Hike for Healing

The Tristesse Grief Center hosts the 3rd annual Hike for Healing, an awe-inspiring scene encouraging camaraderie as we honor our loved ones, on Saturday, October 5.

The 3rd annual Hike for Healing takes place on Saturday, October 5 at Turkey Mountain. Hosted by The Tristesse Grief Center, Hike for Healing brings together a variety of people for a 5K walk/run/hike to honor loved ones. There will be a variety of activities planned as well, offering many ways to ­commemorate the passing of those who touched our lives.

    The Tristesse Grief Center is a nonprofit that offers ­counseling and support to the bereaved as they cope with loss and make their way to a renewed sense of health. The Grief Center, which serves about 5,000 people annually in the region, ­specializes in ­individual and loss-specific group counseling for a variety of life-changing events. “Our mission has grown over the years beyond bereavement services,” explains Executive Director Susan Bramsch. “We also provide support for life losses, such as the loss of a job, a divorce or other ­significant life events.”

    The organization provides a variety of ongoing grief ­support programs in many settings, both at their office as well as out in the community. The Healing Hearts Club is a program that partners with schools throughout northeast Oklahoma, free of charge. Experiencing growth of more than 200 percent recently, the center is developing plans to expand their facility. They just broke ground on a new playhouse, which will prove useful for the children engaged in play therapy. With so many in need of TGC’s services, they are hoping the Hike for Healing will become a major community event to help meet this growing need for services in Tulsa.

    The Hike for Healing offers a unique opportunity to come together and honor the memories of loved ones in a healthy, outdoor ­environment. All are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate. Registration is $30 for adults ($20 for TGC clients). Children 12 and under are free.

    The day begins early with registration at 6:45 am, ­followed by a welcome ­presentation at 7:15 am. Shortly after, a sunrise ­balloon release will celebrate the memories of lost loved ones. The timed 5K trail run starts at 7:30. The Memorial Walk and Candle-lighting Ceremony starts at 7:35. The 5K run starts at 7:45 a.m. The event will ­feature a ­variety of activities, including music, poetry, ­special guest speakers and more.

    “My favorite part of the event is the balloon release at sunrise,” says Alissa Drescher, Program Director. Bramsch agrees, “There’s something about being at Turkey Mountain at sunrise that gives you a sense of awe. Releasing hundreds of ­balloons in remembrance of our loved ones as the sun comes up will be a special moment. I’m always ­mesmerized by how strangers quickly become friends and develop a sense of ­camaraderie at this event. We don’t normally get a chance to share our experiences of loss in the everyday world, so I think this sort of ­environment lends itself well to building lifelong ­friendships.”

    Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 5 and ­support this event and the organization that helps so many people cope with grief and loss. For more ­information on the Hike for Healing registration, or services and programs offered, visit The Tristesse Grief Center online at ­www.thegriefcenter.org.

For more information, contact

The Tristesse Grief Center

3930 E. 31st St.

Tulsa, OK 74135

(918) 587-1200

www.thegriefcenter.org