The inaugural Hearts & Halos Angel Baby Fun Run brought the community together Saturday for a morning of remembrance, healing, and hope. Founders Neisa and Jonathan Murray said the event exceeded expectations, with more participants showing up to run than anticipated.
“My husband, Jonathan, and I felt it necessary to host this event due to the amount of individuals we’ve met who have experienced infant and/or pregnancy loss, and felt as if they didn’t have the support they needed,” said Neisa Murray. “We felt it’s our calling to bring the community together, in honor of all babies gone too soon, as well as supporting families who are affected by that loss, and even infertility. Connecting with those families uplifted us.”
“Thank you all for coming out to our event today to honor and remember our Angel Babies,” Murray told attendees. “It takes a lot of strength to get out and participate in events like this, because it can re-open unhealed wounds. Today we all come together for a cause, a reason, and a purpose. Even if you don’t win a medal today, know that you’re still a winner for participating.”
The event began with an opening prayer led by Beverly Hulbin, M.A., LPC, a Hearts & Halos board member and owner of CanDo Ministries. Following the prayer, participants explored vendor booths from local businesses and organizations including Brown Angel Kisses, Good Men Health, K&D Design’z, Personally Yours, Bella’s Barkery, SEEDS Women’s Center, Golden Glam Media Spa, and Teal Garden Nutrition. A game area featured jumbo checkers and jenga, and craft tables allowed attendees to make Angel Baby ornaments and decorate small white pumpkins for a community “pumpkin patch” display.
After the run, a free community event continued through the late morning, featuring food vendors, music by DJ Derrick, and family-friendly activities. At the end of the event, attendees gathered for an emotional bubble release in memory of “all babies gone too soon.”
“The day turned out to be so beautiful, as rain was a concern,” Murray said. “We ended the event with precious goodbyes and excitement for next year’s Angel Baby Fun Run.”
Sponsors included Women of Courage – Webster, Men of Courage – Webster, Geaux Fresh Bistro and Bakery, CanDo Ministries, and Minden Medical Center, which donated bubbles for the remembrance activity. Raffle prizes were donated by Shake Those Pounds, The Villas at Spanish Court, The ClayGround Louisiana, and Shug’s Minden.
The Murrays also expressed appreciation for community donors, volunteers, and supporters who helped make the event possible.
Hearts & Halos: Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness plans to host its 2nd Annual Angel Baby Fun Run in 2026. The organization provides resources and support to grieving families through remembrance events, Healing Bags, and art-based outreach.
“Thank you for putting hope in motion with us,” Murray said.
For updates and future events, follow Hearts & Halos: Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness on Facebook at @HeartsAndHalosMinden.
