Family Stories Abound at Hospice of the Western Reserve's Walk to Remember

Generations Come Together to Pay it Forward, Honor Loved Ones

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May 26, 2016, 06:15 ET

CLEVELAND, May 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Sunday, June 12, more than 1,000 people from across Northern Ohio will gather at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for Hospice of the Western Reserve's Walk to Remember. Sponsored by FirstMerit Bank, the event has an uplifting, celebratory feel, reflecting the hospice philosophy that every life has dignity and meaning. Multiple generations frequently walk together carrying hand-decorated signs or wearing customized hats and t-shirts bearing the names and faces of loved ones.

Why do families choose to support Hospice of the Western Reserve? Everyone has a different story. For members of the Exum family, it was all about honoring a very unusual request from 43-year-old Bobby Exum in his final days. It would take a lot of time and planning, but seven years later, at Walk to Remember, Bobby's wish was fulfilled. Here is their story.

This year's event takes place (rain or shine) from 8:45 a.m. to 12 noon. (Gates open at 7:30 a.m.) Admission includes a full day at the Zoo and Rainforest, t-shirts, live music, face painting, crafts and much more. The cost is $25 Adult; $12 Children; Family $65 (includes two adults and three children under age 12). Ages 3 and under are free. Registration is available online at hospicewr.org/walk or by calling 216.383.3715.Registration is also available the day of the event and walk-ins are welcome.

Now in its fifth year, the fundraiser allows Hospice of the Western Reserve to provide a multitude of extra services not covered by Medicare and private insurance. These include more than $1.5 million annually in hospice charity care, a specialized pediatric palliative care team to support families of children with life-threatening illness, free community art therapy and grief support groups and much more.

"We're so grateful for the community's support of our mission," said Bridget Murphy, corporate giving and special events manager. "People we have helped frequently become our most fervent community ambassadors. Because they were helped, they feel a desire to reach out to help others. Walk to Remember provides a meaningful way to honor their loved ones while helping other families going through a difficult time."

Media contact: Laurie Henrichsen, Hospice of the Western Reserve, [email protected], 216.701.1768

Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLVs9jY4dvM

SOURCE Hospice of the Western Reserve