Mercy New Life Hosts 2nd Annual Memorial Walk

Mercy Health New Life Hospice hosted its second annual memorial walk under bright blue skies the afternoon of May 22 on the Mercy Health Campus in Lorain.

“Graciously sponsored by Mercy Health Foundation-Lorain and Dovin, Reber-Jones Funeral and Cremation services and organized by our Mercy Health New Life Hospice team, we were able to have over 250 individuals come and walk at our walking trail located right on our hospital property,” said Catherine Woskobnick, Vice President for Mission & Integration for the Mercy Health Foundation.

Activities were set up along the journey along the campus walking track for families to pause and reflect on their loved one by writing their name on a heart – placing a pebble in a jar – writing and drawing a memory of their loved one while considering their weight of grief.   Chaplains were available in a connection circle to provide any additional support needed.

Along the walk, musicians from Oberlin College played along with a guitarist at the main tent.  The mission of this event is to provide grievers with a peaceful and comforting way to honor and remember their loved ones.

“Whether you came to this walk because your loved one used hospice services, Mercy Hospital services, or services from another healthcare organization, or no medical services at all, we want you to know that we include all of you in this event and are appreciative of each of you being here,” said  Jennifer Mosely, MSW, LISW-S, Bereavement Counselor/Social Worker for Mercy Health-New Life Hospice.

“In hospice we are very passionate about the importance of honoring and remembering loved ones. This is really an essential part of mourning and being able to heal as we grieve. One goal of this walk is to help you connect with your loved ones through your memories. When we combine the intention of honoring a loved one with the physical action of walking, that really aids in healing. We want this to be a meaningful event that brings you a sense of peace and comfort.”

“All in the community are welcome to this event and we look forward to next year’s event – mark your calendars for the middle of May for a family event giving you the space and time needed if you have experienced the loss of a loved one,” added Catherine.