Community Unites for Healing at Ele’s Place Ann Arbor 5K Walk/Run 2025

Community Unites for Healing at Ele’s Place Ann Arbor 5K Walk/Run

By April Christian-Davis

ANN ARBOR – Under a bright September sky, hundreds of community members gathered Sunday morning for the 5th Annual Ele’s Place Ann Arbor Healing Hearts Family 5K Walk/Run — an event dedicated to honoring loved ones lost while celebrating resilience, connection, and hope.

For many participants, the walk was more than a race; it was a journey of remembrance. Among them was Denise Bradley, who lost her mother last year.

“Walking alongside others who understand the weight of loss made this morning incredibly meaningful,” Bradley shared. “It wasn’t just about crossing a finish line — it was about honoring my mom and feeling surrounded by support.”

Ele’s Place, a nonprofit healing center for grieving children, teens, and families, has been a cornerstone in the Ann Arbor community since its founding. The annual 5K brings together current and former Ele’s Place families, sponsors, and supporters. The event serves both as a fundraiser and a powerful reminder that no one has to face grief alone.

Dr. Hough, Branch Director of Ele’s Place Ann Arbor, welcomed participants with words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of collective healing. “Every step taken today is a step forward in hope and healing,” Hough said.

The morning was filled with heartfelt conversations, warm embraces, and moments of quiet reflection, as runners and walkers alike carried the names and memories of their loved ones with them. Children decorated memory bibs, families shared stories, and friends offered encouragement along the course.

Sponsors, local volunteers, and board members also played a vital role in ensuring the event’s success. Their contributions underscored a shared commitment to Ele’s Place’s mission of providing compassionate, no-cost grief support services.

As the last walkers crossed the finish line, the atmosphere was one of togetherness and gratitude. For Bradley, the experience was a way to carry her mother’s spirit forward. “I know she would be proud,” she said, smiling through tears. “And I’m grateful to be part of a community that makes space for both joy and grief.”

The Healing Hearts Family 5K continues to grow each year, not just as a fundraiser but as a living testament to the power of remembrance, resilience, and community healing.

April Christian-Davis

Event Planning Support

734-929-6640 Office

313-595-7143 Cell

@elesAdavisplace.org

visit us at www.elesplace.org

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