CARING CONNECTIONS WINTER 2018
Spotlight on the past 40 years | Patient stories of our care | Highlights of events
Caring Connections
CONTENTS 2 4
From Our CEO
6 8
Reflections about Our History
HER LIFE – Patricia Webb: A Hospice Co-founder recounts History with Hosparus Health
Time Line of the History of Hosparus Health
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Dancing with Our Southern Indiana Stars
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Candle Glow Gala: Celebrates 40 Years of Care
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Green River’s 12th Annual Mattingly Golf Tournament Evening of Tasting in Bowling Green Bar-B-Q Bash
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Central Kentucky Patient Enjoys Day at Keeneland Palliative Program gets 87-year-old Back in Her Garden
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Veteran Volunteers do Important Work
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Autumn Leaf Society River Cities Car Club Show Grayson County Teen 5K event benefits Kourageous Kids
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Ambassadors: Spread the word about Hosparus Health
HIGHLIGHTING OUR FIRST 40 YEARS 1978 - 2018 let’s look at how this all began In 1974, several members of the Louisville community who were interested in the needs of the terminally ill began meeting. These founding members included: Sherrill Thirlwell, Gerald Swim (University of Louisville), and Dr. Harper Ritchie. Hospice of Louisville (HL) was incorporated June 29, 1976, as a nonprofit, nondenominational organization. Rev. Richard Humke was the first board chair. Thirlwell
Swim
Ritchie
Humke
HL in the late 1970s was an all-volunteer organization and the original service area was Louisville. Three volunteers started the clinical and volunteer programs for Hospice of Louisville – Sister Marilyn Spink, Patricia (Pat) Webb and Maryann Werronen. Volunteers would visit patients in pairs, a registered nurse with a non-clinical volunteer. Pat Webb was the first director of volunteers and the first medical director was Dr. Lowell Katz. Eleanor Hammond was the first director of nursing. Spink
Webb
Werronen
Katz
The modern hospice movement began in England in the 1960s with the founding of St. Christopher’s Hospice by Dame Cicely Saunders. Sister Marilyn Spink met Dame Cicely and volunteered at St. Christopher’s for about 6 months to be mentored Saunders and taught the ways of providing hospice care to patients. Hospice of Southern Indiana (HSI) was also established in 1978, serving Clark and Floyd counties, as a result of a needs assessment conducted by the Interfaith Community Council. HSI remains the oldest nonprofit hospice in Southern Indiana.
Executive Team Phil Marshall, MBA President/Chief Executive Officer Terri Graham, RN, BSN, MSN, CHPCA Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer Sharon Orman, MBA, CPA Senior Vice President / Chief Financial Officer Bethany Snider, MD, HMDC, FAAHPM Vice President/Chief Medical Officer Gwen Cooper, MPA, CFRE Senior Vice President / Chief External Affairs Officer Bob Mueller, CFRE, STM Senior Vice President, Development Melissa Merrifield, PHR, SHRM-CP Vice President, Human Resources
VISIT PAGE 8 FOR A HISTORY TIME LINE
From Our
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cathy Zion, Chair Owner & Publisher, Zion Publications G. Kenneth Kapp, Immediate Past Chair Mergers & Acquisitions, CPA Allston Advisory Group, LLC
Dear Friend, Happy Birthday to us! This issue of Caring Connections showcases our first 40 years. We’ve grown from a small, volunteer-run organization to one of the top 20 largest nonprofit hospice and palliative care organizations in the nation. What an incredible accomplishment! We have so much to be proud of and so many people to thank who helped get us to where we are today. We can trace our success back to our founders, those mighty determined few, who for two years before we ever saw our first patient, laid the groundwork for a littleknown type of care called hospice. These volunteers spent countless hours building our care model – for no pay, no recognition and because they knew hospice care was (and is) the right care during the last chapter of our lives. Throughout the pages of this issue, you’ll see some thoughts from our founders, and others who were instrumental in Hosparus Health’s early days. Our debt of gratitude for their hard work runs deep, and we are forever grateful. You’ll also read about those first days in a first-person account from one of our founders and most dedicated volunteers, Pat Webb. She and her husband, Dr. George Webb, have been two of our staunchest supporters from the very beginning. Their passion for providing dignity and comfort to the dying is a mantle every Hosparus Health team member and volunteer has carried throughout our history. Much has changed over the years, but our culture of compassion has stayed the same. The foundation laid 40 years ago, and with every single person who’s been a part of our history since then, is why we are able to help more patients and families than ever before. To reach more families who need
Joanne M. Berryman, Chair-Elect Provost, Spalding University Roger Harbeson, CPA, CFE, Treasurer President/CPA, Monroe Shine Co. Inc., CPAs Kevin Wardell, Secretary Retired Healthcare Executive
us sooner, we’re expanding our outreach and advocacy efforts, like the program you’ll read about on page 19 about our new Ambassadors program. To better offer specialized care to our nation’s Veterans like Frank DeYoe (whom you can read about on page 16), we reached the highest level of certification in the national We Honor Veterans program in 2018. On page 15, you will read about how our rapidly growing Palliative Care program is allowing patients with chronic illness like Norma Niehaus, to get back to doing the things they love. Norma credits her care team for getting her back in her garden. It’s stories like these that make me incredibly proud of how well we are fulfilling the vision of quality care for everyone who needs us – a vision first realized by our founders. Our ability to serve EVERYONE who needs us regardless of their ability to pay, is because of the generous support from our community. Since the beginning, you have all given of your time, talents and treasures to make sure Hosparus Health was here for the first 40 and will be here for the next 40 years. So today, on behalf of the 8,000 patients and families we served in 2018, I want to thank you for 40 years of faith, 40 years of love and 40 years of support. Here’s to 40 more! Phil Marshall President and CEO
Lynn Bynum Chief Human Resources Officer Bellarmine University Charlie Dahlem President, Dahlem Realty Company, Inc. Cheri Glass Vice President, Human Resources Baptist Health Cis Beam Gruebbel Retired, Norton Children’s Hospital Marlyce Hill Ali, M.D. Medical Director, Centerstone Mike Joksimovic (representing Southern Indiana) Financial Advisor, Bluecap Financial Group Paul Loheide, M.D. Internal Medicine, One MD Jennifer Michael VP Health Solutions, Well Care Health Plans Jim Murphy Retired, Brown-Forman Brian Oldham Chief Information Officer, Appriss, Inc. Denise Roby Chair, Candle Glow Gala Dr. Todd Schmiedeler SVP, Employee Services and Foundation Trilogy Health Services Gary Stewart Retired, CPA Brent Thompson (representing Green River) Marketing Wizard/Sales Manager Shoreline Communications, Inc. Lawrence Wasser, M.D. Director, Newborn Nursery University of Louisville Hospital James L. Watson (representing Central Kentucky) SVP, Chief Market Lender, Heartland Region United Bank & Capital Trust
STAFF REFLECTIONS: Phil Marshall, President and CEO “I’ve been at Hosparus Health for 12 years, and it’s been such a special experience to be able to help so many patients and families. Everyone who’s been a part of this history has helped us build up to where we are now. And, we continue to work hard to make sure the culture stays the same. That is at the heart of what we do. It does get more difficult as health care becomes tighter with regulations, etc. and we have to keep up with that, but we’ve got to keep the mission at heart. And in fact, our mission has grown from pure end-of-life care to advanced illness care where we can help families even sooner.” 3
Patricia Webb
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George and Pat Webb at daughter Diane's wedding in 1984.
