CLEVELAND — Thousands gathered to remember their loved ones at the 10th annual Walk to Remember at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Sunday.
The Walk to Remember benefits Hospice of the Western Reserve, an organization that according to their website, is a “Medicare/Medicaid certified hospice program, offering a comprehensive hospice benefit.”
The Clark family was one of the many groups in attendance for this event.
They were they to honor and remember, Tom Clark, who passed away in 2014 from melanoma.
Tom’s wife, Carla Clark, said they chose to use hospice so Tom could spend his final days in the comfort of his own home.
“He was able to stay at home and be comfortable and pass away at home with dignity,” Carla said. “I think that hospice is so vital to people that want to die at home with dignity and not in a hospital.”
As the family walked through the zoo, they reminisced on Tom’s life.
Tom’s wife said he was known for his sense of humor.
“He had a healthy ego,” Carla laughed. “He was funny and he loved all of his friends.”
Tom’s now 10-year-old daughter, Reese, walked alongside her mother for most of the day.
“I remember when I went to the zoo with him. It was really cute,” Reese said. “I have his ashes in my bedroom so he can keep watch over me.”
The Clark family has been attending the Walk to Remember for the last seven years.
“I like that everyone has a special person to remember in their life,” Reese said. “I think it’s good because if you’re dead, you don’t want to be forgotten.”
The family plans to continue participating in this walk for years to come.
