St. Francis hospice provides a venue that may seem unusual, but makes sense when you think about it. 

These folks have gathered at Pearlridge Mall for a particular reason. 

They are walking with a purpose.

"Ot's an opportunity for grievers to gather in a safe environment and meet other people who are also grieving and learn a little bit about how they can improve their coping skills,” said Felicia Marquez-Wong of St. Francis Hospice.

Every one deals with loss in their own way.  Many people want to withdraw and handle grief by themselves.

"Isolation is a common response and so by coming outside of your home and going to a mall, it's a step towards improving how you're going to be dealing with future challenging moments,” said Marquez-Wong.

These walkers are accomplishing two goals - one of them, the mere act of exercising.

"And that releases a lot of toxins from your body which is really a good thing.  And by walking with other people, there's an opportunity to socialize and share how their grieving and maybe learn from each other,” said Marquez-Wong.

The grieving program has been operating for 12 years and it's not just for those who have lost a loved one who died.  It can also provide support for those going through divorce or other life-changing transitions.

"We also provide a lot of grief activities and resources and part of it is identifying what some of those changes, losses, transitions that occur in your life and how are you going to be dealing with that,” said Marquez-Wong.

Marquez-Wong says the malls have been cooperative because management knows this activity raises public awareness.

"So I think it's a win-win situation.  We've had up to about a thousand 500 walkers on a yearly basis so we're pretty happy with that."

For more information, call #595-7566.