Hearts & Halos: Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness, founded by Neisa and Jonathan Murray, will host its inaugural Angel Baby Fun Run and Fundraising Event on Saturday, October 18, at Miller Quarters Park in Minden.
The event will begin with check-in at 8 AM, followed by a welcome, prayer, and moment of silence. The Angel Baby Fun Run is set to start at 9 AM, with a medal ceremony to recognize the top three finishers at 9:50 AM. A community celebration featuring food trucks, vendors, games, crafts, and a live DJ will follow from 10 AM to 1 PM, concluding with an eco-friendly bubble release in honor of “angel babies.”
Registration is $10 for ages 18 and older and includes an awareness wristband and pin. Youth 17 and under may participate for free. Although pre-registration has closed, participants are welcome to register on-site.
The Murrays founded Hearts & Halos following their experiences with multiple miscarriages, the stillbirth of their son Jesiah, and a near-fatal ectopic pregnancy in 2024. “We wanted to turn our grief into something meaningful,” said Neisa Murray. “We knew there were other families like us — hurting silently — and we wanted them to know they’re not alone.”
Hearts & Halos’ mission is “to honor angel babies, support grieving families, and bring awareness to the silent heartache of pregnancy and infant loss through compassion, creativity, and community.” The organization offers remembrance activities such as Healing Boxes and art events to promote connection and healing.
The event will also feature resource tables, family activity stations, and raffle drawings for two themed prize baskets. One raffle, “Rest & Restore,” includes a $250 staycation at The Villas at Spanish Court and gifts from Shake Those Pounds – Minden. The other, “Sundae Fun Day,” includes $50 in gift cards to The ClayGround Louisiana and homemade ice cream from Shug’s Minden.
Raffle ticket prices are $5 for one, $10 for three, or $20 for seven. Entries are open through October 12, with winners announced live at 6:30 PM October 13 on the Hearts & Halos Facebook page.
Funds raised will help Hearts & Halos reach its $2,000 goal to become an official nonprofit organization. Donations can be made through GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/8927fd00.
“This isn’t just an event — it’s a movement of love, remembrance, and support,” said the Murrays. “Every baby matters, every story matters, and together we can help families heal.”
Advertising for the event is supported in part by Visit Webster Parish. For more information, visit VisitWebster.net or follow Hearts & Halos: Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness on Facebook at @HeartsAndHalosMinden.
Murray was recently named the 2025 Young Professional of the Year at the 15 Under 40 Awards ceremony for her work with Hearts & Halos and her community involvement.