Walk to Remember
For over 35 years, UK HealthCare has honored perinatal loss through our annual Walk to Remember, held each October.
The 2026 Walk to Remember will take place Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at The Arboretum.
Arrivals will begin at 4 p.m. ET, and the ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m. ET.
We encourage you to RSVP via the form below by Sunday, Oct. 4.
About the Walk to Remember
The first Walk to Remember service, started by the newly formed NICU Bereavement Committee, was held on Oct. 2, 1988, at Jacobson Park. In 2001 the location was moved to the UK Arboretum. Memorial trees with plaques for each year are located across the arboretum grounds, each "in memory of your baby's life, gone but still cherished." While the location and form of the service continues to evolve, the mission remains the same. Each service is designed to honor those lost, their families, and to spend an afternoon focused on connection and ongoing care.
Members of the hospital staff, doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers, art and music therapists, child life specialists and more, volunteer their time to support the event and reconnect with the families they cared for. Invitations are mailed to families who experienced a loss over the previous year, as well as to those who wish to return.
Getting to The Arboretum
Get directions to The Arboretum by following the link below. When you arrive, signs will be posted to help you find your way.
Contact us
For more information about the Walk, bereavement program or resources for support, please email bereavement@uky.edu, or call Sarah Smith, program coordinator, at 859-218-7037.
A Walk to Remember
By Kathie Mayo
I walk to remember
the steps you’ll never take.
I carry you with me
as I firmly plant my feet.
Our trek started long ago,
before my belly swelled,
You were a love that grew-
like butterfly wings that beat.
Your gentle flutters then became
kicks upon which I would dwell.
And I would talk to you, sweet babe,
about the world you soon would meet
the sun always shown upon us then-
when you were in my womb.
And I was eager to show you the world
that would have been your home.
How you’d have loved the sun shining-
blue skies without a cloud.
The autumn leaves turning-
the snow falling all around.
The flowers in the summer-
would have filled your eyes with smiles.
And the rain that might have fallen
would have caused you great surprise.
You would have traveled far with me-
holding me by the hand.
And I’d have shown you all I could-
more than I can imagine.
You hold my heart tightly now,
as though we’re holding hands.
How far we’ve traveled, little one-
and my life with you has been sweet.
For I carry you in my heart
as I firmly plant my feet.
