Speakers from all around Virginia came to Ocean Lakes to inform students of their professions and their journeys. This included various alumni, organizations, clubs and entrepreneurs who spoke at the event from Feb. 9-Feb. 13.
Every year, Ocean Lakes partners with an organization to offer volunteer work to students and support their cause; this year the Edmarc Foundation joins Ocean Lakes with opportunities to help hospice kids.
The Edmarc Foundation, a family health and well-being non-profit organization, aids children in hospice care and their loved ones. Additionally, they offer services to the families and friends of the hospice children to help guide them through the process.
“This foundation is supporting a good cause and it is helping the kids to have the best possible life that they can,” freshman Eliza Bishop said. “Since they might not overcome their illness they’re giving them a comfortable life and the parents are not receiving a bill.”
Edmarc was founded in 1978 after a boy named Marcus Hogge who was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease. Seeing the gravity of the situation, Marcus’ parents reached out to Reverend Edward Page of Suffolk Presbyterian, who was diagnosed with cancer, to help. Edward rallied volunteers to help Marcus in his time of need.
Both Edward and Marcus later died after succumbing to their illnesses but not in vain, as the Edmarc Foundation would soon be founded for hospice children. Both Joan and Allen Hogge, parents of Marcus Hogge, are still active members of the Edmarc Board of Directors.
“Having a child with a life-threatening illness can be a lonely journey,” Joan Hogge said. “Edmarc was formed so that no family would ever feel they were alone in their journey.”
Edmarc was chosen as this year’s partner organization. Ocean Lakes students have been donating their time and effort to Edmarc by creating cards and fulfilling wish lists for children.
“Opportunities to get involved include making cards for families, painting rocks for their rock garden, making food for families, making a design for a superhero cape logo and making heart shaped pillows,” English 10 teacher Kimberly Bedinger said.
