After experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss, Krystal was looking for a way to honor, remember, and talk about her babies that never came to be. She heard of “A Walk to Remember” that happened in Kelowna in October. In searching for information about the event, she stumbled across the Butterfly run Vancouver. The pictures she saw on the website were exactly the event she wanted and so she registered! Her husband ran alongside her in Vancouver in 2022. At the end of the race, he said they should run annually. Krystal responded that next year she wanted them to be running in Kelowna! Krystal went to Vancouver with the agenda to experience a community atmosphere where she felt less alone and knowing she wanted to bring the run to Kelowna as soon as possible so local families could share that same experience.

Katie is a mother of three children and loving spouse. She was born and raised in the Okanagan. She has the pleasure of working in perinatal and is passionate about supporting families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss/infertility. Her journey in becoming a mother did not start out easy. She unexpectedly became pregnant in her early twenties and experienced a loss in her second trimester. Katie experienced multiple losses before each of her rainbow babies. Even with the loving support of her family, she felt very alone after these losses. That was until other parents started telling her their stories of loss. Over time, she became inspired to ensure her family, friends, and clients have the space to share their stories of loss. Katie feels like no one should feel isolation after a loss. It is her hope the run will help people share an experience, feel held, supported, and mourn together.

Cassy is the mom to two wonderful little boys here in Kelowna. She is a labor and delivery nurse, supporting families through some of the most joyful moments life can bring, but also some of the darkest days. As a friend, mother, and health care worker it has been an honor to be a part of the efforts to bring the Butterfly run event to Kelowna.

As a Registered Nurse working in women’s health, Mel has borne witness to the challenges of families experiencing infertility and perinatal loss. She recognizes the need for greater community awareness, supports and services in the Okanagan.  She is an ally for change, having supported her good friend Krystal throughout her journey. When Krystal said “I want the Butterfly Run in Kelowna, will you help me?”, Mel’s
response was “yes, let’s do this!”

After giving birth to a beautiful baby girl in 2011, Ali and her husband Ryan suffered three heartbreaking miscarriages. When they had all but given up hope for a second child, they were overjoyed to become pregnant and deliver a healthy baby boy after seven years of struggle. Ali felt incredibly alone, without a community and resources during this time. She wanted to be a part of providing these supports to others. She
hopes the Butterfly Run will raise awareness for families suffering this type of loss, build a community of support for these families, and raise money to help provide much-needed resources for them.

Laura feels drawn to the Butterfly Run evolution on both personal and professional levels. She has experienced three pregnancy losses and the associated feelings of sadness and confusion. She has a deep appreciation for her other uncomplicated pregnancies and two grown children. Through a previous career in the
perinatal acute care sector, she saw how common infertility and pregnancy/infant loss is. Time and time again, affected families identified isolation and the felt need for enhancement of local community supports. Laura hopes bringing the Butterfly Run to Kelowna will help increase awareness of perinatal loss and enrich local connections in and among families and community support resources.

Bio coming soon....

Bio coming soon....