ALAMOSA — For more than 40 years, Hospice del Valle has been honored to serve individuals and families throughout the San Luis Valley during some of life's most difficult and meaningful moments. Since its founding, Hospice del Valle has provided compassionate end-of-life care, emotional support, spiritual care, and bereavement services to thousands of local families facing serious illness and loss.

This year, Hospice del Valle is proud to host its first-ever San Luis Valley Remembrance Walk. The event was created to bring families, friends, and neighbors together to honor loved ones, share memories, and celebrate the lives that continue to shape our community.

The San Luis Valley Remembrance Walk will take place on Friday, June 26, at Blanca Vista Park in Alamosa. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

While many people know Hospice del Valle for providing end-of-life care, the organization's mission extends far beyond caring for patients. Hospice del Valle offers an interdisciplinary approach that supports physical, emotional, and spiritual needs while also providing guidance, education, and practical support for families and caregivers. Bereavement services continue after a loss, ensuring families have access to support during their grief journey.

Hospice del Valle's interdisciplinary team includes nurses, certified nursing assistants, a Family Support/Bereavement Specialist, chaplains, volunteers, and other professionals who work together to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. Their goal is to help individuals live with comfort, dignity, and meaning while supporting the loved ones who walk alongside them.

Every day, Hospice del Valle staff and volunteers walk beside families as they navigate serious illness, caregiving responsibilities, grief, and remembrance. Through home visits, spiritual support, bereavement programs, volunteer services, and community outreach, the organization strives to ensure that no family has to face these challenges alone.

The San Luis Valley Remembrance Walk was created as an extension of that mission. Throughout the years, Hospice del Valle has had the privilege of caring for and supporting countless families across the Valley. This event offers an opportunity for community members to gather in remembrance, find connection, and honor the lasting impact of those they have lost.

"I am excited to help recognize and honor our bereaved community while bringing people together in remembrance and solidarity," said Janine Jiron, Family Support/Bereavement Specialist with Hospice del Valle. "Through our work, we have the privilege of walking alongside families during some of life's most difficult moments. This event is an opportunity to honor loved ones, share memories, and remind one another that no one has to grieve alone."

Participants will have the opportunity to walk in memory of family members, friends, neighbors, veterans, and others whose lives have left a lasting impact. Organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition that promotes remembrance, healing, connection, and community support throughout the San Luis Valley.

Hospice del Valle would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the community sponsors whose generosity has helped make the inaugural San Luis Valley Remembrance Walk possible. Special thanks to Ent Credit Union, Rio Grande Hospitals and Clinics, San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group, Edward Jones, Rocky Mountain Home Health, Alamosa State Bank, RG Bank, Mountain Valley Mortuary, and Wrangler Grill for their support of Hospice del Valle and the families we serve.

The San Luis Valley Remembrance Walk serves as both a community gathering and a fundraiser supporting Hospice del Valle's mission of providing compassionate end-of-life care, family support, spiritual care, and bereavement services throughout the San Luis Valley.