Kane ‘Fun Walk’ will be virtual again this year

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

For the second year in a row, the “Fun Walk 4 Kane” will be held virtually as a result of concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the precautions are being taken to try to keep everyone safe from the virus, the Kane Foundation still plans to have a lot of fun and raise money to benefit residents of the county’s community living centers.

The 10th annual Joan Burns Kane Foundation Fun Walk 4 Kane is slated for Sept. 11. Event organizers, such as Janet Kulis, encourage area residents to sign up to walk for Kane residents.

There are four Kane Community Living Centers in Allegheny County. Care is provided to more than 750 residents a day at the centers, which are located in Glen Hazel, McKeesport and Ross and Scott townships.

The walk is typically held in McKeesport, but just like in 2020, this year’s walk is  virtual. That means those who want to participate can “walk anywhere you like, for as long as you want,” according to Allegheny County Department of Health and Human Services’ website.

The event is dedicated to the memory of a longtime volunteer, the late Joan Burns, who was also co-founder of the Kane Family Council.

Janet Kulis, a McKeesporter who is Burns’ cousin, co-founded the family council, which was created to give families and residents a voice and empower them to make positive changes.

Kulis said the event is being held virtually to keep people safe, but she admits “it is sad because the residents were really looking forward to participating.”

“It seemed like we were getting back to normal, but not so, especially for those living in a nursing home,” Kulis said. “The residents are so vulnerable so we did not want to take any chances.”

She said Kane residents “love to participate in the walk.”

“Even though the walk is virtual and will not be held at Kane McKeesport, the administration is planning to have some special activities and treats for the residents next week,” Kulis said.

Those who want to register to participate can go to www.alleghenycounty.us/kane/fun-walk-4-kane or call 412-422-6050 for more information. There is a $20 registration fee.

To raise money for the Kane Foundation, participants are encouraged to ask friends, family, neighbors or co-workers who are not walking to sponsor them so that Kane residents may benefit. 

“You are not asking for yourself — you are helping residents receive a better quality of life,” the county’s website states.

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