Trot for Tidewell

Sally Farrell woke up July 23 on what would have been her mother’s birthday and knew she wanted to do something in honor of her mother.

“I saw an advertisement, and I knew she would have wanted us to do it,” said Farrell, whose mom, Gerry Bodge, died in January 2016 at Tidewell Hospice.

The “it” was running in the Tidewell Hospice Turkey Trot 5K on Nov. 17 at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

“Tidewell helped us so much two years ago and let us know exactly what to expect,” Farrell said.

Farrell and several of her family members will run in the 5K or will participate in the 1-mile walk. Both begin and end at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

Proceeds from the event benefit Tidewell Hospice, which is hosting the race for the fourth year.

Many will run in honor of those who have received care from Tidewell Hospice or those currently receiving care.

Farrell hopes running in the Turkey Trot becomes a family tradition.

“We have nieces and nephews and aunts and grandkids all signed up to run with us,” she said. “It’s nice to know we’ll get to see everyone. My family is coming over to my house afterward. My nieces and nephews have families of their own now, so even though we might not get to see them on Thanksgiving, we get to see them that Saturday.”

Family members say they want to give back to Tidewell Hospice.

“I think one of the hardest things you go through is losing a parent or child, and Tidewell Hospice helps you through the whole process,” Farrell said. “And they help you so kindly.”

Farrell’s team, Toot’s Turkey Trot (the name her children called her mother), expects to have 16 runners in their group. Tidewell Hospice is hoping to see around 650 runners this year, about the number that participated last year.

Sign-ups will be accepted the morning of the race.

“My mom is smiling over this, she would love, love, love this,” said Farrell.