The past few weeks have brought a yellow wave of enthusiasm for the collective voice of prevention and support for families living through the reality of a workplace tragedy. Steps for Life volunteers and sponsors RALLIED from coast-to-coast to bring back their park events in full force — and then some! We saw record turnouts and fundraising in many communities, and we’ve received grateful feedback from family members, participants, and sponsors sharing how meaningful they found their local event.

A large family gathers beside a small white sign beside a park path

Team “Walking for Dad-Paul MacNeil” gather for a family photo beside Paul’s memory lane sign at Hamilton Steps for Life.

Thank you never seems like enough, but we keep saying it. On behalf of all of the family members accessing Threads of Life’s programs and services, thank you. You’ve created more awareness and support within your community to prevent future workplace injuries and illnesses, you’ve provided support and community for those who are grieving, and you’ve helped other hurting families discover that support is available for them.

More families who’ve experienced a life-altering workplace injury, occupational disease, or fatality discover Threads of Life in April and May than at any other time of year. The awareness created in promoting the local events, including media coverage and other promotional efforts, let families know that support exists. That there is a number they can call to connect with others who understand the challenges they’re facing through indescribable loss. In April and May of this year, more than 25 new families reached out to Threads of Life for support. This is the most meaningful metric we have to demonstrate the success of Steps for Life. Workers and families who need help discovered that there was a compassionate organization they could turn to for support.

We walk for those who aren’t able to walk.
We walk for those we’re remembering.
We walk so that families affected by workplace tragedy never have to walk alone.
We walk to share our commitment in workplace safety.
We walk together.

Thank you for walking with us! See you next year!

Sarah Wheelan
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