VNA Hospice NWI’s Stroll for Hospice is more than just a walk. It's a gathering of friends, family, and neighbors coming together to honor the memory of those who have passed and ensure that VNA Hospice NWI can continue providing vital support to patients and their families facing the end-of-life journey. On Sunday, May 5, nearly 250 VNA supporters met at Valpo's Central Park Plaza and Urschel Pavilion and guided participating families on a 2.1-mile stroll through downtown.
“It is a fundraising event we put on as one of only two remaining not-for-profit hospice organizations in Northwest Indiana,” said Maria Galka, VNA Hospice NWI Director of Development. “It’s an opportunity for us to open our arms to the community and support them in their losses as they create new family memories. There’s so much that hospice can do for patients and families during that time when they’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness.”
The VNA Stroll for Hospice marks the 23rd one-day event centered on celebrating life and compassion in hospice care. This year’s theme drew inspiration from the colorful and vibrant holiday of Cinco de Mayo. The event ran from noon to 4 p.m. and offered families and participants an abundance of activities, including raffle baskets, a bounce house, kids’ crafts, face painting, piñata-smacking, dancing to the DJ’s playlist and a cookout following the participants’ conclusion of the stroll.
“Our event is really special because it brings back a lot of families we’ve worked with over the years and helps us to both remember and celebrate their loved ones,” said President and CEO of VNA Hospice NWI Bob Franko. “It’s a fun, special day and helps to honor families and caregivers as well as those who have passed before us.”
Franko took to the amphitheater's podium to introduce the event and welcome participants—including several large teams who are continuing another year of advocacy for their families and VNA Hospice NWI. These teams included: Poppy Deu's Crew, Don and Dorothy Wozniak, Ed and Lydia Fritz (who walked virtually), Elmhurst Bicycle, Marina’s Movers, Superman Team, Baba's Bunch, Kingpins, Shirley’s Steppers, Team Leola, the Strickland Strollers, and Toni’s Troopers.
“Last year, we served over 900 patients and families,” said Franko. “In our over 40-year history, our hospice services have helped over 17,000 patients. This event helps bring awareness to all that our hospice program entails. We, of course, have our hospice program. We also have our inpatient center, which is only one of seven that’s left in Indiana. We fight to keep our resources here, and that also includes our Meals on Wheels program, which serves almost 250 people a day across Porter County. Our Palliative Care program also assists about 80 to 100 people. We are also a proud partner in the national We Honor Veterans program. Thank you all for giving us the privilege of serving.”
Franko directed the “Grand Marshal” to start leading the stroll. This year’s designated “Grand Marshal” was the Shirley’s Steppers team who won the most spirit award at last year’s Stroll for Hospice. The stroll began as the teams made their way through downtown Valpo.
Families have walked all different journeys and came together to honor their fellow loved ones. Matty and Dena Whaling offered their time in honor of their son, Keegan John Whaling, who passed away in a drowning accident in 2017.
“Our son was a 20-year-old junior at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI),” said Dena Whaling. “He was a wonderful spirit. We do a lot of fundraisers to give back to the community. We give a little bit to help some of our wonderful friends at the VNA who do an incredible job of taking care of patients and families.”
Marsha Higgins, a fellow Toni’s Trooper, strolled alongside her family in honor of her late mother.
“She lived a great life,” said Higgins. “She was 94 when she passed away at work. She was very busy and kept gardening. She was very independent and life is so weird without her.”
Rick and Linda Tubbs, who are long-standing donors to VNA Hospice NWI, exuded gratitude for the support received from Rick Tubb’s first wife, Carolyn Mahaffuy, before her passing.
“My former wife started walking in 2007 or 2008 for her mom and dad,” said Rick Tubbs. “She continued doing that every year until 2016 when she passed away. I decided to always continue walking for her. We know VNA Hospice NWI is a good organization to help families out and I know a lot of the people here today.”
Nancy Whitlow, a dedicated VNA volunteer, came out to the Stroll for the first time and takes pride in the great effort made to the annual fundraising event.
“This is where the loved ones of our patients come out to remember their loved ones and be a part of a big celebration,” said Whitlow. “It seems to be a great time and every year I hear it just gets better.”
Following the commemorative stroll, VNA Hospice NWI offered awards and raffle prizes to winning recipients and teams. Information booths remained present outside the amphitheater to educate the public on VNA Hospice NWI and its services in hospice and palliative care.
To learn more about VNA Hospice NWI and future community events, visit vnanwi.org.