Volunteers and board members of the Houston Hospice Society are gathering at the society’s offices May 1 to officially begin May as Hospice Awareness Month with a hike around the community.
The intent is that hospice supporters and others then hold their own activities throughout the month and, in doing so, collect pledges in support of the society’s work, says hospice society coordinator Jana Seinen.
This will be the fourth year the society has held an awareness event.
“Last year we did a triathlon but not everybody can sign up for the same intensity event,” said Seinen.
The May 1 group will be recognizable from the white T-shirts, a logo and the words “Hike for Hospice” on them.
Seinen expects up to 20 people to gather at the hospice society office for the 1 p.m. start. Runners or walking shoes are recommended as is a light coat in case of inclement weather.
Monies raised go towards assisting the society’s efforts in Houston, including a 10-week bereavement support group now underway.
The society also provides equipment and aids to people to better enable them to live in their homes.
Just as important is visiting people to provide support, said Seinen.
“It definitely can be a very lonely journey. They can be isolated, can’t get out,” she said.
“And even after someone passes away, we don’t want to stop visiting because there’s a family that they’ve left behind or a spouse. They can feel very lonely.”
Seinen said the society appreciates the level of support it receives and its reception within the community.
“We wouldn’t exist in this community if it wasn’t something that people in our community have prioritized as being important,” she said.