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Pat Webb on the right, with Sr. Marilyn Spink and other Hosparus administrators in the early 1970s.
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A young Pat Webb in her early years at Hosparus.
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Pat and family at the 2008 Bell Awards where she was honored for her volunteer service.
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George, Lin Edwards and Pat at the 2018 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
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Dr. Webb was honored with a Spirit Award.
A hospice co-founder recounts history with Hosparus Health
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was born in Rock Island, Illinois, and raised in Western Illinois on a farm. When I was 11, I had polio and from then on, I wanted to be a nurse. During nursing school in Chicago, I met George, and we married a few months after I graduated. We moved to Dayton, Ohio after George graduated. When he was drafted, we spent two years in Wichita, Kansas at McConnell Air Force Base. By then we had two children, Jeffrey and Diane.
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Experience with Loss and Introduction to Hospice Care Grief and loss were ever present in my experience. My oldest brother died at age five of an infection the year before I was born. My next older brother died at sixteen of polio in 1950. George’s father died suddenly in 1964, and his sister dealt with breast cancer from 1970 until her death at 44 in 1978. I first heard about care for the dying when we lived in Texas, between 1972
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After several other moves, we eventually settled in Louisville in January 1977, where George took a position as head of the anesthesia department at the medical school. I worked as a nurse before the children were born, but when they started school I was ready for something else. I received my certification in Medical Record Administration while we lived in Texas and had various duties such as coding, consulting and teaching there and here in Kentucky.
and 1976. After we moved to Louisville, I learned of Dame Cicely Saunders’ work and became acquainted with Sr. Marilyn Spink, who had spent time at St. Christopher’s Hospice near London. Sr. Marilyn organized the first volunteer training program in the spring of 1978. The idea of hospice care appealed to me because in my nursing experience, end-of-life care was not spoken of, nor was there any preparation in our training. It appeared that dying
patients became more isolated as death approached, and I felt there had to be a better way to deal with the final stage of life.
Rise of Volunteers While the first volunteer training was underway in the spring of 1978, one of the hospice board members, the late Dr. Ellis Fuller, arranged for Medical Towers North downtown to provide a small office free of charge to hospice for
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a year. The first patient “teams” consisted of a volunteer nurse and a lay volunteer. They visited patients and families, assessed needs and did all they could to meet those needs. Other volunteers answered the phones (no voice mail available if no one was in the office) and did office work. In late 1978, Lowell Katz, a young doctor starting his practice in Louisville, joined the other volunteers as the first medical director. The phrase used for
what this fledgling organization was doing: “Putting the airplane together in flight.”
The Inception of Hospice of Louisville Hospice continued as an all-volunteer organization until 1979 when Eleanor Dougherty was hired as the first fulltime executive director. She and the board raised funds and applied for grants to fund more staff and a larger office in Medical Towers, followed by one in the newly renovated Old Medical School Building. The Medicare hospice benefit was implemented in 1983. It included a requirement for volunteer involvement and for care being available to all, regardless of ability to pay.
The Growth of Hospice of Louisville The Hospice of Louisville board of directors formed about 1976 and guided the organization from the original board member Sherrill Thirlwell’s dream through the years of development and growth to become one of the largest nonprofit hospices in the country. The organization’s incredible growth was due to many factors, including the vision of many board members, volunteers, and paid staff. Hospice of Louisville started as a home-based program and gradually expanded to nursing homes in the 1980s. Sherrill Thirlwell had the dream of a hospice facility at the old Waverly Hills TB Hospital. When the inpatient unit opened in 1995 at the old Methodist Evangelical Hospital (now Norton Healthcare Pavilion), it was a long-awaited milestone.
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The pediatric hospice program, started in 1980, was the first one in the country. It has evolved to become Kourageous Kids, with several events for patients and families during the year. It was also in 1980 that Hospice of Central Kentucky started. The Bereavement Team began in 1981 and grew into the Grief Counseling Center (GCC) to provide individual counseling, support groups and programs for all ages. Camp Evergreen started in the early 90s, just for the kids who had experienced a loss. Now this is an annual weekend retreat for the entire family, coordinated and staffed by GCC and volunteers. Sustained growth increased after the Medicare benefit was implemented in 1983. It provided a stable source of income for expanding the teams to include social workers and chaplains as well as the mandate for including multiple disciplines on each team. In the 1990s, Hospice of Louisville merged with hospice organizations in Southern Indiana and Central Kentucky to become the Alliance of Community Hospices & Palliative Care Services. In 2008, the organization was given the name Hosparus and started seeing patients in the Barren River region.
Pat’s Role in Hosparus Health Through the years, I have done all kinds of things as a volunteer. I would call myself the volunteer coordinator for a while; medical record consultant for many years; home/nursing home patient volunteer in Jefferson and Bullitt counties; helping with annual
A true renaissance man, Dr. George Webb (who also happens to be Pat’s husband) Dr. George Webb is an integral part of Hosparus Health’s history, along with his wife, Pat Webb. He spent many years as a practicing anesthesiologist, and then as one of our first hospice physicians. When he started working with Dr. Joe Rotella on our inpatient unit in 1999, it was an informal fellowship in hospice and palliative care because such a specialty was not yet recognized in standard medicine. Dr. Webb wrote two books that have been invaluable to hospice care, “Cultural Diversity in America: How Different Cultures Approach End of Life” and “The Disease Progression Sheets.” Throughout his many years of working and volunteering with Hosparus Health, he has visited patients and given countless talks to staff, volunteers, medical students and the community. He organized Hosparus Health’s admission packet process and spent many hours doing chart reviews to help with Medicaid audits several years ago. The list goes on, but when people ask him what he does now, he always answers first, “I volunteer with hospice.” Dr. Webb truly is a renaissance man. In his free time, he has been a ballroom dancer, orchid grower, painter, sculptor and musician. He and Pat have two children and three grandchildren.
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HerLife–Pat Webb (continued) memorial services; office volunteer (lots of mailings in addition to whatever the “usual” assignment was); volunteer liaison to a nursing home team; veteran’s quilt maker; pillow maker for the inpatient unit; and many years ago, I did some health fairs and speaking engagements. Most recently, I did bereavement cards for the Northeast Louisville office. My last day as an office volunteer was in October 2018.
The Good, the Bad, the Hope The best thing about being involved with Hosparus Health for the past 40 years is the wonderful people who were involved from the very beginning and the remarkable people who joined the organization throughout the years, bringing the founders’ dreams to life. What kept me going, or my motivation to serve, did not change much through the years. I always knew that the needs were out there, and many
people would be required to fill those needs. It was gratifying to realize that so many other people were devoted to the hospice concept. The common thread that kept all of us going was trying to meet the needs of the patients and families. Hosparus Health has been growing and adapting as the health care field continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on palliative care. Providing services to those with chronic illness
R E FLEC T I ONS A BOUT
Richard Humke, priest at the Episcopal Church, one of the founders of Hosparus Health and its first Board Chair
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“We never had any idea when we began that hospice was going to be the large organization that it has become. When I think of the small group we began as, I’m really just amazed. Hosparus Health has provided quality care to the dying for 40 years now, and we wouldn’t want to be without it. I can’t find the words to say how proud I am.” On the early days: “Hospice has served people for 40 years, but there were two years before that that we spent raising money, talking to groups about hospice and so forth because there was no hospice anywhere near Louisville, and people didn’t know what it was.” On what’s stayed the same: “We determined when we began hospice that it was going to be interdisciplinary. That every discipline, be it nurse, physician, pharmacists, social worker, volunteer, clergy, would have a say in the care of the patient. That’s stayed the same because that’s integral to the hospice program. What’s been very pleasing to me is to see that Hosparus hasn’t compromised any of that.”
