LIVERPOOL — After a COVID hiatus, the Remembrance Run/Walk for HOPE returns to Liverpool on Aug. 6. The event benefits HOPE for Bereaved, a Syracuse-based nonprofit that offers grief support groups, individual counseling and other resources for those struggling with loss.
While the struggle with grief is what unites the Remembrance Run/Walk participants, the event itself is joyful, featuring kids’ activities and a memory board to celebrate lost loved ones.
“The morning of the race … there really are no tears. Everybody’s smiling, everybody’s hugging one another, everybody’s laughing. It’s a couple hours where they can just have fun and be themselves,” said Walt Stein, who works in administration, counseling and development for HOPE. “They’re around other people who are going through what they’re going through, so there’s this bond that develops.”
As the HOPE for Bereaved team was gearing up for the run/walk, they welcomed a new executive director. Alicia Ernest stepped into the role in late July after the retirement of founder Therese Schoeneck.
“I certainly want to continue Therese’s legacy and the plans she has made for HOPE,” Ernest said.
Ernest began her career in the not-for-profit world, having previously worked for the Friends of Beaver Lake before moving to the veterinary field. She took the top job at HOPE for Bereaved so she could continue helping others.
“I was looking for a way that I could really support the community and give back,” she said. “What better mission than HOPE’s, [which] is to support [people] and help them as they grieve.”
Ernest’s first day at HOPE was July 18.
“It’s such a welcoming environment. It feels like I’ve always been here even though I just started yesterday,” she told Eagle Newspapers on her second day. “I’m honored to be a part of something that is so impactful.”
Throughout the pandemic, HOPE for Bereaved has offered its regular support groups and one-on-one counseling via Zoom and phone, but the office is open once again for walk-in traffic.
Connecting in person has taken on a greater importance because of the isolation of COVID. In addition to businesses and schools going virtual, New York State put restrictions on hospital visits and religious gatherings.
“I spoke to a lot of people who were not able to do the traditional funeral with the viewing and mass, if that was part of their religion. They felt like they didn’t get to do that final farewell the way you normally would do it,” Stein said. “For a lot of people, they never got to say that goodbye either because they were locked out of hospitals and nursing homes so they couldn’t be there when their loved ones were transitioning.”
As the pandemic continues, the demand for HOPE’s services has increased, especially for kids. Stein said the organization’s children’s counselor has observed “a lot of problems that the isolation is causing for children.”
“They’re not doing the normal things that children do. They’re not able to be around children their own age and play during COVID. We always stress with the parents and the instructors in the classroom the importance of keeping some structure,” Stein said, adding, “We have also seen an increase where schools are reaching out for help and businesses wanting to do seminars on how to help coworkers grieve.”
Fundraising has been a challenge in the age of COVID, Stein said. The Remembrance Run/Walk was held as a virtual event in 2020. The annual golf tournament and other events were modified to increase physical distancing and reduce the spread of germs.
“We did fairly well — don’t get me wrong — but we didn’t do as well as we normally do,” Stein said.
While masks are optional at HOPE’s office and at the Aug. 6 run/walk, the organization is staying positive but prepared in the face of new variants of the virus.
“As we are looking at the fall and we are hearing rumors that there will be a resurgence [of COVID], we are looking at the possibility of hybrid events so people can still support the organization,” Ernest said. “Especially seeing the increase in need throughout COVID and as it continues … it’s important that people have someone they can grieve to.”
Registration for the 12th Annual Remembrance Run/Walk for HOPE costs $30 through Friday, July 29 (includes T-shirt), $35 July 30 through Aug. 5 and $40 the day of the event. Children 12 years of age and younger are free. Visit runsignup.com/Race/NY/Liverpool/RemembranceRunWalkforHOPE/ to register.
The 12th Annual Remembrance Run/Walk for HOPE takes place Saturday, Aug. 6, at Long Branch Park in Liverpool. Day-of registration is at 8 a.m. The 5K run begins at 9 a.m. and the 3K walk begins at 10 a.m.
HOPE for Bereaved is located at 4500 Onondaga Blvd., Syracuse. To learn more about HOPE’s services, visit hopeforbereaved.com. If you need support, call the helpline at 315-475-HOPE (4673).
