Join us for the 26th annual WALK FOR THE FUTURE!
Saturday August 23, 2025
Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Le Mars, Mount Ayr, Urbandale, Washington
Our annual walk is a statewide family event for SIDS and SUID families to meet or connect, communities to show support, and for each of us to remember and celebrate the lives of Iowa babies. This is an opportunity to support families while creating advocacy for SIDS, SUID and safe sleep. Funds raised at the annual walk are used for the daily operation of the Iowa SIDS Foundation, such as grief resources for newly bereaved Iowans, educational materials and presentations to Iowa healthcare and childcare providers, and to support SIDS/SUID research.
Please note, if you are planning to attend the Walk due to liability requirements, every individual must register.
NEW for 2025 Shirts and apparel:
Based on popularity from previous years, in 2025 we will be offering t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts only. Apparel will only be available to Walkers who register online by the registration deadline. Shirts will not be available on Walk Day and a later order will not be placed.
2025 Registration Information:
For the first time in over 16 years registration fees are increasing beginning in 2025. Walkers will have an option to register for the Walk for $25 ($10 youth) without a t-shirt OR register and have a t-shirt included for $35 ($20 youth). This increased fee will help offset increased costs for hosting the Walks. Hooded sweatshirts will be available for $42. Walk day registration will be $25, reminder, shirts will not be available for those registering on Walk Day.
Want to support our cause but can’t attend on Walk Day? You can register as a “Non-Walker” and your shirt will be mailed directly to you! In 2025, non-walker fees will be $40.
2025 Walk Location Details
CEDAR RAPIDS
Noelridge Park Creekside Pavilion- 4328-4388 Golf St. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
8:00am Check in and Registration
9:00am Walk Start Time
DUBUQUE
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden- 3800 Arboretum Dr. Dubuque, IA 52001
8:00am Check in and Registration
9:00am Walk Start Time
LE MARS
Le Mars Municipal Shelter House -813 Park Lane NE Le Mars, IA 51031
8:30am Check in and Registration
9:45am Walk Start Time
MOUNT AYR
Fife’s Grove Park- 2201 210th St. Mount Ayr, IA 50854 (1 mile north of Mt. Ayr)
10:00am Check in and Registration
11:00am Walk Start Time
URBANDALE
Walker Johnston Park Giovannetti Shelter- 8900 Douglas Ave Urbandale, IA 50322
9:30am Check in and Registration
10:30am Walk Start Time
WASHINGTON
Sunset Park- Corner of W. Madison St. & South Avenue F Washington, IA 52353
8:30am Check in and Registration
9:30am Walk Start Time
Thank you to our 2025 Gold & Diamond Level Sponsors!
WALK FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I register early and not just on Walk Day?
Those who register on or before July 28th have the option to purchase a shirt or sweatshirt!
A note for those who choose to register on Walk Day- if you register in-person on Walk day shirts will NOT be available for purchase. To be fiscally responsible, additional shirts are not ordered after the event. By registering on Walk day you are agreeing to these terms. The registration fee on Walk day is your "admission" to the event and helps support the mission of the Iowa SIDS Foundation.
Is the walk always in the same cities and/or parks?
The walk locations, both cities and parks, are completely dependent on volunteers and availability. If you are interested in bringing a Walk location near you in the future please contact casey@iowasids.org
What happens if it rains?
We will walk rain or shine, so you might want to bring an umbrella…just in case! In the event of lightning, the walk would be delayed until the storm passes. If it appears to be an all-day weather event, the walk would be cancelled, and no refunds given. Delays or cancellations will be posted on our Facebook page and on our website, under the events tab.
Do I have to pay to walk if I don’t want a shirt?
New in 2025 t-shirts are optional for an additional fee but every participate should pay the baseline registration fee of $25 ($10 youth).
The Walk for the Future is our primary fundraiser. Like all other walk fundraisers, the registration fee is how revenue is generated. For that fee, you’re receiving entrance to the event for one participant. For those who want a shirt fees for event participation with a shirt included are $35 for adults and $20 for youth.
We will not turn away participants who would like to be at the event but are financially unable to pay the registration fee. You will still need to sign a consent, and we do encourage and appreciate you considering any donation that you are financially able to share.
What are the walk proceeds used for?
The revenue generated at the annual walk is primarily used for our day-to-day operations that support our mission of support, education, and hope. An example being such things as staff, support materials, peer contact trainings, memorials, safe sleep presentations, and our annual research donation.
How do I make sure my baby’s name is on the walk shirt?
A parental consent form is mailed to new families and can also be requested from the office by email or telephone. We do require written parental consent to include your baby’s name. If you need a form, it can be requested by email at info@iowasids.org or by calling the office at 515-965-7655. Not sure if you have one on file? PLEASE CALL! We will be happy to check for you. All names DO need to be received no later than July 4th 2025 to ensure adequate time for shirt design and printing. A parental consent form IS different that the liability waiver located on the registration that you are asked to sign.
How can I have a walk in my community?
There is a lot of behind the scenes work that happens before that 4th Saturday of August,. Planning for the walk begins shortly after the New Year! If you are interested in possibly hosting a walk for your community in 2026, please contact Casey at the office. She will be happy to explore walk timeframes, distances to other walk locations, and the responsibilities of each walk coordinator before any final commitments are made.
I didn’t see my questions?
No worries, we are happy to help. If you did not see the question or answer you were seeking, please call 515-965-7655 or email info@iowasids.org and our staff will be happy to assist.
