AUGUSTA – The fifth annual Celebrate A Life Walk will be held virtually this year. Participants are urged to walk, run, dance, do housework…it all counts as activity and can be converted to miles for this 26.2 mile virtual walk. Unlike a traditional walk/run/bike race, this virtual event uses technology and takes social distancing into account; allowing you to participate on your own, with a friend, work mates or your whole family, showing your support whenever & wherever you are day or night; rain or shine, inside or outside.
“We used Racery to host our virtual race“, said Jennifer Smith, Special event manager. Once registered walkers will be able to either manually enter their daily activity or download the Racery app, log their activity and it will automatically sync to the walk dashboard. As a walker logs activity their walk icon moves along the route. So you can see how you are doing and compete with other walkers for weekly prizes…in addition to the overall event prizes.
“Well this is officially my first marathon! BUT I’m so excited to be a part of this exciting event to help raise awareness and much needed funds for the Bereavement Center,” said Diana Sebzda, MA, LPC, FT, Director of Bereavement. “COVID-19 can’t keep us down! Our doors never closed and we make sure that no one has to walk alone on this path of anticipatory grief and bereavement. I am so very proud of each and every walker, as they walk for a loved one and with purpose!”
The “virtual” walk route starts at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center on 214 Washington Avenue in Hackettstown, meanders past the Karen Ann Quinlan Home from Hospice in Fredon and ends at our Bereavement Center headquarters in Augusta. Remember, this is the “virtual” route, you can walk, run, jog, dance, wherever you want to move your icon along on the walk route. There is a $25 registration fee to join the walk and all funds raised will benefit the programs and services at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center. The walk started as a way to help those dealing with a loss celebrate the life and memory of loved ones who have passed.
The Bereavement Centers offer individual counseling and ongoing support groups for those suffering the loss of a loved one. Anyone may use the bereavement services; you do not need to be part of our hospice program to participate.
Participants are encouraged to send us a photo of their loved one to place on the memory wall sponsored by Biggs Kids. A closing celebration with the lighting of a symbolic memorial light, memory wall acknowledgement, virtual vendors and an awards presentation will be held on Saturday, September 26 at 10 a.m. via ZOOM.
Last year Team Dominator led by Dana Noll raised more than $1,500 with a large donation from the BPO Elks #1388. The team walked in memory of Dominick Noll.
Registrants are encouraged to form a team to raise funds. There will be prizes awarded to individuals and teams who raise the most money. All money raised will stay in the community and benefit the Bereavement Center.
Please call 973-383-0115 ext. 145 for more information on how you can get involved. You can download complete instructions on how to join, start a team, ask for donations, and get a pledge sheet online at karenannquinlanhospice.org/Walk.