SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — An organization that helps people fighting life-ending illnesses got some help of its own this weekend.
A balloon launch set the scene this morning at McDade Park in Scranton for the Annual Hospice Remembrance Walk.
Hundreds of participants sported bibs with their loved ones' names on them while taking a one-mile walk around the park pond.
Organizers say the turnout this year is the most yet in the seven-year history of the walk.
"We do have a lot of different groups. We have about 600 people today maybe more and 47 teams and those teams walk in honor of their mom, their dad, their aunt, and their grandmother. That's terrific. This is a big number for us and we're very thrilled," said Diane Baldi the CEO of Hospice of the Sacred Heart.
Drawing up some fun at Chalkfest
"Everybody here is going through the same situation and you don't feel like you're alone, and you share stories and everyone wants to talk about their loved one and share something special about them, it just warms your heart and makes you feel very connected to everybody on a day like today," explained Carey Mazur from Olyphant.
Carey Mazur walked with her mother and friends in memory of her daughter.
20-year-old Julia Mazur died last November after a battle with cancer.
Money raised will help support programs and services of the hospice of the Sacred Heart in Moosic.
