May run⁄walk raises money, honors Miles

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The run⁄walk takes place in Historic Downtown Prince Frederick, with the start and finish at the Calvert Hospice office, 238 Merrimac Court. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., run⁄walk at 8:30 a.m.

Registration, which includes a T-shirt and a memorial azalea plant, is $30 for individuals, $20 for students elementary school through college with ID, $20 for seniors 65 years and older, or $40 per family.

Preregister online by going to calverthospice.org and clicking the crab.

The first weekend in May is a special time at Hospice. It is the weekend the Miles family chose to honor the memory of Robbie, a young man with an extraordinary gift for life, despite a debilitating and uncontrolled seizure disorder that left him both mentally retarded and physically handicapped.

Before his death in 2000, Robbie enjoyed going to Patuxent High School with his family and friends and pushing himself around the track in his wheelchair.

Kate Miles, Robbie’s mother, decided to honor Robbie’s memory with a 5K event.

The Miles family has moved from the area, but the Friends of Calvert Hospice continue to honor Robbie with the 5K.

The event gives others a chance to honor lost loved ones.

This year, participants will have the opportunity to wear a self-decorated bib displaying their loved one’s name.

Although he was handicapped, Robbie enjoyed physical activity.

The 5K is an appropriate event to honor Robbie and kick-off National Fitness month in May.

Strollers and dogs are welcome.

Activities for children and adults include a crab crawl, obstacle course and other games. Food will be provided at the 5K post-race party.

All proceeds benefit the Burnett-Calvert Hospice House under construction on Sixes Road in Prince Frederick.

The Hospice House will be available to anyone in Calvert County living with a terminal illness for whom care at home is not an option.

Access to the Hospice House will be first come, first served and available regardless of the individual’s ability to pay.

For information on the Robbie Miles Run and Walk or donating to Hospice House, call 410-535-0892 or 301-855-1226, or go to calverthospice.org.