Click here to register! Registration fees will increase on day of walk.
On September 29, 2018, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice will host the third annual “Celebrate Life 5k Walk.” The walk, which is being held at the New Jersey State Fairgrounds in Augusta, will start at 10:00 a.m. Pre-registration starts at 9:00 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 9:45. The walk is a way to help those dealing with a loss celebrate the life and memory of loved ones who have passed.
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is an emotional process that each person handles differently. The Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center offers support to members of the community who are going through the grieving process. The proceeds from the walk will benefit the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Centers located on 5 Plains Road in Augusta. The Center also has satellite offices located on 214 Washington Street in Hackettstown and The United Methodist Church on 206 E Ann Street in Milford, PA.
Participating in some type of memorial celebration can be a way to help cope with the loss of a loved one. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice hosts several memorial events throughout the year including a Butterfly Release and Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Celebrate Life 5K was started several years ago as a way to bring families together in a celebratory atmosphere. During the opening ceremonies we present musical performances, inspiring speeches and well as an invigorating warm up. We also hold a symbolic lighting ceremony with each participant receiving an illuminated star light in remembrance of the person they are walking in celebration of.
Last year a special memorial wall was introduced to the event sponsored by BIGGS Kids. Participants are encouraged to bring a photo of their loved one to be displayed on the wall. Each year the photo tribute will grow as more photos are added at each event.
Those interested in participating in the walk can register online at KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org/Walk. The cost is $25 for adults and $15 for participants 13 and under. Those interested are encouraged to register early as same day registration fees increase by $5 respectively. Vendor applications are also being accepted for $25. Registrations will also be accepted at the “Celebrate Life 5K” walk kick-off party, sponsored by Newton Medical Center, which will be held on Friday, September 28 in the Romano Conference Center located on the Newton Medical Center campus at 5 p.m. Everyone in the community is invited to attend the kick-off to learn more about the services offered at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center as well as register for the walk, grab a healthy snack and get their walk t-shirt.
The Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center provides grief support and counseling for hospice families and the community. No one is ever refused counseling services based on their ability to pay. The staff works to bring comfort and understanding to help families through difficult times. Individual counseling and ongoing support groups are offered. Support groups include: anticipatory grief support, school bereavement support, memorial services, grief lecture series, children’s bereavement art program and pet loss support.
Registrants are encouraged to form a team to raise funds. There will be prizes awarded to individuals and teams who raise the most money. Individuals who raise $100 or more will get a memorial marker with their loved one’s name displayed along the walk route. All money raised will stay in the community and benefit the Bereavement Center.
Food and refreshments will be provided the day of the walk and there will also be a vendor fair with a wide variety of items on display.
Please call 973-383-0115 ext. 131 for more information on how you can get involved. If you are unable to walk we always have need for volunteers to help out on the day of the event. On September 29, we will all walk together so that no one has to walk alone.
