Supporters rally for hospice despite the rain

A tornado warning and the threat of lightning officially canceled Saturday's Hike for Hospice around the Fox River in Batavia.

But Jodi Chapman of South Elgin and about 40 others completed the 5K run/walk anyhow, braving pelting rain and standing water that reached her ankles to raise money for the Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice.

"I came to honor my cousin Sonny, who died in 2002," Chapman said, standing in a soaked T-shirt bearing her cousin's name. "Hospice took good care of him.".

The biggest contribution Saturday came from the 32 members of "Team Denny," who raised over $3,000. for the hospice, which does not receive any federal or state funds.

Six members of the team completed the walk, which began and ended at the Peg Bond Center at Batavia's Riverwalk. Among hem was Holly DeWitte of St. Charles, who walked in memory of her late husband Denny.

"He died of a heart attack July 28, 2007," DeWitte said. "Hospice saved my life."

DeWitte said she has received grief counseling and support which has helped her deal with her husband's death, and also with her relationships with her three grown children, who live out of state.

"We miss him all the time," DeWitte said.

Organizers formally called off the event Saturday morning, but t dozens showed up despite the weather, said Greg Weider, executive director of Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice.

Weider estimates that this year's hike will raise between $27,000 and $31,000 for the hospice.

Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice provides end-of-life care and bereavement counseling for families free of charge.

"I wasn't surprised to see so many people show up," said Jackie Lowe, who works in development for the agency. "Not with the support this organization gets. It's exciting."