To the editor:
On Sunday, Sept. 22, the tranquil neighborhood around St. John’s Prep in Danvers came alive as families, friends, students, parents and community volunteers gathered on campus to remember the special lives that had touched their own. In spite of a rainy morning, over 3,500 people celebrated the lives of their loved ones at the 26th Hospice of the North Shore Greater Boston!
Funds raised through the Walk support an array of hospice services that bring unparalleled compassion and expertise to patients and families facing end-of-life. The generous community support from the community underwrites innovative programs such as massage, music and art therapy for hospice patients as well as comprehensive grief support for anyone in the community who has suffered a loss.
Countless individuals have made the Walk for Hospice of the North Shore Greater Boston a success, led by a dynamic Walk Committee, chaired by Karen Gagne of Salem, Tom Gould of Peabody and Maureen Trefry of Beverly. We are grateful to the scores of energetic volunteers, and to the entire St. John’s Prep community: Headmaster Dr. Ed Hardiman, and staff, faculty, parents, and students. Together we welcomed friends, families of hospice patients, and students from more than 30 area schools and colleges – all honoring the memories of loved ones by walking and raising important charitable funds.
Our corporate sponsors contributed not only generous financial resources, but also many goods and services to make this event possible. This year’s sponsors included Title Sponsor Eastern Bank and presenting sponsors Align Credit Union and Henry’s of North Beverly.
On behalf of the families and patients who benefit from the generosity of our caring community, please accept our heartfelt thanks. — Diane T. Stringer, President, Hospice of the North Shore Greater Boston, Danvers