MAAME, Inc. | 3rd Annual Run, Walk & Stroll

Run for Moms. Walk for Doulas. Stroll for Birth Justice.

📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026
📍 Shepard Middle Magnet School | 2401 Dakota St, Durham, NC 27707
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Why We Run, Walk & Stroll

North Carolina is facing a maternal health crisis — and our communities are feeling it.

The state received a D+ on the March of Dimes maternal and infant health report card. Between 2018 and 2022, the maternal mortality rate reached 26.7 deaths per 100,000 live births. In 2023, 834 infants did not survive their first year of life — approximately 6.9 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Too many families still face barriers to timely prenatal care, trusted support during pregnancy, and coordinated postpartum services.

Many of these outcomes are preventable.

Community-based doula care is part of the solution. Doulas provide continuous, non-clinical support before, during, and after birth — helping families navigate the healthcare system, prepare for labor, initiate breastfeeding, and access the postpartum resources they need. Research consistently shows that doula support is associated with improved birth experiences, fewer unnecessary interventions, and stronger outcomes for both mothers and infants.

The MAAME Run, Walk & Stroll is more than a community event. It is a collective commitment to expanding access, strengthening the maternal health workforce, and building healthier beginnings for families across North Carolina.

Every step moves us closer to safer births and stronger families.

About MAAME, Inc.

MAAME is a community-rooted maternal health organization serving families across 11 core communities in North Carolina. We provide direct services throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum — and we show up for families that traditional healthcare systems too often leave behind.

Our programs include:

Community-based doula care
Postpartum support services
Lactation access and support
Maternal mental health programming
Fresh food and family resource initiatives

In addition to direct services, MAAME reaches families in surrounding and historically excluded communities through partnerships, virtual services, and special initiatives. Much of this work — including outreach, workforce training, mental health groups, mutual aid, and care coordination — falls outside traditional reimbursement streams. Community events like the Run, Walk & Stroll are essential to sustaining this mission.

2026 Fundraising Goal: $15,000

Funds raised will directly sustain:

Doula workforce development and mentorship
Postpartum and maternal mental health programming
Lactation access and support
Fresh food and mutual aid initiatives
Community outreach and care coordination

Every registration and donation expands access to maternal health support for families across North Carolina.

Your Impact

Gift Level	Impact
$1,500	Sustains postpartum and mental health support for multiple families
$500	Supports doula mentorship and workforce sustainability
$250	Funds community outreach and maternal health education
$100	Provides a lactation or maternal mental health session
$50	Supports fresh food access and family resource assistance
$35	Matches one participant registration
$25	Supports community outreach and awareness efforts

Together, every gift — large and small — moves the mission forward.

Register Today

Ticket	Early Bird (ends April 5)	Regular (April 6–24)	Day-Of (April 25)
Adult (18+) with T-shirt	$35	$40	$45 (limited)
Youth (5–17) with T-shirt	$25	$30	$35 (limited)
Children (0–4)	FREE	FREE	FREE
Group Bundle — 4 with T-shirts	$120	$150	—
Group Bundle — 6 with T-shirts	$170	$200	—
Virtual Participation	$25	$25	—

Strollers are always welcome. We ask that all attendees, including children 4 and under, be registered so we can plan the best experience for every family.

MAAME, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A portion of your ticket purchase may be tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.

What to Expect on Event Day

This is a family-friendly, community-centered experience designed for participants of all ages, paces, and abilities.

🎪 Vendor & Community Health Fair 🚶🏾‍♀️ 5K Walk, Run & Stroller-Friendly Course — all paces welcome 🎶 Music & Community Celebration 🍎 Family Resource Connections 📸 Finish Line Photo Experience 💻 Virtual Participation Available

Walk at your own pace. Bring your stroller. This event is inclusive by design.

Ways to Get Involved

🏃 Register to walk, run, or stroll 💰 Donate or start a fundraising team 🤝 Become a sponsor — contact us for our 2026 Sponsor Prospectus 📢 Share why maternal health matters in your community

Join the Movement

Use #RunForMoms and #MAAMEWalkRunStroll to share your participation and help raise awareness across North Carolina.

Together we are building a healthier, stronger village for every family.

Questions? We'd love to hear from you. Naeemah Kelly | naeemah@maameinc.org | www.maameinc.org

MAAME, Inc, 3rd Annual Run, Walk, & Stroll Registration

Run for Moms. Walk for Doulas. Stroll for Birth Justice.

Team Leaderboard

Team Members