1,200 People Walk at Zoo in Memory of Loved Ones

$125,000 Raised for Hospice Patients and Caregivers

CLEVELAND, Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 1,200 people walked to honor their loved ones during Hospice of the Western Reserve's first annual Walk to Remember at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo recently.  Over 120 teams with names like "Soles for Souls," "Grammie's Gang" and "Team 4 Dad" participated in the event sponsored by First Merit Bank as a way to give back and help hospice patients and families, raising more than $125,000.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120920/DC78167)

Funds will support seriously ill patients, special programs for veterans, and services provided by the non-profit hospice that are not fully covered by Medicare or insurance, such as pediatric palliative care, crisis intervention and grief counseling in schools, the granting of patients' wishes, and music, art and massage therapy.

"Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who supported this event," said Sunny Masters, Chief Development Officer, Hospice of the Western Reserve. "The walk was such a wonderful way to celebrate life and remember loved ones in a way that gives back to other patients and families.  We are humbled by the support for our first walk, and overwhelmed by the community's generosity."

Walk to Remember is the only fundraising event of the year for the community-based non-profit hospice agency serving Northern Ohio.  Following a two and one-half mile walk, families were treated to a pancake breakfast and a full day and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest.

About Hospice of the Western Reserve
Hospice of the Western Reserve is a community-based, non-profit agency providing comfort and emotional support to patients and their families. The agency cares for people in a variety of settings, including at David Simpson Hospice House overlooking Lake Erie, in patients' homes, in hospitals and long-term care facilities, and at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake. For more information, visit www.hospicewr.org or call 800.707.8922.

Media Contact:
Laurie Henrichsen, 216.701.1768, or e-mail: [email protected].  Additional photos are available upon request.

SOURCE Hospice of the Western Reserve