Lin Edwards, Hosparus Health’s first volunteer nurse
Lowell Katz, Hosparus Health’s first medical director
“It seems like just yesterday we were trying to get things together and build a plane in flight. We used to say that all the time because when we first started, no one knew what hospice was. No one even knew how to pronounce the word.” “I feel so grateful to have been a very small piece of such a large program. I did the work that I would have done for free if I hadn’t had to have a paycheck. It didn’t mean that every minute was good, because there were rough spots. But knowing that you gave people choices and gave them back a little bit of control in their lives when they thought they had no control was very rewarding.” On how she came to Hosparus: “I worked in intensive care in the late ‘70s and I saw people dying, but nobody was helping them. It just haunted me that there had to be a better way to do this. It wasn’t but a few weeks until there was a little piece in the New Albany Tribune saying that there was going to be a class for volunteers for hospice, and I thought, ‘Well, that’s it,’ and the rest is history.”
“I found out about hospice the day before my mother died. She had cancer and had a terrible death. At that time, they had not seen a patient. Yet I decided that if I could do something to keep other people from suffering, I was going to do it.” Working with Hosparus Health “is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me in medicine. You can help not just the patients but their entire families, and you can offer them hope. Not necessarily living longer, but certainly hope of a better death, hope of fulfilling some of their last wishes. It has been such an honor to be able to care for these patients and their families.” On what’s stayed the same over 40 years: “The people that work at Hosparus Health. They are the same kind of people who worked here 40 years ago. They have a real desire in their heart to help people and their families, and to make the end of life as bearable as possible.” On the medical community’s early reactions: “Everything in medicine has come with a lot of heartache and a lot of pushing and pulling. It was the same with hospice. It was this new – completely new philosophy and the doctors had never been trained about it. They didn’t know about it. Some of them were scared.”
prior to the final stage of life offers increased comfort and quality of life for many more who need it.
Words of Advice My advice for new volunteers is to treasure the privilege of being welcomed into the lives of the patients and families at the end of their journey. For those volunteers with non-patient care assignments, know that every hour of office work, or health fair duty, or envelope stuffing, is vital to the overall mission.
Retirement For me, retirement includes keeping in touch with friends and relatives, reading books for two book clubs, making patriotic quilts for hospice veterans, knitting hats for a church Christmas project, and eating out with my husband as often as possible.
George and Pat at the 2018 Candle Glow Gala.
OU R H I STO RY
Tony Heitzman, involved with Hosparus Health for 32 years, first as a chaplain and then as a volunteer Working with Hosparus Health has been “very, very rewarding because of the interactions with the patient and the families. It continues to give me meaning in my own life. I have had hospice for a couple of family members, and I often think about the support that they got, but also the support I got in bereavement. I’m just so glad it got started and spread as it has, throughout the country.” On a unique volunteer program he helps with: “About 5 years after I started, I got a call from the prison in LaGrange, and they wanted us to come out and take care of the terminally ill in the prison. We came up with a plan to train inmates to be volunteers. That’s still going on today.” On the feedback he hears: “It’s so amazing to me still that I never hear any complaints. I always hear positive reactions, and so many ‘thank yous’ for hospice care. It’s an important part of our community because it serves those who need care right now.”
Bob Mueller, SVP of Development, on staff for 29 years “When I first came to the organization, few people knew what hospice was. Now, most people have had a hospice experience, so to know us is to love us.” “Many things have changed, but the kernel of hospice has stayed the same: that compassionate care is a team approach. You’ve got the nurse, medical director, nurse practitioners, social worker, chaplain, certified nursing assistants, volunteers, and bereavement counselors. It doesn’t depend on just one person.” “A lot of my job is to get people to share their story and from that comes more people who will use hospice. That’s where we get our funding, when people start sharing their story because of the impact it’s made. And as a nonprofit, we can do those things that really make a difference.”
Diane Mehl, former staff member and volunteer (21 years on staff and 8 years as a volunteer) “Whenever anyone finds out that I was involved with Hosparus Health, they have a hospice story to tell me. It usually has to do with how helpful hospice was in the event of their loved one’s illness and death and that they wished they had gotten involved sooner.” On what has stayed the same: “I think the care that’s provided is very much the same in that you’re trying to meet a person’s needs, and that person has a terminal illness. You are very involved with the person and their family and in some of the most important decisions of their life. It is just enormously rewarding.” On what being involved with Hosparus Health meant to her: “Other than being a mother, this was my life’s work. I just recently received help from hospice by participating in a bereavement group when our son died. It’s funny that grief counseling was something I was involved in in the very beginning, and now I’m benefitting from that myself.”
To watch our historical video, featuring our founders, visit http://bit.ly/HosparusHealth40.
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history of
HOSPARUS HEALTH
JUNE 1978 – HL and HSI accept
1980 – The Elizabethtown Area
its first patient. HL holds first volunteer training class.
1978 1979
Hospice (later called Hospice of Central Kentucky) is established on April 24, 1980 and admits its first patient.
1980
hospice services November 1, 1983. President Ronald Reagan declares Nov. 7-14 National Hospice Week. First social worker, Brenda Purser, MSSW, is hired in HL.
1987 – Elizabethtown Area Hospice expands service area to include LaRue, Grayson, Breckinridge and Meade. Changes name to Hospice of Central Kentucky (HCK).
1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987
1979 – The first paid HL staff member 1980 – HL, with a grant was A. Robert Crawford, a 48-year-old hospital administrator. Eleanor Dougherty becomes first full-time Executive Director. Kentucky Hospice Association organizes.
1983 – Medicare begins covering
from the WHAS Crusade for Children, starts the first pediatric hospice program in the country, now known as Kourageous Kids.
1981 – After National Hospice Org.
mandates that hospice programs provide bereavement services to families for at least a year following the person’s death, HL develops Bereavement Team.
1985 – HL moves into space at Kosair Charities Centre.
1987 – Rural Teams implemented. HL begins serving all of Jefferson, adds Oldham and Bullitt counties. Patient census tops 100 per day.
2000s
2004 – Alliance partners with the
University of Louisville School of Medicine and Veteran Affairs Medical Center to form Kentucky’s first palliative care partnership.
2008 – Alliance becomes Hosparus, 2010 – Hosparus continues to expand celebrates 30th anniversary. Launches $10 million capital campaign.
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2006 – Birth year of Dancing with
our Southern Indiana Stars event (formerly United We Stand Style Show).
2009
2008 – Hosparus applies to
expand services to 10 counties in Barren River Area Development District.
2009 – Begins partnership with 8
The Shepherd’s Hospice.
services in Barren River area, and opens office in Bowling Green called Hosparus Barren River.
2010
2011
2011 – In April, Hosparus acquires
1000 Building at 6200 Dutchman’s Lane, Louisville.
2012 – Hosparus Inpatient Care
Center (HICC) undergoes $2 million renovation to increase capacity from 15 to 25 patient beds.
2012
2013
2013 – HSI builds and opens new
office in New Albany, and is dedicated as The Leo and Catherine Koerber Campus.
