PIKE MARKET MEDICAL CLINIC

Participants in the 2012 Pumpkin Push to benefit Pike Market Medical Clinic

At 9 AM on Saturday, October 27th unrelenting rain fell and whipping winds sailed across Lake Washington. That didn’t stop 1,400 walkers and runners including staff, donors, volunteers and patients from Pike Market Medical Clinic from racing through Seward Park for the 2012 Pumpkin Push.

Tricia Madden, program manager for the Clinic’s homeless services was especially proud to walk alongside 20 recently homeless patients.  “It is amazing how much pride and support they felt by seeing this mass of humanity caring about their lives and raising money to help them.”

The strong resolve of this group was evident when one nurse offered to provide a brunch indoors, instead of going outside to walk in the Pumpkin Push, but the patients insisted on being there.  “I am touched by how much it means to them to walk with the people supporting them as equals.”

Together, they raised more than $80,000 to support health care programs for the homeless.

“We hope you all are dry, warm and rested,” Tricia wrote in a thank you letter to participants.