Walk to benefit Miller’s palliative care program

For the second year in a row, friends, families and community members will join together for the Palliative Care Program Pursuit Walk. The walk is being organized to raise awareness of palliative care, a specialized area of care offering physical and emotional support and comfort to pediatric patients with chronic or serious illnesses, as well as to raise funds to expand the supportive/palliative care program at Miller Children’s. The palliative care program improves “quality of life” for children with life-threatening illnesses and strives to better address the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of pediatric patients and families.
“Our goal is to assure that every child has a meaningful life and that they have the opportunity to live that life free of pain or other symptoms of discomfort engulfed by the families and communities that love them, for as long as possible,” said Joetta Wallace, NP, Pediatric Supportive Palliative Care Program at Miller.
The walk was founded by Rachel Llanos, who is one of more than 100 parents whose family has benefited from the supportive/palliative care program. Her daughter, Kellie, had a rare chromosomal abnormality called Trisomy 13 that led to heart problems and the need for constant care at Miller Children’s throughout her life. Although Kellie has passed away, the Llanos Family was deeply touched by the supportive/palliative care program, which provided comfort to Kellie and her family.
When it was time, Kellie was able to pass away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Her mother’s goal is to raise funds to support the supportive/palliative care program so they can continue to provide future patients and families with the same compassionate care.
“I was so touched by palliative care, I wondered why more people in the community didn’t know about it,” Llanos said. “I want to be able to help other families have access to a program that ensures a child’s comfort and needs are met.”
The Palliative Care Pursuit Walk will be Saturday, March 10, starting at 10am, at El Dorado Park East. Registration is $20 and benefits the palliative care program through online fundraising. Visit MillerChildrens.org/pursuit to register online or support a walker.