Wayne Mom Launches Memorial Rock Garden and Healing Walks

Irene Hodupski, a Wayne mom who experienced the devastating loss of her son to substance use disorder, has launched a compassionate community initiative combining celebration of life with therapeutic outdoor experiences. The program features guided healing walks and a Drug Memorial Rock Garden designed to support grieving families while raising awareness about substance misuse in the community.

Healing Through Nature

The healing walks are specifically designed for individuals and families who have lost loved ones. Led by Hodupski, who understands this profound loss firsthand, the walks provide a judgment-free environment where participants can share their stories and find peace in nature."

There is nothing better than being outside in nature and finding that peace and some normality," explains Hodupski. "I want to bring this healing experience to other families who are walking this difficult path."

Community Partnership Expands Initiative

Hodupski has partnered with the Wayne Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse to amplify her awareness efforts and reach more families in need. Through this collaboration, she shares her message and resources with Alliance members who are working to understand substance issues throughout the community.

The Wayne Alliance and Irene are currently working with Mayor Chris Vergano and Wayne Parks and Recreation to permanently display the garden at Rumana Park where her son, Michael played as a child. This partnership ensures the memorial will have a prominent community presence while supporting the Alliance's prevention mission.

The Drug Memorial Rock Garden serves as both a memorial to honor those lost to substance abuse and a community awareness initiative. The garden stands as a visible reminder of lives cut short while offering hope and resources to families currently struggling. "I do this to bring awareness to the community," Hodupski states.

"If this helps even one person or one family avoid what I have gone through, then it serves its purpose."

Transforming Grief into Hope

Participants in the healing walks often arrive carrying heavy grief but leave with renewed hope. Hodupski describes witnessing remarkable transformations: "To see someone coming on a walk with such sadness in their eyes and by the end of the walk, I see joy and a smile that they may not have had in a while. That brings me joy."

The program operates on the understanding that healing stories need to be shared repeatedly without judgment. "Our stories do not change – we tell them over and over. Here on these walks, we can tell them 100 times with no judgment, just with love and understanding."

A Voice for Those Lost

"My voice is not mine – it is my son's," Hodupski explains, emphasizing that this work honors her child's memory while helping others navigate similar losses.

Community Invitation

The Wayne community is invited to learn about the healing walk program and support the Memorial Rock Garden initiative. Those interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to reach out to Hodupski or the Wayne Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse.

The program represents hope emerging from tragedy, demonstrating how personal loss can be transformed into community healing and support.---For more information about the healing walks, the Memorial Rock Garden or the Wayne Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse contact: alliance@waynetownship.com