Aaron's Butterfly Run | Ottawa Event Photography
Aaron’s Butterfly Run Ottawa
Photography is how others see things they may not otherwise see. Photos can start important conversations and from one single image - a new relationship can be born.
I want you to see what’s possible when one family set out to organize a run in honour of their son Aaron. The impact of Aaron’s life is immeasurable and here is one way this is true.
I offer the gift of photography, video and short films to events in Ottawa-Gatineau that have a special place in my soul and heart and this is one of them.
A Mother’s Goal to Remember and Raise Awareness of Infant and Pregnancy Loss
I’m not sure when I met my neighbour Rachel - but I think it was at 3 Sisters Bakeshop (which is an awesome local coffee shop focused also on community and great food!) one day. What I do know is that I felt drawn to her the first time I met her. Since our first encounter, we have chatted about the real stuff, gone for walks together while we awaited the arrival of our rainbow-babies and seen each other at many school drop-offs and pick-ups.
When I learned about the event Rachel was organizing in honour of her son Aaron who passed away 100 minutes after he was born - I offered to capture it in photos.
Do take a moment to read Rachel’s blog posts - they are beautiful and Aaron’s impact in the world keeps rippling.
Rachel’s answers to two question I asked her today follow.
Rachel and Rob Samulack organized Aaron’s Butterfly Run in 2017.
What do you (Rachel) want other families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss to know?
I want other families to know that everyone grieves in their own way. The journey after pregnancy or infant loss is different for each person. Grief and loss can bring up many unexpected emotions - in my experience often at the most inopportune moments.
Ottawa/Gatineau has support systems that can help you during this difficult time. Reach out for support. Often people don't know how to support you.
How does it feel looking back at these images from Aaron's Butterfly Run in 2017?
Rachel: Seeing these photos makes me so proud. Proud of what a group of people can accomplish when they work together.
What started out as group of friends creating a run/walk to raise awareness for pregnancy, infant and child loss and infertility has grown into something so amazing. I could never have imagined this six years ago. I am so grateful for the community that was created out of this event and that it still exists to provide a place to remember our babies and talk about our experiences.
Aaron has shaped me in ways that I could never have imagined. Lifelong connections have been made through this event. Thank you to Elle for capturing these moments and for sharing their experiences.
Together we are stronger.
What is the Ottawa Butterfly Run?
From the website:
“The Butterfly Run Ottawa aims to raise awareness and support around pregnancy loss, infant loss, pregnancy after loss, and infertility in Ottawa and surrounding areas. All proceeds from the run are donated to Roger Neilson House (RNH), a pediatric palliative care hospice.
The Butterfly Run Ottawa is organized by a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about ensuring parents and families navigating through devastating loss have the support, care and resources they desperately need.”
Our family has also experienced pregnancy losses so this event is very meaningful
Our family journey has included nine pregnancy losses - three of them far after the “12 weeks safety zone” - and all three of our children are rainbow babies. Rainbow babies are babies born after loss.
This event is near to my heart and as a Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Affiliate Photographer it means even more. Aaron’s family’s experience with NILMDTS is why I applied to be an affiliate in 2017. (Aaron’s ripples)
Photographer Elle Odyn with son on her back at Aaron’s Butterfly Run at Brewer Park.
I know the heartbreak, I know the devastation and I have felt the loneliness of loosing pregnancies.
This event brings families, friends, extended family, doulas, caregivers and community members to remember those beautiful babies who left too soon.
Connecting with others who have walked similar paths is powerful - and this is what I’m here to photograph.
I want more people to know these events exist and there is so much support in Ottawa for families who have experienced such loss. I want families to know they aren’t alone in their grief.
Photos from Aaron’s Butterfly Run - Brewer Park Ottawa
The Butterfly Run Continues
If you wish to connect with the Ottawa Butterfly Run this year - the run is happening virtually in October and registration is underway! All funds raised go to the Roger Neilson House.
Would the gift of photography for an event around wellness, birth and families in Ottawa be helpful to you? Contact me and let’s see what’s possible!
