'Dylan and Gavin's Rainbow' events scheduled

"Dylan and Gavin's Rainbow" is a ministry created by Dave and Lora Krum of Lehighton to reach out to families dealing with a serious condition of a child, as well as families who experience the death of a child.

Its main mission is to find ways to provide personal support and empathy to these families as they face their toughest days.

It's a "pay it forward" idea based on the loving support that the Krums received as their sons suffered their fierce and fast battles (both only about eight weeks) with different forms of pediatric cancer, then faced their deaths.

As they continue on our own grief journey, the Krums have recognized the struggle that many face in their attempts to integrate themselves back into family, social, work and other life environments after they have faced loss.

"Dylan and Gavin's Rainbow" decided that a way to reach out to the wider community would be to provide a supportive, safe and accepting forum for grieving people, especially during the holiday season, which can be especially difficult to deal with, no matter how many years have passed.

"Dylan and Gavin's Rainbow" will offer these upcoming events. All will be held at Zion United Church of Christ, 225 Iron St., Lehighton. The events are free, but registration is required. There is a fee for the run/walk.

The "Snowflake 5K" will take place Dec. 12. It will incorporate a 1-mile course. Although the dedicated running community will be considering it a race, individuals, families and groups are encouraged to walk in memory of someone and carry their pictures, write their names on your shirt, find creative and loving ways to represent your love and memory of those you miss.

There will be some special afternoon sessions, followed by a hope-filled evening event, which will feature keynote speaker Sara Ruble, followed by a concert by Trinity Praise Band.

Ruble is a bereaved mother who has presented workshops across the country, including many national Compassionate Friends conferences, Bereaved Parents of America, and other such grief-related gatherings. She is the co-author of a book and the founder of "Angel of Hope Children's Memorial."

Trinity Praise Band is a well-known, local group of musicians who serve through musical worship in their home congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lehighton, as well as throughout their community.

In conjunction with this full day of events, the next evening, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m., Zion United Church of Christ in Lehighton will hold its annual Worldwide Children's Remembrance Day Candle Lighting Service.

For more information, visit dylanandgavinsrainbow.com/.