5K/walk to honor loved ones, work of VNA Hospice

"Run/Walk to Remember," the VNA Hospice 5K Run/Walk 2009 will be held Saturday, Aug. 29. It's open to all. The event is designed to help individuals and families honor their loved ones who have passed away. 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 Run/Walk to Remember will be 5K or 3.1 miles at Blackberry Farm in Aurora. The route is USATF certified and includes both blacktop and gravel terrain on the Gilman Trail and around Lake Gregory.

"We need walkers, runners, and supporters for our second annual event," said Linda Reiter, VNA volunteer and development coordinator. "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," Reiter 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, three butterflies for release at the closing ceremony as well as recognition of their loved one on a sign along the route 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, two butterflies for release at the closing ceremony, 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, Attn.: VNA Hospice Walk 2009. Supporters also are encouraged to join the event on Facebook.com and invite their friends and contacts to attend.

Day of registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Ample parking is available at Orchard Valley Community Church, 101 S. Barnes Road, Aurora.

Register online or download a registration form to mail in at vnafoxvalley.org/hospicewalk.html. For information, call Linda Reiter at (630) 482-8112.