Heritage Carousel to continue the afternoon, providing a dedicated environment to connect with other grieving parents. This annual tradition aims to foster a supportive local network for those who have experienced the death of a child.

The 27th annual Walk to Remember took place on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

The Home Front

This event follows the pattern of nationwide efforts to normalize the conversation around pregnancy and infant loss. It reflects a growing focus on providing structured, community-based support systems for families who have experienced the death of a child.

Families experiencing similar losses can look to local healthcare providers like MercyOne for ongoing grief support resources and community connection opportunities. If you are navigating this journey, consider reaching out to local support groups to help manage the emotional logistics of loss.

The takeaway

The Walk to Remember highlights the importance of communal grieving for families navigating pregnancy and infant loss. Consider reaching out to your local hospital's bereavement coordinator to learn about future support group meetings or memorial events.