LOVE. MOVE. RIZE.

LOVE.MOVE.RIZE.

The Great Root Movement
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The Great Root Movement

Love. Move. Rize.


The Great Root Movement is a community of hope that provides a safe place for women to be actively seen, heard, and loved through their journeys to recovery and healing in mental health, child loss, grief, and domestic abuse. 


  • Problem: Women who experience child loss, domestic abuse, depression, and other traumas, often struggle to find affordable therapy and resources to help them recover and re-enter society.


  • Solution: The Great Root Movement is a non-profit organization founded by Karen A. Sparks that provides resources and connections to therapy, treatment, and workshops to help women recover from grief and trauma.  We also offer walking and running support groups for women of all skill levels.  Here we connect, find balance, a renewed sense of spirit, and feel strength and safety in numbers while on the nature trails.


Our mission is to provide support groups, restorative activities, health resources, and scholarships to therapeutic programs that help women realize their potential and purpose. 


  • Our roots grow deep. 
  • We all have a purpose. 
  • When we love, move, & rize together, hope & healing are possible.


Movement is key both physically and mentally.  Get up and do it, scared.  The moment you step is the moment you find strength. 


The Great Root Movement empowers bereaved mothers and domestic abuse survivors to find their purpose by equipping them with mental and physical resources to help them thrive.  


In addition, our educational scholarships, named in honor of Karen's children, Reagan and Grant, assist students in pursuing higher education.



Want to join me in supporting a good cause? Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. All  funds will be deposited in The Great Root Movement 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit foundation.  





click here

Statistics

Grieving & Bereaved Parents

Grieving & Bereaved Parents

Grieving & Bereaved Parents

Scientific evidence indicates that bereaved parents are more likely to suffer more depressive symptoms, poorer well-being, less purpose in life, more health complications, marital disruption, psychiatric hospitalization, and even premature death for both mothers and fathers as early as age 40.


The death of a child is one of the greatest and most enduring stresses a person can experience.  - Institute of Medicine 


  • It is common and expected to relapse and re-experience periods of deep  grief and pain in the years to come. 
  • Your grief is often disorienting. Some describe it as a fog. It can be  hard to think, remember or work. 
  • Common functions, like keeping a  grocery list or bills, may become insurmountable.
  • Profound sadness.          
  • Crying all the time or at unexpected times.
  • Extreme physical exhaustion, or a manic energy.
  • Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping all the time.
  • Loss of connections with family and friends.
  • Overwhelming sense of wanting to die.


Grief is not just an experience of the head and heart. Rather, grief is a whole-body experience, impacting the individual physically, emotionally, spiritually, and cognitively. The list of ways in which grief may manifest itself is almost endless. - Austin Center for Grief & Loss


domestic abuse & violence

Grieving & Bereaved Parents

Grieving & Bereaved Parents

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:


  • 7 out of 10 emotionally, psychologically, or physically abused women display symptoms of PTSD and depression.


  • Women experiencing physical, emotional, or psychological intimate partner violence are significantly more likely to report poor physical and mental health.


  • Emotional or psychological abuse is a stronger predictor of PTSD than physical abuse among women.


  • Studies suggest that there is a relationship between intimate partner violence and depression and suicidal behavior.


  • Women experiencing domestic abuse are three times more likely to attempt suicide.


  • On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.


according to the american psychological association

ways movement helps in grief and overall mental, emotional, & physical health

  • Breathing = Oxygen to brain
  • Releases Dopamine & Serotonin = improves mood
  • Improves blood flow
  • Aides in stress relief, anxiety, depression
  • Grounding oneself in nature improves mental state

About Us

My name is Karen Sparks. On November 1, 2015, my children, Reagan (9) and Grant (8) were murdered by their father in a murder-suicide/filicide.  It's been over 2,500 days and counting since I've seen my children, held them, heard their voices and laughter, or been called "Mom."  After burying the two loves of my life, I battled and fought my way out of two graves each day to gasp for breath.  Routine tasks were debilitating, and I reached a point in my grief journey where I thought my life was pointless and wanted it to end.  There is no word in the English language for a mother without her children.  After my suicide attempt, my family intervened and got me the help I needed.  Through my faith, long-term therapy, running, mental health awareness, and a caring community, I have been reborn and found my identity and purpose.  My journey will always be a struggle, but I know I am rooted in love, and there is hope in the darkness.  
The Great Root Movement is named after my children, Grant & Reagan ("G" for Grant and "Rea" for Reagan, the "t" is the cross that makes them great).   They loved big, moved fiercely, and would always rize to meet life's challenges.  My most important title will aIways be "Reagan and Grant's Mom," and I'm here to share our story and help others like us. 

Love Never Ends Trail Run

October 1, 2022


WFAA (Channel 8/ABC) story on first annual Love Never Ends Trail Run held at Erwin Park in McKinney, TX.

Love Never Ends Trail Run

October 1, 2022


Video published by Greg Sisengrath.

The Longest Race

Produced by 3 Van Alstyne ISD High School Students:

 Claire Gallagher, Mollie Gallagher, and Weston Holbert 


January 2022

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The Great Root Movement

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 We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non profit foundation under the name The Great Root Movement.