Olie’s Footprints Hosts Events to Support Families Who Have Experienced Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Child Loss

The Britton Family know firsthand how devastating and lonely the experience of miscarriage can be. That’s why they founded Olie’s Footprints, a non-profit organization that provides support to families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, and child loss.

Named in honor of their baby Oliver Paxton, who they lost in a miscarriage on May 9, 2016, Olie’s Footprints supports and encourage families through the journey of loss of a baby or child, grief, healing, and their journey beyond.

Upon a family member or friend’s request, Director Sara Britton sends a loss package to the family who has lost a baby or child. The loss packages are customized to each family, taking into consideration that siblings may be grieving as well, and includes a special keepsake, tissues and a hand-written note of support and encouragement. She then continually checks in with the family to ensure they are getting the help they need, are knowledgeable about available resources, and helps to answer their questions.

“Losing Olie was the most devastating loss in our lives. No one knew what to say or do for us,” says Britton. “We began to have conversations with friends, family, and complete strangers about the dark days of loss. All the conversations involved one common theme – loneliness. From those conversations, Olie’s Footprints was born.”

With one in four pregnancies ending in miscarriage, the need for loss packages has increased.

To support local families and help fund the programs and services they provide, Olie’s Footprints will be hosting the following events:

Remembrance Walk: On Saturday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Olie’s Footprints will host a Remembrance Walk at Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation Local families are invited to attend to honor their lost babies and children. After the 1.5-mile walk, the group will head to Peet’s Coffee and Tea Shop, 8000 Oak Point Rd., Amherst, for coffee or tea and to make a craft to take home in remembrance of their babies and children. The family-friendly event is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring money for the coffee or tea of their choice.

Rummage Sale: On Saturday, June 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a rummage sale will take place at 34901 Detroit Rd. Avon, to benefit Olie’s Footprints families and support them in their journey of loss of a baby or child. Baked goods and lemonade will also be available for purchase. One-hundred percent of the profits goes back into supporting Olie’s Footprints families.

Car Wash: On Sunday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Olie’s Footprints will be hosting a car wash at the Marathon Gas Station, 960 N. Leavitt Rd., Lorain. Baked goods will also be available for purchase.

For more information on Olie’s Footprints or to donate, please visit oliesfootprints.com. To register for one of the upcoming events, please go to www.facebook.com/oliefootprints and select the events tab.