We began in 1978 as Hospice of Louisville (HL), an all-volunteer organization. Over the years HL grew to include Hospice of Central Kentucky (HCK) and Hospice of Southern Indiana (HSI) to form the Alliance of Community Hospices. In 2008, we adopted our new corporate name: Hosparus. Hosparus is formed from three Latin words meaning, “We guide our guests.” In 2017, we re-branded to Hosparus Health as we recognized the need to expand BEYOND hospice care to include palliative and advanced illness care, creating optimal living for those with serious illness.
1999 – HL hires 1988 – Work in Nursing Homes begins. HL begins serving Shelby and Spencer counties.
1988 1989 1989 – HL begins serving Henry
County. HCK adds Taylor, Adair, Green, Washington & Marion counties and opens satellite office in Campbellsville.
1990 – HL Volunteer
program wins Governor’s Volunteer Activist Award. Program has over 210 volunteers.
1991 – HL relocates to
3532 Ephraim McDowell Dr. on September 30, 1991.
1990 1991 1992 1993 1992 – HCK opens the
Hospice (Thrift) Shoppe in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
1994
1995 – HL opens Inpatient Unit at the old Methodist Evangelical Hospital (now Norton Healthcare Pavilion).
long-time medical director Dr. Joe Rotella, his leadership builds the foundation for moving care forward.
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
1993 – HL Celebrates 15 years of Service, serving nearly 9,000 patients since 1978. Begins serving Trimble County. November declared National Hospice Month Bereavement Team starts Camp Evergreen.
1996 – HCK merges with HL to form
Alliance of Community Hospices & Palliative Care Services (Alliance).
1998 – HSI merges with Alliance.
Agency now serves 23 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. Celebrates 20 years of service, serving nearly 24,000 patients since 1978.
2017 – Re-brands to Hosparus
Health as we recognize the need to expand BEYOND hospice care to include palliative and advanced illness care, creating optimal living for those with serious illness. October, HSI expands services to Dubois, Jefferson, Orange and Perry counties in Indiana. Campbellsville Thrift Shoppe opens.
2016 – HICC announces $1.3 million 2013 – October, Campbellsville satellite
office becomes its own community known as Hosparus Green River. Elizabethtown Thrift Shoppe moves locations to Helmwood Plaza.
2014 2014 –
2015
Kourageous Kids re-brands with new logo.
expansion to add a third wing to enhance and expand comfort for patients and families.
2015 – HICC celebrates 20th
anniversary; serves 1,085 patients that year.
2016
2015 – Hosparus becomes We
Honor Veterans 1-star partner, a campaign developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
2017 2016 – January, Hosparus
Barren River opens location at 1320 N. Race St., Glasgow, Ky.
2018
On to the next 40 years! 2018 – Celebrates 40 Years of Compassionate Care!
• Achieves 4-star partner status with We Honor Veterans program. • Serves over 8,000 patients, an increase of nearly 67% in 4 years.
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The 12th Annual Hosparus Health Dancing with our Southern Indiana Stars charity event on September 11th raised over $315,000 for hospice and palliative care patients in Southern Indiana.
Our sincere thanks to all our Celebrity Dancers (recognized below), and to our Professional Dancers– Cherie Lanier, Clay Marshall, Damian Pataluna, Irina Morozova, and Viktoria Szukk for participating in this event for Hosparus Health.
Congratulations to winner Dustin Korb and professional dancer Viktoria Szukk.
We appreciate their time, energy, and dedication to make this charity event a success! Find all the event photos on our website at www.HosparusHealth.org/About/Photos
Dustin Korb
Marine Corps Sergeant Veteran & Logistics / Shipping Clerk at Beach Mold & Tool, Inc.
Ray Strothman
President & Chairman of Strothman and Company CPAs and Advisors
Bridgett Hanlon
Jill Peden
Dir. of Business Development at L&D Mail Masters
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Regional Dir., Marketing & Community Toni Sartin Outreach at Clark Memorial and Army Ve Scott Memorial Hospitals DMD, F Smile Art
d
The success of this event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, supporters, attendees, volunteers, and Hosparus Health staff. Dancing Committee:
s
Pam Lumley, Chair Carrie Magers, Chair Tammy Stuart, Chair Donna Kirchgessner Allison Uhl Danielle Archer Judy Cloud Victoria Coleman Kelsi Dempster Vonya Gresham PRESENTING / FOXTROT:
Dance Judges: Ike Orwick, Director of Tax / CPA, Rodefer Moss & Co. PLLC Pam Bennett Martin, Principal, Bennett & Bennett Insurance Cheryl Koetter, Owner, Cricket’s Cafe Keith Kaiser, Feature Reporter, WDRB in the Morning
CHA-CHA:
Ann Bennett, board member for 12 years and founder of Dancing with our Southern Indiana Stars Why she decided to start a fundraiser for Hosparus Health: “When my dad was terminal with cancer, my sister who is an RN said, ‘I think it’s time we call hospice and ask them to come help.’ It just made us so happy to see the wonderful, compassionate care that he was receiving, and I wanted to give back to them for everything they had given to us.” “I’m very happy that I was involved with hospice all those years. I am thrilled I was able to be a part of that and help get the word out to so many people in the community.”
Dan Farmer
Singer, The Juice Box Heroes
ni Schmidt
eteran & FAGD for tistry, PSC
VOLUNTEER REFLECTIONS
Jason Applegate
Co-Owner of Extol Magazine & Candidate for Floyd County Commissioner
Roger Harbeson, Hosparus Health board member and current Treasurer (since 1987) On what’s changed over the years: “We’ve held true to community-based hospice principles in a broad range of care, not just for the loved one who is facing the life-ending illness, but also for all the family members. What has changed is the organization is much more dynamic. Fundraising has grown and the organization is three times larger than it was when I came on the Hosparus Board.” “I am extremely proud of the success and growth of this organization, and their ability to continue the mission as well as explore other facets of health care, like palliative care.” “We’ve got a great team. It’s been a great 40 years. We’ve come a long way from a small communitybased organization to be really a key player in the healthcare marketplace.” 11
13 T H A N N UA L
It was a record crowd at our 13th annual
Candle Glow Gala on December 1 ! st
All 835 guests came out to support
Hosparus Health’s 40 Years of Compassionate Care, raising over
$340,000 for patients and families! The gorgeous new Omni Hotel Louisville provided the perfect backdrop for an elegant evening of cocktails and mingling, bidding on a jam-packed silent auction, a decadent dinner and dancing to live music. Thanks to Gala Chair Denise Roby and Glow Lounge Chairs Lauren Hendricks and Taylor Springelmeyer along with their hardworking committees, for making the magic happen! We were pleased to honor some special people for their lasting contributions to
Robyn Mathias receiving the Dr. Joe Rotella Compassion Award
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Hosparus Health. Staff member Robyn Mathias, CHPNA was honored with the Dr. Joe Rotella Compassion Award for going above and beyond in caring for patients and families; the Dahlem family received our Sister Marilyn Spink Service Award for their continued support the past 10 years; and the late Jim Ryan was honored with the Sherrill Thirlwell Award for his generous bequest of $2.5 million, the largest in our history. We are so grateful for each of them! Special thanks to our presenting sponsors, McGriff Insurance Services and the Bufford Family Foundation. Their generous support helped make the Gala the best yet! Thank you to our emcee, the lovely and talented Karen
The Dahlem Family receiving the Sister Marilyn Spink Service Award
On behalf of Jim Ryan, Kelsey Kizina (Jim’s great niece) receiving the Sherrill Thirlwell Award
Roby, and Brent Rogers, who revved up the crowd during our live donation appeal, bringing in a whopping $41,000 in under 20 minutes! We’d also like to thank the Knop family for providing a heartwarming testimonial that celebrated the life of Otto Knop Jr., who passed away under our care at the Inpatient Care Center in March. We were honored to help him fulfill his final wish to walk his youngest daughter Susan & Randy Bufford down the aisle. The Gala turned out to be the perfect way to celebrate our Ruby Anniversary! Here’s to the next 40 years!
