Sept. 29, 2009

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State head coach Suzy Merchant and the women's basketball program will be involved in this weekend's Hike for Hospice 5k to support Sparrow Hospice Services. The 10th-annual event, co-chaired by Merchant and WILX's Jason Colthorp, will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2009, beginning at 11 a.m., at Hawk Island Park in Lansing.

2009 Hike for Hospice Brochure
Hike for Hospice Web Site

"We are thrilled to be part of the Hike for Hospice for the first time this year," said Merchant. "Our dear friend and MSU women's basketball fan, Pat Canning, spent her final days at Sparrow Hospice Services where she experience compassionate care. It's such an amazing service and gift that they provide for our community that our team and program wanted to get involved. We hope to be able raise awareness as well as financial support in memory of many people who have benefitted from Sparrow Hospice Services."

Pat Canning and Coach Merchant

For more information on Pat Canning's path to Sparrow Hospice Services, click here.

Aside from the 5k walk/run. which is set to start at 12 p.m., the day also includes many other family and casual activities. In the "Capturing the Moments" section, the MSU women's basketball team and staff will be on hand for photos and autographs. The "Beginning Life's Pathway" will feature children activities, such as inflatables, face painting, balloon art and a magician. There will also be a "Music Therapy" area with multiple musical instruments available to play, a "Tuesday's Stories" area to list to life stories of former patients, and an "In Memory" area to honor and recognize those who have passed away.

Sparrow Hospice Services offer unique care and comfort to its patients, including final dream fulfillment, vigil companions, massage, music and pet therapy and the Tuesday's Stories program. All funds raised from the Hike for Hospice will support bereavement services, volunteer training, hospice medical staff education, roof top garden maintenance, complimentary therapies, new equipment and technology, and charity care for the uninsured.

For more information on the 2009 Hike for Hospice, visit the Sparrow web site by clicking here.

The 2008-09 Spartan team visited Pat Canning while she was being cared for by Sparrow Hospice Services

Please complete the above form to register for the Hike for Hospice, or you can register online at www.sparrow.org/hospice. Walkers will receive a t-shirt while supplies last. A minimum $25 donation or pledge is suggested for each walker; additional gifts are welcome. All registrations and contributions are due the day of the walk.