Summertime Memorial Event

June 27, 2026

10:00 AM (MDT)

Registration is free and

donations are gratefully accepted

- A New Chapter for RTF -

Twenty years ago, a small circle of bereaved mothers gathered in a grief support group with a shared dream: to create a sanctuary where families touched by child loss could find solace, connection, and a place to honor their children. In December 2007, that dream became real when we unveiled our Angel of Hope statue in Parker, Colorado.

Since then, we have gathered together twice each year—in the warmth of June and the quiet of December—to speak our children's names, share readings, keepsakes, release butterflies, plant pinwheels, leave flowers, and remind one another that we are not alone. These gatherings have brought families together from across Colorado, across the country, and around the world. They have become a cherished tradition, a thread running through two decades of healing.

It is with full hearts that we share some important news about our path forward.

Our June 2026 Summertime Remembrance will be our final memorial event.

After twenty years and nearly forty gatherings, we have made the decision to retire our biannual memorial events. This was not an easy choice, but it feels like the right time for this shift. What began as a small group of grieving parents has grown into something far greater than we ever imagined—and the legacy we've built together will continue in new ways.

Rowan Tree Foundation is not going away. 

Our mission remains, and so does the memorial garden. The Angel of Hope remains. The tiles bearing our children's names will continue to line those walls. Families will continue to be welcome to visit, to sit, to remember.
Here is what will continue:

• The memorial garden remains open, and each spring you're invited to join us and take part in the Adopt-a-Garden program
• Engraved memorial tiles will continue to be available, with orders now due once annually by March 1 for spring installation
• Our Child Loss Awareness Specialty License Plate Program continues, allowing Colorado families to honor their children and raise awareness
• Our Remembering with Lovenotes Program continues, with handwritten notes sent to parents in their child's anniversary month

We are so proud of what we have built together. The readings we've shared, the names of our children that we've spoken aloud, the tears and the laughter and the quiet moments of remembrance—these live on in each of us. Our children are woven into who we are, and so is this community we've created in their honor.

If you have been part of our memorial events over the years, please know how much your presence has meant. If you would like to be with us one last time, we hope you will join us in June for a gathering that honors not only our children, but the twenty years of love and healing we have shared.

- JUNE 2026 EVENT DETAILS -

• We will be using Facebook Live to stream our event.
• To view it live (or catch the replay) you simply need to go to our Facebook Page. We will go "live" approximately 5 minutes before the hour to give you time to find the event on our facebook page and tune in. If you arrive before we go live, you may need to REFRESH THE FACEBOOK PAGE in order to see the live stream. If you can't make it to the live event, the recording will be available on our facebook page for 30 days after the event ends. Thank you!
• TIP: If you "like" our page, you should get a notification from facebook when we go live!

Registration for our June 2026 event will open May 1

There are a few things you should be aware of regarding our event.

• TIME: The event will begin at 10:00am. Please give yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the memorial. The event usually ends around 11am.
• PARKING: Parking in the McCabe Meadows Trail Head lot is very limited. Please carpool if possible and plan to park in the adjacent neighborhood if the lot is full. The town of Parker has paved a new path from the Salisbury Park on Dransfeldt Rd. to the trail by the Angel Memorial, so this is an alternative parking option though it is a longer walk. Parker Police WILL ticket you if you are parked illegally.  RTF is not liable nor are we able to intervene should this happen. Please park responsibly.
• THE BIKE TRAIL: The bike path is open to the public and active at this time of the morning. Please be aware of bikes and other people and do not clog the path as you make your way to the angel. Path rules apply.
• SUNSCREEN: Bring Sun Protection. There is very little shade at the memorial. 
• SEATING: You may bring a picnic blanket or camp chairs and sit on the field grass if you wish.
• ! ! GARDEN BEDS: Please do not walk on or let your children walk/stand on the garden beds. 
• MAP: Directions to the Angel Memorial can be found here. 
• Registration opens May 1 annually
• Registration closes June 15 annually
• Help us keep this event free! Make a donation today!
• The memorial program will take place rain or shine. 

As always our event is FREE,
and donations are gratefully accepted.