Community walks to remember MHS student
Sierra’s Walk raises money for ALS Association
Walkers wore “Sierra Strong” T-shirts during a walk to remember Medina student Sierra Bland and raise money for the ALS Association. Photos by SCOTT KRISKA
GRANGER – Families got together at the pavilion at Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park July 14 to remember a Medina High School student who recently passed away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Sierra’s Walk was held in remembrance of Sierra Bland, who lost her battle with ALS at the age of 17. About 150 people attended.
Maria Richardson, a friend of Sierra’s, coordinated Sierra’s Walk with the help of her father, Matt, and Sierra’s family. Maria was also a Medina High School student. More than $4,000 was raised for the Bland family’s expenses and the ALS Association, Matt said.
“I thought that might be something fun to do,” Maria said. “I wanted to do something in memory of Sierra.”
The participants walked once around the lake near the park’s playground, then walked down the nearby trail circling the park and back to the pavilion. After the walk, they participated in several outdoor games and enjoyed free food, including pizza, hot dogs and various dessert items. Sierra’s family and friends sold T-shirts to those who participated, all of the proceeds of which benefited the Bland family and the ALS Association. The gathering ended with a moment of silence and a balloon release in Sierra’s memory.
Owen Zupanc had been a friend of Sierra’s for seven years. She said Sierra was best known for the positive way she treated others.
“She was really known for how sweet and faithful and strong she was even before and during her diagnosis,” Zupanc said. “She was always very sweet to everybody.”
Sierra’s family and friends said they hope Sierra’s Walk gave participants a chance to learn about her legacy in school and in the community and to remember her, as well as a chance to donate to ALS research.
“I hope that they continue to remember the light that Sierra was and her kindness and that people support the ALS community,” Sierra’s mother, Bethany Bland, said.
A GoFundMe page has also been created for individuals to donate to the Bland family to pay for funeral costs, medical bills, home health care bills and lost wages. Donations can be made at: https://www.gofundme.com/shnb6ra4
Sierra’s Walk was held in remembrance of Sierra Bland, who lost her battle with ALS at the age of 17. About 150 people attended.
Maria Richardson, a friend of Sierra’s, coordinated Sierra’s Walk with the help of her father, Matt, and Sierra’s family. Maria was also a Medina High School student. More than $4,000 was raised for the Bland family’s expenses and the ALS Association, Matt said.
“I thought that might be something fun to do,” Maria said. “I wanted to do something in memory of Sierra.”
The participants walked once around the lake near the park’s playground, then walked down the nearby trail circling the park and back to the pavilion. After the walk, they participated in several outdoor games and enjoyed free food, including pizza, hot dogs and various dessert items. Sierra’s family and friends sold T-shirts to those who participated, all of the proceeds of which benefited the Bland family and the ALS Association. The gathering ended with a moment of silence and a balloon release in Sierra’s memory.
Owen Zupanc had been a friend of Sierra’s for seven years. She said Sierra was best known for the positive way she treated others.
“She was really known for how sweet and faithful and strong she was even before and during her diagnosis,” Zupanc said. “She was always very sweet to everybody.”
Sierra’s family and friends said they hope Sierra’s Walk gave participants a chance to learn about her legacy in school and in the community and to remember her, as well as a chance to donate to ALS research.
“I hope that they continue to remember the light that Sierra was and her kindness and that people support the ALS community,” Sierra’s mother, Bethany Bland, said.
A GoFundMe page has also been created for individuals to donate to the Bland family to pay for funeral costs, medical bills, home health care bills and lost wages. Donations can be made at: https://www.gofundme.com/shnb6ra4