Walk to benefit hospice program

Walk to Remember-VNA Hospice 5k Run/Walk 2008 will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. Sept. 6 and is open to all community members. The event is designed to help individuals and families honor their loved ones who are no longer with us. It will also shine the spotlight on the significant resources - medical, psychological, social, spiritual and practical - hospice workers bring to families dealing with end-of-life issues.

The Walk to Remember will be 5K (3.1 miles), beginning with an opening ceremony at Kaneland High School and ending with an unforgettable closing ceremony at Conley Farm.

Kaneland High School is at 47 W326 Keslinger Road in Maple Park. Conley Farm is on the corner of Dauberman and Main streets, Kaneville.

Participants can walk or run the full distance or join the walk the last half-mile. Shuttles back to the high school will be available at the end of the route. Walkers, runners, wheelchairs and strollers are all welcome.

"We need walkers, runners, and supporters for our September 6 event," said Tracy Beattie, VNA director of development. "We have seven different ways people can get involved from participating in the butterfly release at the end of the event to being one of our event sponsors or donors."

Event proceeds go to help fund the VNA Hospice program. VNA Hospice provides hope and peace of mind to patients and the families of patients facing serious illnesses by addressing all needs, including medical, spiritual, social, psychological and practical. VNA Hospice is available to patients of any age with a life-threatening illness.

"We're receiving a tremendous response from people interested in participating at the 'In Memory of' and 'Family' levels," Beattie said.

At the "In Memory of" level, participants who make a $250 donation receive entry fees for up to six walkers/runners, up to six event T-shirts, six butterflies at the reception as well as recognition of their loved one on a sign at the event and recognition of their donation in VNA's newsletter sent to over 4,000 individuals.

At the "Family" level, participants who make a $75 donation receive entry fees for up to six walkers/runners, up to six event T-shirts and recognition of their loved on a Memory Board which will be featured at the event.

For those interested in supporting this event who prefer not to walk or run, there's an option to make a general donation. Donations can be sent to VNA Hospice, 400 N. Highland Ave., Aurora, IL 60506, Attention: VNA Hospice Walk 2008.

Event sponsorships are available beginning at $500. For sponsorship details contact Tracy Beattie at (630) 482-8121 or tbeattie@vnafoxvalley.com.

To participate in the Walk to Remember register at signmeup.com or download a registration form for the event at www.vnafoxvalley.org.