COEUR d'ALENE — In unison, hundreds of small balloons floated from the fingertips of men, women and children Sunday at McEuen Park before dotting the clear, afternoon sky.

Each balloon featured a note — messages to Heaven, they were called — to a loved one taken far too early, namely by sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).

Liz Montgomery, founder and director of Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation, has experienced such pain.

"This is the only time of the year, basically, where we can all gather together and remember our children," said Montgomery, who lost her 5-month-old son 13 years ago.

But this day, her foundation's fifth annual Angels 5K Family Fun Day, also brought smiles, fun and support to SUID awareness.

Nearly a thousand people flocked to the park for the cause, most of whom also participated in the run. A proclamation by Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene — mandating all licensed childcare centers in Coeur d'Alene follow safe sleep protocol — preceded the run, as well as a silent auction.

Jina Copstead has seen the event grow substantially in the last four years. Eight years ago Copstead lost her twin sons during pre-term labor.

"Since then it's been my goal to make sure there's support for families and resources for anybody else who experienced something similar, whether it be pregnancy loss or infant loss, even child loss," Copstead said. "All of our experiences are different, but all have that feeling, no matter the age.

There were 23 teams of runners from all over the region and over 100 volunteers helped the event. A sizable bouncy castle was provided for the children and prizes were given out.

"It just makes your heart so full," Copstead said. "Even though we've walked this path, all we want to do is celebrate our children and validate that they were here and a part of lives and a part of our world. To see the community come together like this in support of each other, and in support of our own children, it's really overwhelming.”

Lindy Santos of Coeur d'Alene lost her 3-month-old 26 years ago to SUID. She's provided emotional support for families ever since and has helped with this event the last few years.

She believes the communication the event facilitates among families is key.

"So much has changed year to year," Santos said. "So to be able to share that information that we can help prevent another death is important. I don't want anybody in my club."