Woburn Friends Bringing Step Out for Hospice to the City for 19th Year

By Deborah Corkum (Open Post)

The Woburn Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care are planning the 19th annual Step Out for Hospice on Sunday, Oct. 2, in Woburn.

The fundraiser supports care for terminally ill individuals and their loved ones provided by Woburn-based VNA Hospice & Palliative Care. The event features a 1-Mile Fun Run for kids, 3-Mile Walk, 5-Mile Road Race, and post-walk/run festivities.

Woburn Friends Co-Chair Connie McGilvray describes the event as “more than a walk. It’s a giant street party. There’s live music and dancing, chowder, hot dogs, raffles, and more.”

Joe McDonough, co-chair of the Woburn Friends, added, “Step Out for Hospice has become a community tradition. Even people who can’t walk or run still get involved by making donations in memory of loved ones. Your support helps VNA Hospice & Palliative Care serve terminally ill patients in need, offer bereavement support, train volunteers, and offer vital care to local residents.”

Step Out for Hospice starts at the Irish American Club of Woburn, 147 Main St., and goes around Horn Pond. Children ages 13 and under can join the 1-mile Fun Run beginning at 11:30 am. The Fun Run is free.

The 3-Mile Walk starts at noon, and 5-mile Road Race at 12:30 pm. Preregister now for the Walk or Road Race for a discounted fee of $30. Step Out for Hospice long-sleeve shirts are guaranteed for entries received by Sept. 28. To register, visit http://www.vnacare.org/stepout or call Meaghan Gangi, development associate for VNA Hospice & Palliative Care, at 781-569-2820. Register at the event beginning at 10 am for $40.

Woburn residents planning the 19th annual Step Out for Hospice are Bob Brown, Joseph Crowley, Rita H. Doherty, Carol Flaherty, Susan Jamieson, Richard Haggerty, Jamie Kelley, Kathy Lucero, Doris T. Lynch, Joseph D. McDonough, Jr., Barbara McElhiney, Connie McGilvray, Ed Maguire, Ann Mooney, Joanne O’Brien, Mary Santo O’Connor, Carole Torrice, and Tracey White. (Pictured from left are Carol Flaherty, Meaghan Gangi, Ann Mooney, Connie McGilvray, and Joseph McDonough, Jr.)