Walkers being sought to participate in annual Step Out for Hospice


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SPRINGFIELD -- Organizers of this year's Step Out for Hospice on May 22 are now recruiting walkers to participate in the 13th annual Walkathon which benefits hospice services at Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice.

"The event is not about how far you can walk, but that everyone can participate to help ensure Hospice care will be available for any patient who needs it," said Colette Dill, co-chair of the Step Out for Hospice Steering Committee.
WWLP22 News anchor Barry Kriger led off last year's 12th Annual Step Out for Hospice walk which raised $70,000 in support of the work of the Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice. This year's fundraiser will take place May 22.

"Some participants walk the full course, others walk a distance comfortable for them, and those who cannot walk still participate by raising sponsorships through a personal Web site they create," she added, noting it's never too early to start forming teams and obtaining pledges.

This year's walk a scenic route through Forest Park in Springfield will step off at 10 a.m. from the grandstand area at Forest Park. There will be two routes for walkers to choose from, either a one-mile loop or a 2.3-mile course through the park.

Step Out for Hospice participants raise sponsorships from their friends, family and coworkers which help pay for the compassionate end of life care of patients and their families provided by the Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice.

Registration on walk day is at 9:30 a.m. across from the park grandstand. Walkers raising more than $50 will receive a Step Out for Hospice T-shirt while supplies last.

Last year's walkers raised $70,000, bringing the 12-year total of funds raised to nearly $800,000.

The cost of providing hospice care often exceeds reimbursement. Gifts from former Hospice families, friends and supporters help care for current hospice patients and families.

"Few people realize that without community support Hospice services could not exist. Our supporters may not stand at a bedside, but they are very much a part of our hospice team and we are grateful for their kindness and generosity," said Ruth Odgren, president, Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice.

"Like ourselves, many of the Step Out for Hospice volunteers are hospice family members who enthusiastically give their time and talent in appreciation for the care they and loved ones received," added Dill, who is co-chairing the event with her husband, Jack Dill, of Colebrook Realty Services Inc.

"Few of us can stand at the bedside, but all of us can help assure dignity and comfort for patients as they complete their life journey," she added.

Participants, especially those who cannot walk on the day of the event but who want to do their share, can maximize their donations to support Step Out for Hospice by visiting www.baystate-health.org/ stepout to register for the event or to donate.

Walk participants can create their own Web page and ask friends and family members around the country, who they might not have approached before, for their support because of the miles between them. It can also alleviate any discomfort some may feel about approaching friends in person.

Joining Lead Sponsor Colebrook Realty Services Inc. will be Louis & Clark Medical Supply, Health New England, Kinsley Power Systems and the Dennis Group LLC.

The Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice is committed to providing comfort and support to patients and their loved ones during the final journey of life. The goal of Hospice is to help patients and their families achieve the highest quality of living, as well as recognizing dying as a natural process and part of life's continuum.

The walk will take place rain or shine.

To obtain walk papers, or for more information, contact Bill Hynes, development manager, Baystate Health Foundation, at 794-6526. Potential walkers can also visit www.baystatehealth.org/stepout or e-mail stepoutforhospice@baystatehealth.org for additional information.

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