PRESENTING
GOLD
MEDIA PARTNER
McGriff Insurance & the Roby Family
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STAFF REFLECTIONS: Lisa Sanford, Director of Development, on staff for 14 years – My family will be forever grateful for the exceptional care we received for members of our own family. I also have the honor of working alongside some of the most compassionate people who put our patients and families first. To hear directly from the families how our services have made a difference for their loved one, and allowed them to have many special moments together at the end, is especially rewarding.
12th annual Gerald Mattingly Memorial Golf Tournament This year’s event raised $5,100 for patients and families in Green River! Held Oct. 6th in Lebanon, KY, the event began 12 years ago as a way to honor the memory of Gerald Mattingly. Since then, it has grown to celebrate other friends and family who also received hospice care. This year was extra special. Frank and Sharon Peters asked for donations in memory of their spouses, who both received hospice care from Hosparus Health Green River in 2017. Frank and Sharon met after their spouses died, and married each other this past September. They became involved in the golf tournament because Sharon’s daughter is married to Eddie Mattingly, the main organizer. “Prior to Hosparus Health coming in to help us, I didn’t know much about their services,” says Sharon. “Now my mission is to tell everyone about the wonderful services they provide. I want people to know that they are not alone.”
“Hosparus allowed us to have quality time during the end,” she adds. “I will never be able to repay them for what they did for us. It was an awesome experience.” “Before Patsy received care from Hosparus Health, we were miserable and didn’t know what the outcome was going to be,” Frank says of his wife. “Hosparus helped us. The staff was caring and told me what to expect. I cannot even begin to express what they mean to us.” We can’t begin to express what the Peters and Mattinglys mean to Hosparus Health! “The impact that the Mattingly Family has had on the Green River community for the past 12 years is amazing,” says Lisa Sanford, Director of Development. “We are so appreciative of their continued support.”
A fabulous Evening of Tasting in Bowling Green It was a warm, beautiful Thursday evening in September when about 50 friends of Hosparus Health Barren River gathered at Steve and Pam Heath’s home, the mid-1870’s historic home formerly owned by Carrie Burnam Taylor. Shayla Forgy spoke at the event about their family’s experience with Hosparus Health’s Kourageous Kids program. For nearly six months, Shayla’s daughter, Lexi, received care from the program. Hosparus also helped the family grieve and celebrate little Lexi’s life. Thanks to Van Meter Insurance and Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green, as well as the food and drink vendors, the event raised over $6,000 which will go to support the growing Kourageous Kids program in the Barren River region.
Barbecue and conversation at Green River State Park Even though it was only late September, it was a chilly evening at Green River State Park as more than 75 people attended the Hosparus Health Green River’s Bar-B-Q Bash. The Bar-B-Q Bash, a first-time event, raised awareness about our services, celebrated 40 years of serving patients and families in the community, and served as an awesome fundraiser. Thanks to everyone who attended; the event raised $11,300!
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A Day at the Races Thanks to Hosparus Health Central Kentucky This spring, Vernice Eugene "Gene" Logue got all dressed up in one of his best suits – complete with a smart bowtie, freshly shined shoes and Derby hat – for a day at Keeneland with his daughters. “I’m going to be proud up there at the races,” he said when we spoke with him before his outing. “I don’t know if I’ll win a bunch of money, but I’m gonna bet on every race. I’m really looking forward to it.” Gene passed away from cancer in July, but he and his family told us that this special moment, and many others, wouldn’t have been possible without Hosparus Health Central Kentucky. “If it weren’t for Hosparus Health, we would have missed out on a lot of quality time together,” said Gene’s daughter, Teresa Edlin. When her dad got sick, she knew to call Hosparus Health because of the wonderful care and support her family received during her mom’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She passed away in 2017. As his illness progressed, Gene was in pain, had no appetite and had lost a lot of weight. Within a week of calling Hosparus Health, Teresa said her dad began to enjoy food again and put on some weight. “The pain was managed much better, and he began to feel good again,” she added. “We could never thank Hosparus enough for helping him regain a quality of life we thought we had missed.” A veteran of both the Navy and Army, Gene told us that “knowing you’ve got somebody at your back” meant so much to him. “I am absolutely thankful” for Hosparus Health. “More than you can imagine.” Hosparus Health provided Gene with a full continuum of individualized care, including medical, social and spiritual support. “The difference they’ve made has been amazing. It’s just a tremendous blessing,” said Teresa. Tammy Vessels, a professional hairstylist for 30-plus years and Hosparus Health volunteer for the past five years, came to Gene’s home to give him a fresh haircut for his Keeneland trip. “It might seem like a very simple thing to many people. But when you’re struggling with illness, you have days when you don’t feel like getting out. Having someone who is willing to come to the home and help you look refreshed, someone like Tammy, who comes in and loves to smile and cut up with you at the same time, it’s just a wonderful gift to us,” said Teresa. Tammy said she is the one who feels blessed to serve hospice patients and their families. “I get just a wonderful feeling in my heart, knowing I can make someone’s last days brighter. It brings me such joy.” Thanks to Tammy and everyone else on Gene’s care team for bringing him comfort and joy during his final months. We’re honored to have been able to help this wonderful family.
Gene and his family on their special day at Keeneland.
Hosparus Health’s Palliative Care Program Gets 87-year-old Back in her Garden Without Hosparus Health, Norma Niehaus says she might not still be here. At 87 years old, she has multiple health challenges, including osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism and chronic kidney disease. In October 2016, she was in such discomfort that she feared she could no longer manage her illnesses at home. “When I first called Hosparus Health, it was out of desperation,” says Norma. “I couldn’t stand up straight, I couldn’t take a shower, I couldn’t sleep in my bed. I was a mess.” Soon after calling Hosparus for help with symptom and medication management, her condition improved dramatically. “I’ve been doing so well ever since,” she says. “I did not want to go to a nursing home, and they understand that. I want to stay in my home, period. This makes that possible for me.” Norma’s nurse, Holly, “runs interference” for her, she says, by coordinating with her regular doctor. Holly also was instrumental in getting Norma connected to a physical therapist, which has helped her mobility. “I have such peace of mind knowing I can call her at any time,” says Norma. Norma also meets with a social worker, who has provided information on available resources, and helped her complete documents for her advance directives. That advice and guidance has been especially valuable to her, Norma says, because her adult children do not live nearby. Now that she’s feeling much better, she says, “I want to make every day as much fun as I can.” And she is doing just that. She is particularly happy to report that Hosparus Health’s Palliative Care program has gotten her healthy enough to work in her garden again, which is one of her passions. “It’s a terrific program. I highly recommend it.” 15
STAFF REFLECTIONS: Vonya Gresham, Volunteer Manager, Southern Indiana, on staff for 18 years – I feel truly blessed to work for Hosparus Health. For 18 years, I have had the privilege to work alongside the most awesome people: both volunteers and staff. Everyone is working toward the common goal of providing the very best care for our patients and families. I continue to work here because I love what I do and know I make a difference.
