Come run or walk to help hospice
Recently, researchers at Harvard University released the findings of a 75-year-long, $20 million grant study on happiness.
What did they find? The No. 1 factor to determining lifelong happiness is relationships with others. The study revealed that relationships are the key to happiness. More than wealth, fame or career success. As a matter of fact, relationships were found to be as important to health as diet and exercise. This makes sense. I think many people understand that loneliness and isolation can lead to depression and ill health — both mentally and physically.
There is a well-known expression that goes “life is short.” When faced with the diagnosis of a terminal illness, life suddenly becomes profoundly short. And that is also when the results of the Harvard study become clear. When facing a terminal illness, money, status, material things suddenly become unimportant. The career, the job, the car, the possessions become frivolous. What really matters in a person’s last months or days are the relationships with caring family and friends.
The Run and Fun Walk for Hospice of St. Mary’s this Saturday in Leonardtown is truly about relationships — family, friends, neighbors getting together to care for the terminally ill and each other. It also provides a great opportunity to build relationships. By running or walking, you will help us provide comfort and care to those facing a terminal illness in our community.
But it’s even more than that: This Saturday is a fun opportunity to get out, get some exercise and connect with the community and make relationships that can make a difference in life. Someone else’s as well as your own.
There is a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
I invite you to come out and be a part of our family. You’ll not only make a difference to someone facing a terminal illness, you’ll make a difference in your own life. Life is profoundly short. Relationships are important. Please join us on Saturday to make a difference in our community and in our lives. For more info see www.runforhospice.org.
Jim Dicus, Hollywood The writer is director of the annual Run and Fun Walk for Hospice of St. Mary’s.