From Heartbreak To Healing Brings Community Together

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It was a beautiful fall day in Vermilion on Sunday, September 20, as families, friends and supporters gathered at Vermilion Provincial Park for the Kayde Foundation’s second annual From Heartbreak to Healing: One Step at a Time Memorial & Awareness Event.

With the sun shining and only the occasional fall breeze, there was a great turnout for a day centred around remembrance, support and bringing awareness to pregnancy, infant and child loss.

The morning began with opening remarks before participants headed out on a stroller-friendly community walk through the park. For some, every step carried a very personal meaning as they walked in memory of a child, while others took part in support of family members, friends and the work being done by the Kayde Foundation.

The foundation was created by Alexa Conlon in memory of her son Kayde, who was stillborn in 2022 following a uterine rupture. Through her family’s experience, Conlon recognized the need for additional resources and support for families dealing with loss, particularly in rural communities.

Today, the Kayde Foundation provides local support and helps raise awareness for those who have experienced miscarriage, TFMR, infertility, stillbirth, infant or child loss.

One of the most meaningful areas of Sunday’s event was Kayde’s Corner, where families were invited to bring a photograph, ultrasound picture or other special memento of their baby to place on the Wall of Remembrance. It provided a quiet and visible way to honour children who are deeply loved and remembered while also giving families the opportunity to share their memories with others who understand the journey of loss.

While remembrance was at the heart of the day, organizers also made sure there was plenty happening for families.VIBE was on hand with activities for the kids, including games, balloon animals, face painting and glitter tattoos. Families could enjoy burgers, hot dogs, pop and cupcakes, and vendors were also set up throughout the event. A silent auction helped raise additional funds in support of the foundation and the work it continues to do for families in the area.

The afternoon gave people plenty of opportunity to visit and connect. Children played, families spent time together and conversations happened naturally throughout the park.

That sense of community is an important part of an event like this. Pregnancy and child loss can be incredibly isolating, and it isn’t always something people know how to talk about. Bringing families together creates a space where those conversations don’t have to be avoided and where children who have been lost can be openly remembered.

The event has continued to grow since its inaugural gathering in 2025, which saw more than 200 people preregister. Sunday’s strong turnout showed that the support behind the foundation and its work continues.

There was certainly emotion throughout the day, but there was also laughter, visiting and children enjoying the activities. On a sunny September afternoon in Vermilion Provincial Park, people were able to remember while also simply spending time together.