Author name: Sophie & Madigan’s Playground

In 2013 our family was struck with an unthinkable tragedy when our home caught fire and we lost our beautiful daughters Sophie & Madigan. Sophie & Madigan’s Playground was formed to keep the girls memory alive through our Play Learn Create programs and the development of a public memorial park.

Image shows the RunDisney 2020 Princess Half Marathon Weekend written in two tones of pink on a white background

Princess Spots Available!

We just received access to some additional registrations for Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend, including the sold out Disney Fairy Tale Challenge and Disney Princess 5K! Currently we have 2 registration spots left for the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge and 7 registration spots for the Disney Princess 5K. We also have registration spots available for […]

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Running for Sophie and Madigan

Sophie and Madigan’s dad – Jack – has run several times and stopped with every character he’s had the chance to – love seeing our signature pink shirt with all of the characters!Who has been your favorite character meet and greet at a @rundisney race?Madigan loved Ralph and Vanellope so we were super excited to

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Ground Breaking!

Today we took a very big step in the building of Sophie and Madigan Lillard Memorial Playground! We were invited to help at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Butterfly Ln Realignment project, this road will serve all of West Side Regional Park which is home to the playground. We left today filled with gratitude that

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the year of the playground

Almost 6 years ago when we lost our girls we had the vision of creating a space in our community where big sister Morgan and little sister Sadie could go and feel the warmth of their sisters through the laughter and love shared by countless families playing together. It seemed like it would be much

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Merry Holidays and Happy New Year!

We hope you get a chance to take the time to slow down and remember your gifts this season could never come from a store… they come from your heart and the hearts of those who surround you. Hold those you love just a little longer. Read the extra book. Smile a little more. Play

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Tomorrow is never promised

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short…” ~ Sandy Dahl wife of flight 93 pilot, Jason Dahl The terrorist attacks of 9.11 left countless families grieving, for their loved ones, for homes, pets, and belongings, grieving for their sense of security, health and their sense of self. When

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First Day of School

The kids are headed back to school today. Bittersweet excitement for another year with these three goof balls, while missing two more. Morgan is entering the last year of Middle School, Sophie should be starting 7th grade, Madigan 3rd, Sadie is in 1st and Mason prek4. It’s hard to think of who Sophie and Madigan

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Summer of YES!

In the summers before we lost the girls, I made a commitment to myself and to them that I would say YES to more things. You see while I’m already a pretty “free range” mom I found myself saying NO a lot more than I wanted to once the girls entered public school. It was

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One step closer!

Tonight the City of Frederick Mayor and Board of Alderman unanimously approved the legal document that will take our vision for Sophie & Madigan Lillard Memorial Playground into reality. We officially are moving forward! We have a home! So many people to be thankful for including all of you who have followed us this far!

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Peace Garden Rededication for Sophie and Madigan

In 2012 Sophie, Madigan, and Morgan were Accepted to Carroll Creek Montessori School through their lottery process. We were so excited for the opportunity- we work hard to help get the school opened. Sophie and Morgan worked with their grandmother building shelves Madigan, Sadie and I worked in child care so other parents could volunteer.

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