It was just like a family reunion. Friends and family members, caretakers and neighbors all joining in the fun.

The 30th annual Catholic Charities Disabilities Services Walk of Hope on October 6 at OLA/St. Joseph Center in the city's Tremont neighborhood drew 500 walkers and supporters. Lively sounds of music, laughter and conversation among new and old friends resonated throughout the center.

"This is a wonderful way to represent people who can't walk," said Julie Ryan, a member of the core group who founded the walk in the 1978. "It's a real celebration of life and the ability to walk. We take pride and are grateful for what they're able to do. It proves they are very special people."

This year's walk was dedicated to the memory of Jim Beers, who died last December 27, 36 years after a debilitating stroke left him in a wheel chair and able to communicate only by using a computerized voice simulator or responding to an alphabet system, using a thumb up or down to indicate yes or no.

Beers and his wife, Mary Lou, spoke often at retreats, graduations and parish events throughout the diocese about their commitment to God, their faith, and each other, inspiring others to keep the faith as well.

"I'm walking because it is for a great cause, and especially because it's dedicated to him," said Jamie Castle, Beers' 16-year-old granddaughter. "He was a great guy, really amazing."

Castle and about 50 friends and family, including Mary Lou and the Beers' children and grandchildren, were readily identifiable with their bright yellow t-shirts imprinted with a photo of Beers with his thumb up.

"We began supporting the walk at Jim's urging because he, and we, felt that the walk is a walk of hope for every child with a special need. We hope it is a way of thanking God for Jim and for the gift of hope," Mary Lou Beers said.

"Jim and Mary Lou have always been people who carry the gift of hope wherever they went," said Dennis McNulty, director of Catholic Charities' Disability Services program. "They inspired many with their love for each other and their dedication to encourage others to live lives of love."

Another walker, Christine Lichtinger, a Regina High School junior, joined members of the school's Clown Ministry for this year's walk.

"This walk shows that people care, they all have hope," she said. "We're here to support Mary Lou and Jim, who played the role of Jesus for 12 years in the school's annual Stations of the Cross, which is done in song and mime."

The walk has grown every year beginning at Edgewater Park and the Center for Pastoral Leadership, then moving to the OLA/St. Joseph Center in Tremont in 1992. "It seemed a logical move since it's the center for many of our disability services," McNulty said.

The annual walk helps provide programs for persons with disabilities, including continuing education, advocacy and referral services and programs for the deaf, hard of hearing, blind and mentally ill in addition to outreach religious education instruction.

Klima is a freelance writer.

Photos by Thomas Cramer

this photo was included with the article

Mary Lou Beers, top, gathered with family and friends for a group photo prior to the 30th annual Catholic Charities Disabilities Services Walk for Hope on October 6. Beers and her husband, Jim, disabled by a 1971 stroke that left him speech impaired, often gave inspirational talks at retreats and parish programs.

These are additional photos taken by Thomas Cramer, UB