In 2008, Abby and Cary Nicholas lost their infant sons, Braden and Brody. In 2009, Loni and Justin Hodge lost their infant daughter, Maddox Elise. Their pain was intense and overwhelming but from their sorrow they made something good happen. Their families organized the first Annual Baby Steps Memorial Run, with all proceeds benefiting The Amelia Center, a department of Children’s of Alabama.
The Amelia Center, located in Birmingham, is now over twenty years old. It offers individual grief counseling to parents and grandparents who have suffered the loss of a child and to children who have lost siblings. In addition, the center offers family and group therapy, and educational opportunities for professionals (teachers, clergy and first responders) all who work with grief-stricken individuals. All counseling services are free to the participants. Since its inception in 1997, the compassionate staff of The Amelia Center have brought hope and smiles and understanding to over 15,000 people who thought their lives were over. It is supported not only by Children’s but by the generous donations of community members. More information can be found at www.ameliacenter.org.
