NICU Nurse to Wear Infant Memorials at KC Half Marathon
A Kansas City nurse will run the race wearing bracelets to honor lost infants before mailing them to their families.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Babies
This Saturday, October 17, 2026, Kansas City NICU nurse Chaela Kizer will run the Garmin Kansas City half marathon while wearing bracelets to honor the memories of hundreds of infants who passed away. Kizer, who lost her own son to SIDS, intends to mail each bracelet to the respective families following the completion of the 13.1-mile race.
Why it matters
The effort serves as a personal tribute to children lost to miscarriage or infancy, specifically Kizer's son, Sawyer McClung, who died at 83 days old. For families in Kansas City and beyond, the initiative provides a communal way to honor the lives of infants who passed away.
Kizer collected the names of hundreds of babies for the 13.1-mile Garmin Kansas City half marathon. The project follows the death of her son, Sawyer, who was 83 days old at the time he passed away on October 15, 2025.
The players
Chaela Kizer
A NICU nurse at Saint Luke's and advocate for bereaved families.
Saint Luke's
A Kansas City hospital system providing specialized neonatal intensive care.
The details
Kizer acts as a support advocate by creating individual bracelets that bear the names of children lost to their families. During the half marathon, she attaches these personalized bracelets to her running vest, carrying them throughout the entire distance of the course. After crossing the finish line, she distributes these mementos by mailing them directly to each of the families as a lasting memorial.
Timeline
October 15, 2025: Date of death for Sawyer McClung.
October 17, 2026: Garmin Kansas City half marathon race day.
The Home Front
This tribute aligns with a broader trend of personal, community-driven memorial efforts for families experiencing infant loss. It highlights the growing focus on creating tangible keepsakes as part of the emotional support process for grieving households.
Families affected by infant loss often find comfort in local community support groups or memorial events. If you are grieving, you may wish to contact your local hospital's bereavement office to learn about support services and commemorative opportunities.
The takeaway
Memorial initiatives like these offer a way to process grief through community action and remembrance. Families seeking additional local support or wishing to connect with memorial networks can start by contacting the bereavement resources at their local hospital or care facility.
Further reading
Learn more about local support resources in our Babies section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSHB 41 Kansas City News.
