Strength in Strides: A Day of Community, Awareness, and Love

Apr 30

A Community Who Shows Up

On a beautiful spring morning at Cantine Field in Saugerties, nearly 375 people came together for our 2026 Strength in Strides 5K in support of families impacted by Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE).

The sense of connection, support, and community was overflowing! A sea of blue shirts filled the pavilion and adjacent areas, as families, friends, NICU staff, local supporters, volunteers, and advocates gathered not just to race, but to stand beside local HIE families and remind them they are not alone.

This year’s event brought together 11 local HIE families, more than 36 sponsors, many generous volunteers, and countless community members from across the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and beyond. Together, we raised over $13,500 to continue supporting local families impacted by HIE!

Joy, Connection, and Celebration

More than numbers, this event was about people. The event was filled with moments that reflected the joy and resilience of this community.

The bouncy house shook with laughter, chalk art covered the pavement, bubbles floated through the air, burgers and ‘dogs sizzled on the grill, and great music resounded. People of all ages gathered around bracelet-making and rock-painting tables, connecting with friends old and new. Conversations buzzed around the raffle tables as people studied the baskets, traded opinions on the best ones, and dropped tickets into bags with hopeful excitement. Littles explored the fire truck and were wowed by the magical presence of Elsa and Anna. And to cool off, kids and adults alike flocked to the Sawyer Ice Cream truck for sweet treats.

But the best part? Everyone was brought together by one shared purpose and each child with HIE was fully seen, celebrated, valued, and loved.

Holding Space for Loss

One of the most meaningful moments of the morning was our moment of silence for the babies and children taken far too soon because of HIE. In the middle of all the joy and activity, the stillness was powerful. It was a reminder of why this work matters so deeply, and of the reality many HIE families know all too well: life can change in an instant.

It was also a reminder that HIE can happen to any baby. For many families affected by HIE, there were little to no warning signs during pregnancy. One moment, families were preparing to welcome a healthy newborn. The next, they were facing NICU stays, uncertainty, cooling therapy, seizures, disability, or devastating loss. The journey can be unpredictable, isolating, and life-altering.

Why Hudson Valley HIEroes Exists

Hudson Valley HIEroes was founded on the belief that no family should face HIE alone. While we may be a small, locally-focused organization, our mission is deeply personal. We provide direct support to local families navigating new HIE diagnoses through aid such as gift cards, meal drop-offs, cleaning assistance, and emotional connection with other families who understand the journey firsthand.

Last year, we made a large donation of NICU support bags and handmade baby quilts to the NICU located in the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center, specifically for families whose child has just received an HIE diagnosis. We also created bereavement bags for families experiencing heartbreaking loss.

Through our HIE child gift program, we help provide adaptive and supportive items that insurance often will not cover, including adaptive trikes, postural support systems, supportive seating, orthopedic shoes, adaptive toys, swings, and more. These are not luxuries. They are tools that bring comfort, inclusion, joy, and improved quality of life to children with HIE.

Our community may be small, but it is incredibly mighty!

Built from Love and Purpose

During the event, Hudson Valley HIEroes President and Founder, Katelyn, emphasized that she started this organization in honor of her daughter, Logan, who was born with severe HIE. While her love for Logan is at the heart of everything she does, she also recognized the importance for creating a community where HIE families could lean on one another, support one another, and navigate this journey together. In a world that can often feel isolating after an HIE diagnosis, Hudson Valley HIEroes serves as a reminder that we are stronger together.

Thank You for Standing With Us

The Strength in Strides 5K event was more than a fundraiser. It was proof that even in the wake of trauma and loss, community can create something beautiful. Families who once felt alone now have people standing beside them. Children with HIE are being celebrated exactly as they are. Awareness is spreading. Support is growing.

To everyone who sponsored, donated, volunteered, attended, shared our mission, or simply showed up in support: thank you. Your presence mattered more than words can say.

We invite you to continue learning about HIE, supporting local families, and following Hudson Valley HIEroes as we continue this work together. We hope to see you at our next fundraiser!

Because no family should face HIE alone.