Jace’s Journey Continues to Make Strides in Increasing Awareness for Maternal and Fetal Care
Jace’s Journey Hosts 6th Annual Walk to Raise Funds for Access to Care Programs and Initiatives that Provide Grief Support Services
Charlotte, NC| October 21, 2024 — In recognition of National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month and its continued efforts to raise awareness, Jace’s Journey will host its 6th Annual 5k Run/Walk and Fun Run on Saturday, October 26, 2024. This year’s walk will begin at nine-thirty in the morning and will take place at Belle Johnston Community Center located at 1000 Johnston Dr in Pineville, NC.
In its sixth year of hosting the 5k walk, Jace’s Journey founders Tomeka and Brandon Isaac say that each year the event has grown and they can see the difference being made in the greater Charlotte area. More community involvement and awareness have resulted in expanded outreach in areas such as education, advocacy and grief support. It has allowed the advancement of initiatives such as Jace’s Embrace Boxes, which provide comfort to families experiencing loss, and contribute to the organization’s educational workshops about maternal health risks.
This year, Jace’s Journey would also like to spotlight their ongoing partnership with 21st MD. Tomeka says that their support has allowed the race to continue and grow year after year. With the support of 21st MD and other community partners like Care Ring and CoCoLife.Black, this year’s goal is to raise ten thousand dollars. Funds raised will help provide additional grief support services and additional tools and resources for mothers and families impacted by maternal disparities and pregnancy loss.
Jace’s Journey is the personal testament of Tomeka and Brandon Isaac. In May 2018, Tomeka delivered Jace Alexander prematurely and with no fetal heartbeat. She was diagnosed with HELLP Syndrome, a very serious complication that arises during pregnancy, resulting in infection of the blood and liver. As she and her husband later found out, the condition can be treated with proper diagnosis and prevent sickness or death.
As part of her misdiagnosis, Tomeka recalls not receiving a urine test in the eight months leading to her traumatic loss. She says “[I mean] everyone’s pregnancy is different, but let’s make sure they at least get the “standard of care” they deserve and urine tests are standard. I was told that I was at high risk for Preeclampsia and Protein in your urine is a symptom but they never tested my urine.”
The Isaacs’ experience with the misdiagnosis drives their passion to ensure that every birthing person receives equitable care. Tomeka shares “ … we’ve been able to bring much-needed awareness to our community. By fostering open dialogue around stillbirth, hosting educational workshops, and partnering with healthcare advocates, we’ve made strides in ensuring that maternal health equity remains a priority.” She also states how their work and collaborations with organizations like March of Dimes, MomCongress, and local health leaders helps to amplify the importance of community engagement and proactive support in addressing healthcare disparities.
Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.jacesjourney.org.
