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Campbellton - The first-ever Hike for Hospice fundraiser for the Restigouche Community Bereavement Program was held in Campbellton May 4.

Trevor McNally/ Tribune

The first-ever Hike for Hospice drew about 50 people to the Campbellton waterfront May 4.

About 50 people showed up for the walk to stroll the waterfront in memory of a loved one. Organizers say the first one should lead to many more.

"We are very happy so many people came out,"said Brenda Jones-Connors. "We hope that next year and the years after, more and more people come to celebrate the lives of a lost loved one."

Charlene Nadeau spoke to those on hand about palliative care, of which she is in charge at the Campbellton Regional Hospital.

"Palliative and hospice care is not only for patients who suffer but also for their families. If there is anything we can do to help, we're there for you," said said.

Nadeau explained that a memory book dedicated to the lives of lost loved ones, will be on display in the family room of the Med/ Pal Unit at the CRH. Families can add a page by simply bringing in a photo and short biography of the deceased family member.

The guest of honour at this year's Hike for Hospice was Denise Caron, whose husband Dr. Jean Laurin died last year.

"I know exactly how you all feel as you deal with the loss of a family member. I was with Jean for a year-and-a-half as he battled cancer and losing him was the most difficult thing I have had to deal with," she said through a friend.

After she spoke, those on hand took a minute of silence to remember their lost loved one prior to the actual walk along the waterfront.

"The suffering by a family after the death of someone close can last a long time," said Jones-Connors. "But the loss of a loved one is not the end, their memory will last forever."

For more information on hospice service, call 753-2907.