Soles for Souls is a Baltimore-based non-profit organization founded by Afia Padonu, dedicated to supporting women who have experienced pregnancy loss due to miscarriage. Our organization's mission is to create a space of healing and solidarity for those navigating the often unspoken grief that comes with losing a pregnancy by using sound, movement, and collaboration as our core pillars.

 

In July 2022, Afia experienced the heartbreaking loss of her son, Kwame, due to a temporary illness that led to an emergency surgery and miscarriage. Through her own journey of recovery, Afia channeled her grief into a goal: to run the 5K at the Baltimore Running Festival in his honor. She rallied her friends and family to join her team, “4K Runners,” creating a space to support one another as they ran in memory of her son. Afia found enormous comfort in the healing power of community, movement, and sharing her story. It was through this process that she realized the importance of offering others a space to heal in a similar way.

 

​This experience became the catalyst for Soles for Souls.  Soles for Souls provides a space for women and families  to share their stories, receive support, and find healing. The organization also offers recovery registries, social events, and referrals to both families and healthcare professionals, recognizing the profound impact of pregnancy loss and the need for ongoing support. Since 2022, Afia has gone on to run 20+ races including two marathons empowering women to boldly share their stories of loss whether out loud on a course or through their own respective journey.