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Upcoming Hike Helps Hospice Provide

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 1, 2008

Last year, about 600 people turned out to raise $100,000 for Gulfside Regional Hospice at the first Hike for Hospice. This year's hike is set for Nov. 8; beyond raising money for hospice, participants will hike to remember.

"People enjoy being able to memorialize their loved ones through this walk," said Jennifer York, special events coordinator for Gulfside Regional Hospice.
Gulfside Regional Hospice currently provides care to about 430 patients with life-limiting illnesses, both in their residences and at hospice houses across the county. It employs more than 250 professionals and has more than 400 volunteers.

Gulfside maintains four thrift stores in New Port Richey, Hudson, Dade City and Zephyrhills, and a bereavement community center as well as two hospice houses in New Port Richey. An additional Gulfside Hospice house is on the eighth floor of The Edwinola nursing home in Dade City.

Many of those who Hike for Hospice have had loved ones in hospice care, or have lost loved ones in other circumstances. By paying admission fees and raising additional pledge money for the 3.1-mile (5K) hike, they support the services Gulfside offers to other families.

"The majority of the proceeds go to support our Charity Care program," said Lisa Brinker, vice president of development at Gulfside. "This program helps people unable to pay for hospice care. We never turn anyone away based on their inability to pay."

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Mike Alstott will serve as the grand marshal of both legs of the Hike for Hospice, which will kick off at 8 a.m. at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center and 11 a.m. at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills.

"He runs an organization called the Mike Alstott Family Foundation," Brinker said. "He was also our spokesman last year."

Another special feature of the hike will be the Memory Wall, where people can bring pictures, letters and mementos of the person they remember that day.

"Anything related to the person they lost," York said. "Last year one little girl brought a note that said, 'Grandpa I miss you.'"

According to Brinker, the Hike for Hospice also holds personal meaning for Linda Ward, CEO of Gulfside Regional Hospice.

"Linda lost her father two years ago. He stayed at our Lafayette Street house in New Port Richey," she said. "Aside from being our CEO, she's a survivor who truly understands the values of hospice."

Ward and her staff, Brinker said, adhere to the hospice philosophy of providing dignity and respect to hospice patients and their families - services they plan to extend further with the construction of the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care, which is slated to open in May. The site on Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills will house 12 patients in individual rooms with water and garden views.

"The center will provide the highest level of hospice care to the residents of east and central Pasco County, and will be the first hospice facility in Zephyrhills," a news release stated.

Gulfside staffers appreciate not only the fundraising efforts of those who Hike for Hospice, but their reason for participating in the event.

"They walk to remember," said York.

HIKE FOR HOSPICE

SOME BACKGROUND: The second Hike for Hospice is a 5K (3.1 mile) walk to raise money for Gulfside Regional Hospice, a hospice that serves Pasco County exclusively. The hike begins at 8 a.m. Nov. 8 at New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center, 6630 Van Buren Street, New Port Richey, and 11 a.m. at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: "This very special walk is for anyone who has lost a loved one, not just hospice families," a news release stated. In addition, the walk will provide funding for hospice families who may be unable to pay for the service.

A LITTLE HISTORY: Gulfside Regional Hospice, established as a nonprofit corporation in Pasco County in 1988, serves more than 400 patients daily.

WHAT'S NEXT?: To Hike for Hospice, the fee is $35 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under, with all proceeds benefiting Gulfside Regional Hospice to provide hospice care for patients in Pasco County. All hikers will get a morning snack, beverages, a T-shirt and a goodie bag with their registration.

GET INVOLVED: Go to www.active.com, keyword "Hike for Hospice" to register or make a donation, or call Jennifer York at 1-800-561-4883 to sign up for the hike. For information about Gulfside Regional Hospice, call (727) 845-5707 or visit www.GRHospice.org.

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