South Shore Health raises over $150,000 for hospice care with virtual walk

With its 29th annual walk, completed virtually for the first time in its history, South Shore Health raised more than $150,000 to support local patients and their families through hospice care.

The money raised covers some of the costs associated with hospice as many of the services provided by Hospice of the South Shore go beyond what insurance will allow. For the past 29 years, Walk for Hospice has been a key source of that funding.

"I was fortunate enough to work with the hospice team over my tenure... and I continue to see firsthand how committed my colleagues are," said Rose Di Pietro, interim president and CEO at South Shore Health during the event's livestream Saturday morning.

Hospice of the South Shore is a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains and volunteers who work in patients' homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, group homes and hospitals.

Want news like this sent straight to your inbox? Head over to PatriotLedger.com to sign up for alerts and make sure you never miss a thing. You pick the news you want, we deliver.In 2019, the team served more than 700 local patients and families in over 33 South Shore communities. Patients ranged from ages 6 to 109 years old, and while their illnesses varied, cancer diagnoses accounted for about 50 percent of cases.

The late Jane Tracy, mother of Dr. Jason Tracy, the chief of emergency medicine at South Shore Health, was the recipient of such care after she was diagnosed with advanced cancer.

"They made life a lot easier for all of us," said Jane's husband, Peter Tracy, in a Zoom call streamed before the virtual walk. "Contributions help and someday, they may help you and your family."

Typically, 1,000 to 2,000 people come together in-person for the walk. In previous years, it was held at Hanover Mall or South Shore Plaza, while last year it was held at Weymouth High School.

However, due to the pandemic and social distancing, people walked in their own neighborhoods Saturday morning, staying connected by wearing event t-shirts and sharing pictures on social media.

"We turned the Walk for Hospice virtual with the thought we still wanted all of those who have been impacted by hospice in the South Shore to still be able to remember and honor their loved ones," said Angela Floro, director of special events and South Shore Health.

By Sunday afternoon, they had raised $152,455 of the $157,000 goal.

"It's absolutely outstanding and shows how generous this community is," she said.

Donations are still open. Sponsors this year included the John F. McGee Foundation, The Patriot Ledger, South Shore Bank, Country 102.5 and WCVB-TV. To donate, visit SouthShoreHealth.org/Walk.

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