Veteran Volunteers do Important Work for Veteran Patients visit afterward. “It was just a joy hearing how much he enjoyed himself,” she says.
Supporting Our Veterans About 25 percent of those who die every year in the United States are armed services veterans, but many still do not know what services are available to them at the end of life. To help ensure every veteran in our community gets the care they deserve, Hosparus Health is a Level Four partner in We Honor Veterans, a national Standing: Volunteer Lin Kalson and Volunteer Manager program that allows us to give Sylvia Johnson. Sitting: Frank and his daughter, Yvonne. our staff and volunteers like Lin Hosparus Health patient and World War the resources and training they II veteran Frank DeYoe says his Sept. 12th need to provide specialized veteran care. In Honor Flight was “the happiest day I’ve had 2017 and 2018, about 18% of Hosparus in a long time. I was really, really excited Health’s patients were veterans. from the moment I found out I was going In addition to her Wednesday visits, until the moment I got up there.” Lin presented Frank with a special veteran Honor Flight Bluegrass is a local recognition certificate and patriotic blanket nonprofit that flies veterans to Washington, during a special We Honor Veterans D.C. to visit major war memorials and ceremony. She also completed a life legacy reflect on their service. Priority is given to review to record his history, so his family World War II and Korean War veterans, as will have it after he’s gone. well as those who have been diagnosed with “I love to work with veterans,” Lin says. a terminal illness. “There’s a camaraderie that exists when Frank says he wanted to take the trip for they know that you were active duty. They a long time, but didn’t know how to begin. put you in a whole different category than He mentioned it to his Hosparus Health everybody else who’s trying to help.” Lin volunteer, Lin Kalson, a veteran herself. Lin adds that she is honored to support our helped Frank’s daughter, Yvonne Holmes, nation’s heroes like Frank – and their heroic apply to get him on the September flight, family caregivers like Yvonne. “I do this and he loved every minute of it. because it feeds and nourishes me,” she says. When Frank and the other vets returned Lin and everyone else on her dad’s care to the airport, almost 1,000 supporters team has been a huge blessing, Yvonne says. greeted them. “I had been told that there “The support has been great. I don’t think I is always a big reception, but this was far, could live without them now. I’m sure that far beyond,” Yvonne says. “It was just so I couldn’t.” wonderful to know that there are people To view Frank’s video story, visit that really, really care” about our veterans. www.HosparusHealth.org/About/Videos.html. “I was so excited to see so many people,” Frank says. “It made me feel special.” Lin could not be there to welcome him home, but Frank told her all about his trip during their regular Wednesday afternoon 16
Hosparus Health dedicates two Veterans Memorials To show our deep appreciation for our community’s armed services veterans, Hosparus Health held two Veterans Memorial Dedications in November. On Nov. 2nd, more than 100 people came out to our New Albany office for the public dedication of a bench with all branches of the military insignia and a new flag pole, made possible through a grant from the Swope Family Foundation and the Floyd County Council. We also honored veteran volunteer Charlie Ratchford, who has made more than 50 visits to veteran patients in Southern Indiana in 2018. At a presentation for staff and veteran volunteers on Nov. 12, we dedicated a similar sitting area and flagpole at the 1000 Building in Louisville. The events emphasize Hosparus Health’s commitment to improving quality of life for veterans and their families. As a Level Four partner (the highest level) in the We Honor Veterans program, we partner with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to thank veterans for their service and implement veteran-centered education for our staff and volunteers to ensure veteran patients and families receive the specialized, compassionate care and support they deserve. In addition, Hosparus Health helped bring the first veteran-specific end-of-life doula training to the region in September, in partnership with the International End of Life Doula Association. Nineteen local veterans and five Hosparus Health staff were trained on how to provide emotional, spiritual and physical support to dying veterans.
Autumn Leaf Legacy Society Membership in the Autumn Leaf Society is a special distinction for individuals who notify Hosparus Health that they have made provisions in their estate plans to include support for the organization. To recognize these special friends of Hosparus Health who make such a provision, we have formed the Autumn Leaf Society. If you are interested in the Society, please contact Bob Mueller, Senior VP, Development at 502-719-8921 or bmueller@hosparus.org. Gold Leaf (More than $1 million) Dr. Samuel H. Cook * (Cook Benevolent Fund) Jack & Gladys Jonas* James Ryan*
Crimson Leaf ($500,000 -$999,999) Joseph Snowden*
Bronze Leaf ($250,000 -$499,999) Harry & Nancy Bierbaum Jill Butters Louise D. Dwyer* Mildred M. Frost* Don Garton & Kathy Mounce Henry A. “Boots” Hildebrand* Bob & Kathy Mueller Sharon Pfister Mary Anne Thorton Paul Winter
Emerald Leaf ($100,000 -$249,999) Anonymous Dorothy Jean Altes* Gertrude Angermeier* Margaret M. Arnold* Helyn C. Campodonico* Walter Clare Darnell* and Angelyn Clay Dominic & Mary Ehrler* Christina Lubbers Evers* Katherine Fischer* Marcella L. Glanz* Herman & Helene Goldman* Roger & Karen Harbeson Paula Harshaw James & Betty Holeman Elsie Kahnt* Helen L. Kasper* Harryette & Max Levinstein* Ellen K. Marshall Thelma Newman* Cynthia R. Payne Marie C. Reynolds* Alan Shadburne* Margaret Helen Striepe* Martha Jean Willard* Cathy & Earl Zion
Acorn Anonymous (3) Anonymous* (10) Mary Abell* Valija Abolins* Pat Ackerman Frank Acra* Ann Adameck Edna Mae Quest Adams* Sara E. Adams* Mary C. Adkins Anna M. Aldridge* Ralph & Beverly Allen Mollie G. Anderson* Margaret M. Arnold* S. Pearson Auerbach* Deborah Ault
