Six years ago, four friends participated in Concord Hospital’s Rock ’N Race virtually due to the Covid pandemic. We adopted the name Forest Bathers after the Japanese term coined for the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest to boost well-being in a natural way. Annie, Buzz, Peg and Deb had started walking together as an attempt to stay connected despite the necessary mitigations of the Covid era. We explored new mountain trails, traversed several rail trails and greenways, and strolled around new and familiar neighborhoods. Consequently, we deepened our connections, gained insights into life’s challenges, and developed a defense against the anxieties of our tumultuous times. Collectively we had either experienced a cancer diagnosis, had family or dear friends lose a battle to cancer or been a primary support person to others affected by cancer. The Rock ’N Race presented us an opportunity to support those battling this horrible disease and honor those who had unfortunately succumbed to the disease.

Rock ’N Race provides more than 50 percent of the funding for the programs and services of the Hope Resource Center at the Payson Center at Concord Hospital. Services include education, support groups, nutritional counseling, complementary therapies, funds for out-of-pocket expenses and more. Proceeds of this event support services to cancer patients and survivors in a way that dignifies people and treats them with the utmost care and sensitivity from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Please know that all donations to this cause are meaningful and immeasurably valuable to the recipients.

Now we are again reaching out to you as a family member, friend or someone who has supported us in our life’s challenges. We would love to have you join our team, the Forest Bathers and walk or run with us on Wednesday, May 6th at 6pm. If you’re not ready to walk or are unable to join the team that day, we’d appreciate for you to consider a donation to the cause. And here’s an additional challenge—invite a friend to join the team and walk with you. Last year, the Forest Bathers had 33 team members; let’s add more participants this year! 

Experiencing the walk can be very emotional and truly reinforce the importance of the monies raised for this endeavor. We raised $6,000 last year and would love to surpass that amount this year. The community raised over $348,000 from the event. Together we can make such a difference.

Early registration (through March1st) costs $35. After March 1st, the cost will be $40. You may register online until Race Day. T-shirts are available with team registration before April 13th. If you miss this deadline, you can still register for $40 online or in person the day of the event on Capitol Street, but no t-shirt. Paper registration forms are available at The Trust Office for $35. Children 14 years and younger may register for $15. 

To join our team or make a donation, use this link:  https://runsignup.com/forestbathers and hit the JOIN or DONATE tab.

 Participants who join our team prior to April13th will get a t-shirt with our team name on the back.

Thank you for reading our story and considering this special cause.

Best regards,

Annie, Buzz, Peg and Deb