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Understanding grief can be difficult for someone going through it for the first time. Coping with loss is no easy matter. Guardian Angel Hospice understands this well. As a non-profit focused upon providing comfort and support during a person’s final days, death and loss are a part of the deal.
But talking about grief can be just as difficult. That’s one reason why Guardian Angel will hold its 9th annual Butterfly Run Memorial 5K on Sat., Aug. 19, at Prophetstown State Park. The event is designed to raise awareness and create conversations about grief and loss while enjoying time together in nature.
According to Laura Hileman, Guardian Angel Foundation Coordinator, 2023 marks a return to in-person events for the organization, as the previous two runs were done remotely.
“The last two years, because of COVID, we've had to do a virtual 5K,” said Hileman. “They can be successful if people understand them, but we really want the opportunity to be in person whenever we can. What this year is all about is people getting together and talking about grief.
“We want people to start having conversations so that it's more normal, because people don't talk about grief. One of the things that came from COVID is that people finally realize the unsettling feeling that they couldn't identify may be what grief feels like to varying degrees. It doesn't even come close to the feeling that you have with the death of a loved one, but if you just start talking about these things, you can normalize it.”
Hileman explained that grief can be misunderstood by people who aren’t experiencing it. It may make them more uncomfortable with the grieving person. Having conversations about loss, as everyone will eventually experience it, can make them more prepared for it and more understanding of those dealing with grief.
But what do butterflies have to do with hospice care, grief, or running? Guardian Angel chose the butterfly as its focus for the 5K because it is known as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. There is a spiritual reason as well.
“According to (Native American) folklore, if you whisper ‘I love you’ to a butterfly, it will carry your message to heaven,” said Hileman. “They all have a little different spin on what that might be. But that's the one I like the best, for sure.”
Prophetstown State Park was chosen for the event specifically because a live butterfly release will take place as part of the 5K. It was chosen for its natural beauty and the fact that it is a good environment for the butterflies once they are released.
Each participant who registers by Aug. 4 will receive a butterfly to release at the event, a commemorative t-shirt, and a spot in the 5K for $35. People can take part in the release, but skip the 5K for $25. And they can purchase a memorial marker to be displayed along the race course for $25. The park gate fee at Prophetstown will be waived for pre-registered participants.
“If you register by Aug. 4, you'll get a shirt and a butterfly for sure,” said Hileman. “We also have a family four pack, which includes four entry fees, t-shirts, and butterflies. If people don't want to walk or run, they can still register for a t-shirt and a butterfly, or just a butterfly.
“And we have the opportunity for people to buy a memorial sign. They can just write a message, put a picture on it, whatever they want. If they order one, someone from our committee will contact them and find out what they'd like their sign to look like. And if they want to take it home with them, they can.”
Hileman said that many families really get into the event and even dress up in costumes.
Registration will be open from 9-10 a.m. on the day of the race. A free Flutter Fun Run 100-yard dash for children ages 10 and under takes place at 9:30 a.m. The butterfly release follows at 10 a.m., and the run begins at 10:15 a.m. Awards and refreshments will follow the run.
Participants may register online by visiting www.butterflyrun.itsyourrace.com .
Sponsorship opportunities are also available, which come with varying benefits. Each sponsorship of $500 or more comes with multiple entries for the event, company name and logo on the t-shirt, and other signage and advertising.
For more information about the Butterfly 5K or Guardian Angel Hospice, contact Hileman at lhileman@gahospice.com or by calling 765-461-4468.
Kokomo Symphony and the Piano Man
The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra and the City of Kokomo have teamed up for a special night of music in Foster Park on Sat., Aug. 5. They are bringing Nick Davies, “The Piano Man,” to town for an evening of fun.
Davies and his band will join the symphony orchestra to celebrate the musical influences of Billy Joel and Elton John in concert at the arts pavilion within Foster Park. The performance is part of a larger Kokomo Symphony event, which includes a car show from 4-7 p.m. before the concert begins at 8 p.m.
Attending the car show and concert is free, but there are VIP tables and seats available close to the stage. VIP Tables are $450 for eight seats. Individual seats are $60 each. The VIP area is fenced in at the foot of the stage, and it will include a cash bar along with a few snacks, soda, and water.
Details on the car show and registration forms can be found at www.kokomosymphony.net . To purchase VIP seating or for other information about the symphony, visit the symphony’s website or call 765-236-0251.