Lisa Austin Anita Badgett Ermett L. Baird* Edith Balf* Nora Ballard* Gregory P. Balmer* Dorothy Baringer* Lucille Bauman* Verna Beaubien* Charles A. Beck* George H. Beckley* Arthur BecVar* Jayne BecVar Priscilla Beeler Beverly Jean Bell* Madeline Bennett* Nancy Bennett Oletta Faye Bennett* Barry Bingham, Jr.* Cornelia Bingham* Judith Binus Patricia Birchfield* Bonnie Bizer* Laura B. Black* James M. Blandford* Helen Bockhorst* Gary W. & Pat Bohannon William O. Boland* Glen Bonsett* Tommy & Christine Borders* E. Ruth Braeutigam* Naomi R. Breeden* Betty J. Brown Julie A. Bryan Louis K. & Patricia K. Buckel Catherine G. Buecker* Joseph W. Buecker Frances Butters* Dorothea V. Byron* Joyce Campbell* Thelma M. Carter Theresa Castile Grace E. Childs* Charles K. Connell* Edward Connelly* Majorie D. Cook* Clydean Cooper D. Michael Coyle Harold & Elizabeth Craft* Elonda Crafton* Charles Crawford* Catherine K. Critchelow* Mary E. Daniels* Karl J. Daubert* George C. Davis* Maureen Dawson* David DeBrot James E. DeLotel* Corinne DePuy* Grace M. Dillman* Dick & Helen Donaldson Mary Besy Dorris* Aleen Duncan* Dr. Lori Earnshaw & Michael Casper Agnes G. Eckhoff* Wilbert Edwards* Norma & William E. Ehlig* Verna Maxine Elder* Opal I. Emington* Lillian Erwin*
Paul Evola* Charles L. Fellers* Marvin J. Fisher* Sam Fishman* Patricia S. Foppiano Francis W. Fowler* Leona Frank* Virginia T. Frashure* Jesse Frazier Joseph L. French, Jr.* W. Dixon Fullerton Shelley Gardner Mary Gatton Kathleen Geile Kenneth George* Marie George* Rosa Givens* W. Clyde Glass* Frances S. Goldsmith* Mary White Goodwyn* Janet Gordon* Sara Gordon* Edna C. Green* Regina Ann Greenwell Marie Grider* Lawrence A. Griffin* Anna Gulick Martha B. Hagan* Una Rose Nevitt Haffling* Lynda A. Hall* Kim Hamilton* Helen Handmaker* Jim & Sharon Hannah Arlo Hardison* Dr. James K. Hargan Guy M. Harreld* Madelon E. Haynes Brenda Heady Lillian E. Heckel* Wilhelmina G. Heitkemper* Tony & Judy Heitzman Minnie Helmrich* Magnes & Juanita Heubi* Robert D. Heybach, Sr. * William K. Hickman* Cheryl Hildebrand Ilma Hirsch* Merle & Peggy Hoffman* Charles Byran Hood* Gerry & Susan Hope Bill & Ruby Hornback* W. Bruce Hutchins* Karen S. Jackson* Glenda Jacobi* Carol James Mary V. Jamison* Dave & Mrs. Johansen Beth Johnson Michael David Johnson Ted Judd Judy Kaleher Margaret A. Kapfhammer* Catherine L. Kearns* Leona Kennedy Angela Kerberg* Elwyn Kihnley* Mary F. Kilgus* Pauline C. Kirby* Kathryn Kirk Laverne Kitzero Joyce N. Kley* Joann Klutz*
George J. Koch* Jim & Rita Koerber Jane M. Koreck* Arthur D. Kreitman* Lawrence J. Kunker* Clarence Landherr* Christine R. LaPaille* Ruth Lee Larkin* Peter G. Laventis Martha Lechleiter Margaret B. Leibson Lillian Sippel Limer* Joan J. Lindahl* Perchhy Lloyd Lindsey* Dorothy L. Lish* Fred W. Loheide* Mary Anna Lowry* Doris Luhrs* Hazel Luster Stephanie Lyvers Brent C. Mackler* Lily C. Maclin* Florence Marchand* Hanna Marks* Phil & Kathi Marshall William Clayton Marshall* Joyce Martin Mary J. Martin Roland Martin* Barbara Ann Maxwell Virginia M. McCalister* John & Sara McCall Carol Ann McGuire* Dr. Tom & Pat McKain Virginia B. McLain* Euva McPherson* Norine Meredith* Dorothy Merrick* Kathryn Mershon Eleanor Miller* Helen Pilcher Miller* W. Scott Miller* Kathyn L. Milner* Nellie Sue Mitchell Frances Mitcherer* Helen M. Mivelaz Jack & Marilyn Monohan Carol Moore Anne Moran* Emma Dungan Morton* Jan Marie Mueller Violet S. Mullaney* Arnold G. Myers Frances Mynett* William Nagel* Margaret Nelson* Dorothy Mae Neuhauser* Reva S. Newman* Melaine Newmann* Catherine K. Obendorfer* Lillian H. Offutt* Julie B. Olson* Arbutus O’Neal* Agnes M. Overall* James & Kay Owen* Jessie Beatrice Owsley* Virginia E. Paddocks* Helen Parrish* Tami & Dan Penner Ida Perkins* Hortense B. Perry* Floris Phillips*
Melainie Plumb Virginia Ann Pollard* Helen Popson* Thomas S. Prather, Sr.* Lorraine Quebbeman* Joseph D. Raine, Sr.* Emmett & Ruth Ratterman* Jim & Pam Ratterman Gene & Ramona Ray Russ Ray Marie C. Richards* Edwin T. Richt* Elmer & Sara Rickert* Wilma Robertson* Billy & Denise Roby Beverly Weil Rosenblum* Samuel Rosenstein* Linda Parrish Ross Lahoma Routte D. L. Routte Vicki Runnion Chris & Peggy Ryan D. A. Sachs II* Michael Salem* Stephen & Lisa Sanford Frank Sanning* Renay Hoffman Schlossberg* Margaret Schneider Lawrence J. Schoo* Marcia Schroeder Jack R. Scott* Linda Seger* Drusilla Selkirk* Margaret Shaper* Catherine I. Shea* Mary Carolyn Shelman* Oliver C. Shircliffe* Evelyn Siemens Leon Simon* Libbie Segal Klein Simons* Charles W. Simpson* Rebecca Simpson Cathy Slider Michael S. Slider* Helen Jean Smith* Jean O. Smith* Stephanie Smith James Southard John T. Spaugh* Mary Teevans Spencer Edith Spivak* David Stewart* Gary & Cheryl Stewart Lois S. Strauss* Margaret Strohmeier* Ernest & Barbara Stroxtile John & Karen Sullivan Thelma Thielen* Meredyth Flood Thomas* Mike & Debbie Thomas Rose Mary Tichenor* Darla Townsend Bernice Tucker* Arthur C. Ulrich* Anna Usher* William G. VanLeuen* John & Jean Vezeau Mary Vitale Dorothy G. Wade* Doris & Ray Walker* Debra Walton
Jim Ward* Yvonne Ward* Kevin & Linda Wardell Patricia Warden* Glenda G. Warner* Mary M. Washer* Irene Weier* Beverly Weil Wilma Miller Westenhoefer* Hattie M. Whatley* Ruth Whitaker* Abner White* Ginny Whitt Wilma J. Wickersham* Benjamin Widmer Mary D. Wiegand* Mary S. Wiegand* Doris Willett* Lela Williams Mary Catherine “Kitty” Williams* Ruth Willis* Wiley Willis* Fred J. Woerner* DeOnna Woodrum Lisa & Harold Workman Joe Ann Worley* D’Allis Wright Laverne E. Yates Sky Yeasayer Evelyn York* Lucille Young*
*In grateful memory
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STAFF REFLECTIONS: Jackie Rambo, Scheduling Coordinator, Central Kentucky, on staff for 21 years – It is a great honor to work for this wonderful organization. I believe in what we do and know that we make a difference in people’s lives. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful patients and their families, and the honor of working with “the best of the best” in my fellow co-workers. It isn’t often that someone can say that they look forward to coming to work everyday, but I can honestly say that I truly love my job and I’m very thankful that 21 years ago I decided to take this path. Sherry Taylor and Bob Mueller
River Cities Corvette Club Car Show fundraiser
Earlier this summer, the River Cities Corvette Club hosted its annual Car Show at Bachmann Chevrolet on Hurstbourne Lane. It was a perfect day for a car show and a record 261 cars participated. Each year a car is selected for the Hosparus Health Award. This year, the award went to Sherry Taylor for her 1957 Chevy. Along with an awesome car, there’s a great hospice story here. Sherry’s husband, Ron, bought the car in August 2017, drove it three times and then became one of our patients. Ron died in May at our Inpatient Care Center. Ron told his wife to keep the car, take it to car shows, and use it as his legacy. River Cities Corvette has been doing the car show for 27 years, and have raised more than $275,000 for Hosparus Health. This year’s event raised $25,000. Because of this fundraising event and other generous donations, River Cities Corvette Club has named four rooms in memory of Corvette Club members at the Hosparus Health Inpatient Care Center. This year’s funds will go to our future Grief and Bereavement Center in Louisville.
