By: Lindsay Ward

FRIEDENS, Pa. -- A Somerset County couple will bring attention to a heartbreaking subject in October in honor of Stillborn Awareness Month after losing their child a month before her arrival date.

In this week's making a difference our Lindsay Ward met up with the couple to talk about the foundation they're starting in an attempt to bring attention to stillborn awareness.

Ashley Lepley, her husband, Bradly Lepley and their 3-year-old son, Jaxson Lepley expected an addition to their family July 23.

The Lepleys were looking forward to welcoming a baby girl into the world, but on June 21, a month before their daughter's planned arrival, everything changed.

"It was something we never thought would happen to us," Ashley Lepley said.

Sophia Grace Lepley, 5 pounds, 1 ounce and 18 inches long, had passed away.

Devastated and feeling an immense loss, the couple looked to friends, family and organizations to help get the through the trying time.

They needed to find ways to cope with losing their daughter and, at the same time, figure out the finances associated with it.

"We didn't do a viewing or anything like that. We just did a small private service and that was $1,500," Ashley Lepley said.

The couple knew they were not alone in their situation and decided to help other families dealing with the loss of a child.

The Lepleys created Sophia's Grace Foundation.

"We don't want other families to feel like they're alone. We're not only there for financial support, but we're there for emotional support as well. We don't have a problem if people want to talk to us about it," Ashley Lepley said.

They're hosting the first "Light for Love" 5K run/walk Friday, Oct. 2, at the North Star football field in Boswell.

The walk begins at 6:30 p.m.

"With the money that's raised we are going to eventually provide new cribs to all the local hospitals and nurseries," Ashley Lepley said.

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