The Mahaska Health Foundation’s ‘Run in the Sun 9.5’ may have been all virtual this year, but that didn’t stop the fun, nor the community’s engagement and efforts to continue raising funds for the Hospice Serenity House. Funds raised from this annual event help support items that are needed at the house. Kim Stek, Serenity House Hospice Coordinator, shared “We are so grateful for the community’s continued support of Run in the Sun. It helps us continue to provide the highest level of care and compassion to our patients and their families.”
“It is important to keep our patients comfortable,” said Amber Coffey, a regular participant in the 5K and Mahaska Health board member. “Our aunt had cancer and received care at the Hospice Serenity House. The support, comfort, encouragement, and family time was what we needed during that time.”
“Our hospice house is a beacon of humanity and care. By having our annual Run in the Sun 5K race completed virtually this year, we were still able to promote our responsibility for quality care in our community,” shared Foundation Director at Mahaska Health, Ann Frost. “Family members of hospice patients always tell us that our Hospice Serenity House is a gift to their entire family, not just their loved one who are seriously ill. Family caregivers stress that the expert care they receive from our hospice team is critical to seamlessly transfer care for their spouse, sibling, child, or family member, and that the professional, caring, comfortable advice and support that our team provides is invaluable.”
The Foundation Board decided not to ask for business sponsorships for the run this year due to the economic situation many are facing, but there were two businesses who still wanted to support the run: Ratcliff & Blake Insurance Professionals and Mahaska Rural Water. With their donations, free advertisement on OskyNews, and 75 registrants, Run in the Sun 9.5 raised over $12,500 for the Hospice Serenity House.
Frost encouraged runners to tag the Mahaska Health Foundation or email selfie photos of their run, which were shared on social media. One of the most heartfelt Facebook testimonies came from Brett Burk, who said “This year I ran the Mahaska Health Foundation 5K in memory of my great-grandma Lois Williams who was a lifelong hospice Chaplin, donor, and beneficiary of hospice care. She was a small but mighty lady who supported her community in countless ways.”
The Mahaska Health Foundation is extremely grateful for the community’s continued support of Run in the Sun. Next year the 10 Year Anniversary will be celebrated, so stay tuned for more details!