Abney 5K in Grayson County benefits Kourageous Kids program ds, to share Dear Frien you today to g n ti ri field I’m w the Leitch m o fr y r o g st ed a 9th to an inspirin 6, organiz ay, May 1 1 , rd y e tu n a S b A n n School o e and area. Payto the hospic unty High o s, C id n K s so u y d lifeKourageo 5K at Gra serious an s Health’s g u r a in c sp fa o n H benefit r childre program fo re a c e v ti ’s sister pallia for Payton d re s. a e c ss e m a ln t age s te limiting il October a geous Kid ra in u y o a K w e a e passed ised You see, th e event ra er life. Paig Th h . f y o ls d a n p e l e ith m cerebra Paige at th families w r cations fro e li th p o m o lp c e ey will h life. 18 due to . The mon or Paige’s 0 n 0 o h ,3 5 o $ ls f a l re and a total o , and it wil omfort, ca n c re e d id il v h c ro l p il ored to terminally onths. h was hon lt a e H nal two m s fi u r ’s ney e ig a P Hospa Payton Ab during n s e y e te n b ty n A the son Cou a 5K support to S to Gray utting on K p r N A fo , H tt T re ored to A HUGE nd dad B e were hon m Dana a o W m . , y m il ra g m ids pro for the and her fa was a way urageous K o o ls K a e t n th e t v r e to suppo ige. The ’s sister, Pa n to y a P r care fo life. nor Paige’s o h to y il fam Kids ourageous K ’s h lt n a e h Ed Do sparus H rvisor, Ho e p u S l a ic Clin
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Payton and Ed A great crowd of family and friends showed up for the Abney 5K organized by 16-year-old Payton Abney in memory of her sister Paige.
Ambassadors – Spread the Word about Hosparus Health in their Communities “THROUGH KNOWLEDGE COMES EMPOWERMENT, AND THROUGH INITIATIVE COMES COMPASSION.” That’s the philosophy behind Hosparus Health’s Ambassadors program.
A
s an extension of our outreach and volunteer efforts, Hosparus Health is identifying community members who are willing to educate themselves about our services, then share the benefits of calling us sooner with their networks. So far, we’ve signed up 17 volunteer Ambassadors who are passionate about our mission and are carrying the message in our Green River, Central Kentucky, Barren River and Southern Indiana communities.
Emily Rodriguez, Central Kentucky
James Watson, Central Kentucky
Sheila Clark, Southern Indiana
Sonja Chafin, Green River
Diane Ford-Benningfield, Green River
Mary Ann Hale, Green River
Faye Howell, Green River
Judy Kuchenbecker, Green River
Niki Marineau, Green River
Linda Martel, Green River
Candy Meece, Green River
Steve Orr, Green River
Marcie Page, Green River
Judy Simpson, Grreen River
Joanne Waller, Green River
Cindy Williams, Green River
Sister Mary Louise Yurik, Green River
The idea for the program first came about last fall, when Hosparus Health Green River Outreach Manager Jennifer Van Mersbergen started exploring new ways of connecting with local churches. When the program officially launched in February 2018, recruitment was extended to not only churches, but community groups and business associations as well. “When I recruit someone, I am not asking them to go to churches or businesses they don’t know,” says Jennifer. “We want our Ambassadors to raise awareness among their core groups. We want them to be the beacon among their peers, whether that’s the garden club, their job, city council or their own church. You let those people know you are part of Hosparus Health, so they will know to come to you when they need help.”
“We’re just asking them to be a connector for us in their communities,” she adds. And it’s working wonderfully so far. “We have gotten speaking engagements, referrals and a ton of questions,” Jennifer says. Overall, the program has been met with lots of enthusiasm. To keep Ambassadors engaged and help them feel like part of the Hosparus Health team, we have started hosting quarterly meetings to bring them all together, update them on our services and answer any questions that have come up. “It opens up dialogue, and we’re getting really good feedback,” Jennifer says.
Being an Ambassador is a good fit for someone who wants to give back but is hesitant to work with patients. The Ambassador program is also great for people who work full-time or are busy with other commitments, as it only requires about 2 - 4 hours per month. But a little bit of effort goes a long way. “Just by being educated about our services, they are helping us tremendously,” Jennifer says. “It’s making a larger impact than they realize.” If you’re interested in being part of the Ambassadors program in your area, complete the application here: www.hosparushealth.org/volunteer/ ambassadorprogram.html
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Hosparus Health 3532 Ephraim McDowell Drive Louisville KY 40205 LOUISVILLE – 502-456-6200 Louisville, KY Inpatient Care Center – 502-629-3600 Downtown Louisville, KY BARREN RIVER – 270-782-7258 Bowling Green and Glasgow, KY CENTRAL KENTUCKY – 270-737-6300 Elizabethtown, KY GREEN RIVER – 270-789-4247 Campbellsville, KY INDIANA – 812-945-4596 New Albany, IN THRIFT SHOPPES 611 W Poplar St, Suite A2 Elizabethtown, KY 270-769-0569 M-F 9-5, Sat 10-5
WAYS TO GIVE BACK
1488 Old Lebanon Rd, Suite B Campbellsville, KY 270-469-9909 M-F 9-6
most give a gift in memory of a loved one, there While are many other ways to support Hosparus Health.
Referrals can be made by anyone. Hosparus Health Support Line (24/7 Support) – 800-264-0521
• Make a gift to recognize the compassionate work of a Care Team member • • Give your time, become a volunteer • Remember us in your will or estate plan •
www.HosparusHealth.org A nonprofit hospice and palliative care provider. Accredited by The Joint Commission.
facebook.com/hosparushealth @HosparusHealth
Hosparus Health provides care to those who need us most, regardless of their ability to pay. We invest more than $1.5 million each year to cover the costs of care, because everyone deserves the support, care and comfort needed when facing a serious or lifelimiting illness. GIVE TODAY! VISIT HOSPARUSHEALTH.ORG/DONATE
STAFF REFLECT ON WORKING AT HOSPARUS HEALTH
Rhonda Craven, Human Resources Senior Recruiter, on staff for 21 years – I’m proud to work for such a wonderful organization that touches the lives of so many. The work the care providers do is so meaningful, by providing the much needed care and comfort. I hope the work I do is supportive to those co-workers who are out in the community. I am blessed to work with such talented and caring individuals.
Suzy Johnson, CNA, CHPNA, Southwest Louisville, on staff for 30 years – It means so much to me to work for an organization that is such an asset to the community. That people in this situation have someone to turn to in their time of need.
Tracy Tanner, Regional Manager, Community Outreach, on staff for 5 years – Being out in the community and hearing the stories from families on how we’ve helped them and their loved ones at their most difficult times... it makes me proud and reminds me to keep sharing their stories so we can continue to reach more families and help guide and care for them. We make a positive difference at a very difficult time, and the staff we have doing that inspires me everyday.
Judy Cloud, Development Coordinator, Louisville, on staff for 20 years – In any circle of conversation, be it with family, friends, church, or casual conversation with a stranger, someone in their circle has been touched by Hosparus Health. It is truly gratifying to know you work for an organization that helps the entire family, not just the patient. To have witnessed Hosparus Health trying to assist those in need, not only in their health care, but also in their everyday living needs is truly a blessing.