'Hike for Hospice' Sept. 13

On Sept. 13, the second annual Hike for Hospice will offer you an opportunity to remember, honor and celebrate the lives of those touched by Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice. Starting at 9 a.m. and held along the Fox River in Batavia, "Hike for Hospice" will be a 5k fun run and walk for the entire family. Pets, strollers, roller blades and bikes are all welcome.

A special appearance by JoJo the Clown, face painting, chair massages and stories from families will all be available as well.

Proceeds from "Hike for Hospice" enable it to provide hospice and bereavement care to the community free of charge. In 2007 alone, the hospice cared for 44 patients each day and volunteers provided nearly 10,000 hours of support throughout the year. As a volunteer hospice, they do not receive insurance or Medicare reimbursements, making your generosity vital to its mission to provide the best in compassionate services to persons with life-threatening illnesses and the bereaved.

They have all experienced the loss of a loved one, perhaps even someone touched by the programs and services offered by the hospice.

Form a team with your family, co-workers, neighbors or friends in memory or in honor of your loved ones or walk as an individual. Adult registration is just $25, with all proceeds benefiting Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice. Children, age 6 to 13, are $15 and children under age 6 get in free.

Visit www.FVVH.org to learn more about Hike for Hospice and to register. If you are interested in volunteering, call Jackie Lowe at (630) 232-2233, ext. 228.

Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice is a community-based volunteer organization. Since 1981, Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice has served more than 10,000 patients and families throughout Kane and Kendall counties as well as parts of DuPage, McHenry and Cook. As the largest volunteer hospice in the nation, they operate strictly on donations received from the community.