While I was driving to drop off some bills at the City Hall mailboxes Saturday morning, my curiosity was piqued as I saw a number of people in bright red shirts walking down the sidewalk on Center Road. The back of the shirts read “I Choose F.A.I.T.H.” I’m shy by nature, but also kind of nosey. And as a writer for the paper, I decided to do some “investigative reporting” to see what was going on.
The Willard Park pavilion by Ellenwood Center was full of people with the same red shirts. As I approached, I could see that these folks came from all different walks of life. They were talking to each other and enjoying the morning together. I also saw face-painting and treats. Some attendees had ribbons around their necks and were sporting medals that said 5K.
It wasn’t long until I was directed to the organizer of the gathering, Kodi Pride. With an endearing smile and an infectious positive attitude, Kodi told me that the walk – the Total Healing F.A.I.T.H. Walk – was started in honor of her daughter Lorelle Faith Pride, and this was its eighth year.
Like many of the walks that occur this time of the year, it is a fundraiser. But what I thought gave it a little twist is that 100 percent of the money raised by the Lorelle F.A.I.T.H Foundation during the walk is used to give to other organizations. The mission of the foundation is to “Bless those who bless others.” This year’s recipient of the funds raised will be the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland.
Pride is well-acquainted with the McDonald House. She told me she stayed there for two months when Lorelle was born in 2009. Her daughter was diagnosed with a chromosomal disorder called Trisomy 13 and the prognosis was that Lorelle would only have about a month to live.
After a few months, Lorelle exceeded expectations and came home, but was still in hospice care. She then exceeded expectations more by celebrating her first birthday. Soon after, Pride started the foundation in an effort to give back and help other families with hospitalized children.
The first of the fundraising walks was started in 2012. Kodi, her husband Omante Pride, and their children use to live in Bedford on Gould Avenue around that time, so that is where the Bedford connection comes in for the walks. The walks take place every year on the first Saturday in June.
Sadly, Lorelle passed away unexpectedly in 2015 at the age of 6 and a half, but not before she was able to touch many lives with her amazing story. The foundation’s website states, “Lorelle’s life has demonstrated God’s miraculous ability and His grace. Her life is the testimony behind the foundation, and our faith is the core.” On Saturday, Lorelle’s influence could still be felt after the walk, as I saw her beaming smile on posters throughout the pavilion.
I learned that the the acronym F.A.I.T.H. stands for Full Assurance in Total Healing. Pride said many people are in need of healing, physically as well as mentally and emotionally, and that everyone is welcome to get involved regardless of his or her beliefs. She said that many times we can’t change our circumstances, but we can share testimonies, and have hope.
Participation in the walks has increased over the years to more than 200 adults and children. More than $20,000 dollars has been raised and donated to organizations so far, and the goal for this walk was $8,000. Pride said there is no registration fee, just donations.
Last year, Matthew’s Lending Library, an organization that provides specialized equipment to adults and children with special needs, was the beneficiary of the monies raised from the walk.
I felt blessed to have “stumbled” onto this story, and to have learned about this organization’s beginnings, and how it is helping others. If you would like to learn more, go to their website at https://thelorellefaithfoundation.com
