Hospice of the Western Reserve to hold virtual 'Walk to Remember'

West Shore families partcipating in the Virtual Walk to Remember can download and display a window sign to share their support. 

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The coronavirus pandemic has impacted every organization in our community and Hospice of the Western Reserve is no exception. To protect everyone’s safety, the nonprofit agency made the difficult decision this year to replace Walk to Remember, its largest community fundraising event, with a virtual walk.

Now through June 14, families can go online and register to walk in their neighborhood or anywhere they choose to raise funds supporting HWR’s work, including special programs for hospice home care patients in the West Shore communities and at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake. To register for Virtual Walk to Remember, visit hospicewr.org/wtr. The registration donation is $20.

It’s easy to participate. As a virtual walker, simply set a goal and then ask family and friends to help reach it. Contributions in any amount matter – it all adds up. Prizes will be awarded each week to the top fundraising individual or team. A downloadable #WeWalkTogether sign can be posted in windows to show support. Virtual walkers are also encouraged to tag Hospice of the Western Reserve in their photos and posts. Photos can also be emailed to communication@hospicewr.org.

Here are just a few ways virtual walk teams can help:

• $100 funds a music therapy session for a patient with dementia
• $250 funds a bedside veterans recognition ceremony for a hospice patient
• $500 pays for an iPad with programs to help pediatric hospice patients communicate
• For a $50 donation (beyond the $20 registration donation), a walker can donate a therapeutic Comfort Buddy plush animal to reduce a dementia patient’s anxiety.

“Each $20 donation allows us to continue to provide special  services that rely on philanthropic support,” said Racheal Seibert, Chief Development Officer. “Community grief support groups, for instance, will be needed more than ever as we begin to heal from the grief and trauma caused by this crisis. Although we are sad we cannot gather with our friends this year, our compassionate mission continues. Now more than ever, we are so grateful for our community’s support.”