Celebrate Respect Life Month by Joining Born to Run

by Diocese of Des Moines | September 22, 2026

By Tonia Martin, Mary’s Helping Hands

October is Respect Life Month, a time when the Catholic Church invites us to renew our commitment to the sacred dignity of every human life—from the first moment of conception through every age and stage.

As Catholics, we are called not only to defend life, but to accompany and support the mothers, fathers, children, and families who need the love of Christ made visible through practical care.

That is the heart of Mary’s Helping Hands. Every diaper, outfit, crib sheet, wipe, and baby item shared with a family is more than a material gift. Each one offers a reminder that life is precious, children are a blessing, and no parent should have to walk alone.

Through this mission, Mary’s Helping Hands continues to give families both practical support and a powerful witness to the Gospel of Life.

Last fiscal year, Mary’s Helping Hands served more than 4,900 families across Iowa and provided nearly 200,000 essential items. In 2026 alone, we have already provided more than 60,000 pieces of clothing, along with diapers, wipes, hygiene items, baby supplies, and safe-sleep items.

Yet the impact is never just about numbers. Behind each item is a child whose life is sacred and a family that deserves dignity, encouragement, and support.

It may be a mother preparing for a new baby, a father working hard to provide, a grandparent unexpectedly raising a grandchild, a foster parent opening their home, or a family facing hardship and needing someone to say, “We see you. Your child matters. You are not alone.”

This is what a culture of life looks like in action: communities meeting real needs with mercy, compassion, and hope. This Respect Life Month, you can be part of that witness in a joyful and visible way.

Put Your Respect for Life into Motion

That is why we invite you to join Mary’s Helping Hands for the 4th Annual Born to Run 5K & 1-Mile Walk.

Bring your family. Invite your friends. Walk or run in support of life.

This family-friendly morning brings together parishioners, neighbors, friends, and supporters to help provide essential baby items to families across Iowa.

Event Details:

• What: 4th Annual Born to Run 5K & 1-Mile Walk
• When: Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m.
• Where: Confluence Brewing Company and Gray’s Lake, Des Moines
• Bonus: Live music from Josh Sinclair
• Special gift: The first 200 registrants will receive a special pair of Born to Run running socks, thanks to the generosity of the O’Connell family.

Whether you are a runner, walker, stroller-pusher, parish group, family, youth group, or team of coworkers, there is a place for you at Born to Run—and every registration helps extend practical support to another family.

Your participation helps Mary’s Helping Hands continue providing diapers, wipes, clothing, hygiene items, baby supplies, and safe-sleep items to families who need them most.

Every step helps proclaim that every life is worth welcoming, protecting, and supporting.

This is a simple, joyful way to live Respect Life Month as a family and as a community.

Register today: https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/DesMoines/MilesforMomsIowa

In that way, Born to Run becomes more than a community event. It becomes a simple, joyful expression of what Respect Life Month calls us to do: create communities where children are welcomed, parents are supported, and families know they have somewhere to turn in moments of need.

When we show up for families in this way, we give witness to the truth that every child is a gift and every parent deserves compassion, encouragement, and practical help.

That witness can begin with something as simple as registering for the 5K, walking one mile with your children, inviting a friend, or sharing this event with your parish community.

Together, those simple acts can turn our respect for life into real support for families right here in Iowa.

Join us at Born to Run and help Mary’s Helping Hands continue building a culture of life, one family at a time.