When Joann Randall, of Bainbridge Township, was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, she was determined to hold onto the kind of joy and peace that envelopes the soul, said her husband, Greg.
When Joann Randall, of Bainbridge Township, was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, she was determined to hold onto the kind of joy and peace that envelopes the soul, said her husband, Greg.
Drawing inspiration from “The Book of Joy,’ by Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, Joann explored joy through a healthy mind, body and spirit, guided by the book’s eight pillars. She began a mission to spread joy — saving notes and writing about her visions to keep her dreams alive.
Joann believed the best way to cultivate joy in oneself is by helping others.
Following her death at the age of 57 in January 2022, her family and friends created the nonprofit organization she and Greg had envisioned — Power of JOy (with a capital JO in honor of her nickname, Jo) — with a mission to build community and support joy in people’s lives, especially during hardship.
Power of JOy’s programs and projects focus on connection, personal well-being and compassion.
One of their flagship programs is Hiking Through Loss, a monthly gathering that includes hiking and social events designed for those who have lost a spouse or partner.
What began as a therapeutic activity to support those going through grief has inspired a new documentary by local producer In the Bubble Productions in Chagrin Falls.
Hike Through Loss is Born
The idea for the hiking group began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when founding member Ellen Weaver, of South Russell Township, started hiking with a small group of widowers — including Greg Randall — as a means of connection through grief.
“The bonding is undeniable,” Weaver said. “Seeking out and hiking with those who understood my pain was a natural outlet for me. I needed to be with others who could understand without having to be in a grief group focused on sadness. In our group, we all find joy in our friendships and the social activities are such a support in addition to the hiking.
“We recognize that each person grieves differently and moves at their own speed in adjustment to finding joy again,” Weaver added. “The old world they lived in has changed and this group can feel like a lifeline of support and acceptance. Members are asked to think about the sensitivity of the person they are talking with, knowing that those in early loss of any kind need more care in how and what is said. Due to our shared pain, this comes naturally.”
The group emphasized it is focused on friendship, not dating.
“We realize people move through trauma and loss and some find new companions,” Weaver said. “The friends within the hiking group all love to meet new companions in some social activities, but the hikes are to remain for just the people who need support. This is an amazing group of people.”
Greg said the group introduced him to wonderful people who are seeking connection and understanding on a deeper level.
“The hiking group has given us the opportunity to relate to others in a similar situation, without pressure or judgement,” group member Shely Wangler said. “It has helped so many people begin to fully live again with their new circumstances at their own pace. We are a group that supports each individual person on their own new journey.”
Their very first hike began with seven members at Geauga Park District’s Holbrook Hollows in Bainbridge Township.
They now have around 60 members and are planning to launch a second chapter.
Power of JOy also offers a calendar full of year-round service opportunities, including POJ Kids, which serves youth ages 6-18 from underserved neighborhoods in Cleveland.
Group Inspires New Documentary
About a year ago, while working out on a treadmill, Engelina Koberna, owner, creative director and producer at In the Bubble Productions in Chagrin Falls, unexpectedly ran into an old friend, Beth Furlong.
“To my dismay, I learned that her husband had passed away after losing his battle with brain cancer,” Koberna said. “Despite the heartbreaking loss, her friend shared her inspiring journey of finding joy with the support of a group of hikers who had experienced similar tragedies.
“Touched by her story, I shared it with my longtime friend and filmmaker, Stephen Burks, who has been caring for his wife, battling ovarian cancer,” she added. “(He) felt a deep connection and committed to embarking on a new project.”
Together, they set out to create, ‘Hiking Through Grief,’ a documentary following The Power of JOy’s group and delving into the personal stories of individuals navigating grief, Koberna said.
“Our film aims to dispel societal misconceptions about this emotional journey,” she said. “The goal is to craft a film that intimately presents the experiences of resilient individuals who have discovered solace and renewal through a close-knit community of fellow grievers via hiking and social activities.”
Foundation for Geauga Parks Joins Project
In October 2024, Foundation for Geauga Parks Executive Director Christine Davidson introduced University Hospitals Senior Development Officer Bill Rice and the UH Geauga Medical Center Leadership team to Koberna and Burks.
“There were a lot of synergies with the two projects and FGP’s mission,” Davidson said, adding UHGMC, FGP and the Hiking Through Grief group agreed to collaborate on joint fundraising for a new walking trail on the hospital grounds and the documentary, as a “reflective guide for the film was in development and could be a complementary offering for groups or individual patients in multiple practice areas at (UHGMC).”
On June 14, UHGMC’s Family Health and Safety Day, a private screening of the film, titled “Hiking Through Grief,” was held for a local audience and a “symbolic walk” around the campus emphasized the need for a dedicated walking trail on hospital grounds.
Construction of the new wellness trail began Aug. 2 on the hospital campus in Claridon Township, looping through its natural surroundings. It is expected to be completed in mid-September.
“The powerful film explores the role of nature in navigating loss and fostering emotional healing,” Davidson said. “We believe its message deeply aligns with our mission to connect people with the restorative power of the outdoors.”
The documentary addresses the lack of emotional support available for those grieving.
Through compelling personal stories and nature-based experiences, it illustrates how healing and resilience can emerge through shared journeys — especially in the calming presence of nature.
Local landmarks like Geauga County’s scenic parks and trails are featured prominently, and a reflective guide and facilitator manual to accompany the film is currently in development, aimed at helping professionals use the documentary in therapeutic, healthcare and educational settings.
Burk’s wife, Laura, who was in hospice over the past two months, died on July 29.
The Hiking Through Loss group reached out to him to offer support as he began his journey through grief, Weaver said.
Film Debut
“Hiking through Grief” will debut at the 16th annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival, running Oct. 7 – 12 in Chagrin Falls, and at the following locations:
- 8 at 5:30 p.m., a screening will be held at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School (tickets available after Labor Day)
- 11 at 1:30 p.m., a free screen will be held in Triangle Park (open to the public).
Visit www.chagrinfilmfest.org for more information. To learn more about Power of JOy, email hike@powerofjoy.net with your full name and phone number.
