21st Annual Step Out for Hospice supports end-of-life care

Walkers and runners will Step Out for Hospice on Sunday, Sept. 30, in Woburn to raise vital funds for end-of-life care.

Hospice focuses on providing physical comfort and emotional support, so that life can be lived as fully as possible, preserving dignity and promoting quality of life.

This is the 21st year the volunteer group Woburn Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care has organized the benefit. Established in 1979, VNA Hospice & Palliative Care is based in Woburn and serves area communities.

The nonprofit’s staff includes nurses, doctors, home health aides, social workers, and chaplains as well as trained volunteers. The interdisciplinary team develops a personalized, comprehensive care plan that addresses the physical, emotional, social, practical, and spiritual needs of the patient with an emphasis on pain and symptom management. The team also provides support to patients’ loved ones. Hospice care is provided in patients’ homes, nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and other settings.

The 21st annual Step Out for Hospice on Sunday, Sept. 30, begins at the Irish American Club of Woburn, 147 Main St. The free, 1-Mile Fun Run for children ages 13 and under starts at 11:30 a.m. Prizes and a limited number of T-shirts will be available for Fun Run participants. The 3-Mile Walk starts at noon, and 5-mile Road Race at 12:30 pm. Participants are invited to enjoy the post-walk/run festivities, including live music and dancing, chowder, hot dogs, popcorn, raffle, and silent auction.

Preregister now for the Walk or Road Race for a discounted fee of $30. Students may register for the Walk or Road Race for $15 (minimum age of 13 for the Road Race). Step Out for Hospice sweatshirts are guaranteed for Walk and Road Race entries received by Sept. 26. The Fun Run is free; preregistration is appreciated.

To register, visit www.vnacare.org/stepout or call Deborah Corkum of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care at 888-663-3688, ext. 1362. Register on the day of the event for $40 at the Irish American Club of Woburn, 147 Main St., beginning at 10 a.m. Event sponsor for Step Out for Hospice is Dello Russo Family Funeral Homes. Platinum Sponsors are White Builders and Woburn Municipal Federal Credit Union.

Pictured:

Members of the Woburn Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care show off the new Step Out for Hospice posters for the Sept. 30 walk/run in Woburn. Standing, from left: Paul Jamieson, Co-chair Brian Kelley and Treasurer Robert Brown. Seated, from left: Vice Chair Connie McGilvary, Joanne O’Brien, Carole Torrice.