Families, Friends Honor Lost Loved Ones In Oklahoma City's 'Walk To Remember'

A local nonprofit hosted a walk for families and friends who lost loved ones too soon on Saturday. One mother says the organization has helped her grieve the loss of her daughter.

"Madeline in her young age was an old soul," said Dr. Stephanie Bills, Madeline Bills’ mother. "Madeline passed away April 22nd of this year."

Her daughter was only 18 years old.

"Today it would have actually been her 19th birthday," said Dr. Bills.

This is her first year joining the Walk to Remember, hosted by the North OKC Chapter of The Compassionate Friends.

"It offers support to help navigate that grief and trauma and that process," said Dr. Bills.

"We are a support system for families who have lost a child, grandchild, or sibling for any reason, at any age, from any cause," said Sharon Ellington, The Compassionate Friends North OKC chapter leader.

The loss of a loved one is pain that Sharon, unfortunately, knows all too well.

"I've had three personal losses," she explained.

She lost her own son, sister, and brother.

"I do what I do to honor our children and my siblings," she said.

She wants to help other families find hope.

"I'm sharing the knowledge that you can go on," she said.

She says it’s important for parents dealing with the loss of a child to have people who can relate to them.

"There are lots of compassionate people out there who try and empathize but if they haven't experienced that type of loss, they can't truly understand the depth of that loss," she said.

The Compassionate Friends creates a space for these parents to gather, grieve, and find a way forward together.

"We're happy to be here supporting one another," said Dr. Bills. "Madeline stood for many things. So, we'll continue her legacy and it's certainly a way to heal our hearts along the way."

The group says that anyone who has experienced the loss of a child or sibling is welcome to find community at The Compassionate Friends.

They meet on the second Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m.

For more information visit their website HERE.