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Events -- In Memorium
The Newsletter of Hospice Dreams
reams Dreams Are Ageless
Quarterly Issue 4: October 2012
Hospice Dreams Goes to the
CLASSY Awards! Small Charity of the Year
After winning the award for the Midwest Small Charity of the Year, Hospice Dreams headed to the national awards in San Diego!
Dreams are Ageless www.HospiceDreams.org
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Index Mailing Address: 511 E. North Street Bradley, IL 60915 Toll-Free Phone: (888) 741-9132 Letters may be submitted to
Hospice Dreams Attn: Dreams Newsletter 511 E. North Street Bradley, IL 60915
Contents are copyright Hospice Dreams. If you would like to use any article or photo please contact info@hospicedreams.org for permission.
Hospice Dreams is a registered 501(c)3 charity and your donations are tax-deductible. C or p orate sp ons orsh ip opportunities are available. Please contact our office directly for more information at (888) 741-9132 or email kswain@hospicedreams.org.
Facebook: /HospiceDreams Twitter: @HospiceDreams Youtube: /HospiceDreams
On the cover: Hospice Dreams was a finalist in the 2012 Classy awards. Pictured from L-R: Kristen Kolwelter, Seth Gillman, Kansas Swain, and Kaitlyn Henderson.
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Mission Statement: Hospice Dreams is a non profit wish-granting organization dedicated to fulfilling unmet wishes, decreasing stress and improving quality of life for adult hospice patients.
Dreams & News In This Issue Letter from the Director Helen’s 100th Birthday - Helen Kurckiewicz Wheat Family Reunion - Kay Wheat WWE Dream - Albert Taylor Greek Lunch - Angeline Lenzini Illini Dream - Mary Pankey Spa Dream - Dorothy “Dot” Stansbury 58th Anniversary Dinner - Marvin Lohnes Homemade Italian Dinner - Mary Weeks Home Spa Day - Beverly Remus Izzy’s Animals - Isadore Tobiansky Ray’s NASCAR Dream - “Crazy” Ray Rhoades Mark McGwire Autograph - Billy Wheat
Dreams are Ageless
Cubs Dream - Alfred Jackson Hospice Dreams Open House Hospice Dreams held an after hours ribbon cutting ceremony and open house at its offices in Bradley, IL! Wine and Beer Festival Hidden Cove helped Hospice Dreams host it’s first wine and beer festival in Kankakee, IL. CLASSY Awards Hospice Dreams was nominated as a finalist and made it to San Diego for the 2012 CLASSY Awards. Dreams Are Ageless Golf Outing Hospice Dreams held its 1st annual golf outing at the beautiful Kankakee Country Club. Dreams in the News & Upcoming Events! Mark your calendars and don’t miss these exciting upcoming events! Letters and Posts Donations Giving Opportunities Dreams Notes & Staff Page
Letter from the Director
F
all is here, and scarecrows, straw bales and Jack O’lanterns are up! To celebrate, Hospice Dreams has just finished up our fall fundraiser Barktoberfest! More than 30 dogs participated in this fun event for the whole family and the money raised from these type of fundraising events goes to granting Dreams for hospice patients across the Midwest! September was a busy month as well, and the team here at Hospice Dreams was so honored to be named a regional winner as Midwest Small Charity of the Year! We went to the Classy Awards that were held in San Diego, California and although we didn’t win the national championship, (great job, Team Rubicon!) we are so honored to be representing the Midwest on such a large platform. I hope you enjoy this quarter’s edition of Dreams. We had some amazing wishes come true and I am proud to announce we are getting closer to our goal of 100 Dreams! I am always so humbled by people’s generosity and I am asking if you will help us to spread the word! We are in need of corporate sponsors and would like to increase our individual giving as well. Maybe you know a
business owner or someone who is touched by the work we do for hospice patients, and would like to donate? Every hospice patient deserves to have their Dream come true! So whether the dream was to have Italian or Greek food one more time, meet Kurt Busch, celebrate a 58th wedding anniversary or pet a pooch…I hope these stories bring you joy, I know the Dream Team loves them! Our Holiday Fundraiser is December 1st and is right around the corner! Don’t forget to get your tickets! Call 888-741-9132 for more information! Proceeds from this fundraiser will help us make dreams come true for more hospice patients. If you are unable to attend any of our fundraisers, please take a moment and visit our website at www.hospicedreams.org. There you’ll see our online Virtual Quilt that is filled with the memories that families and friends have shared about their loved ones. With a small donation you can create your own quilt square in memory of your loved one, too. I always want to leave a final thought with you. Please take a moment and ask yourself: “What would be your Dream?” Happy Holidays,
Kansas Swain
Director of Foundation Development Hospice Dreams
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100 C e l e b r at i n g
years
Helen celebrated her 100th birthday in style with family and friends at her nursing home.
She even received a
certificate signed by her State Representative congratulating her on her 100 th birthday!
Photo: Helen poses with her special cake. Inset: Helen’s special 100th birthday certificate.
Family Reunion Kay attended her family reunion with loved ones from as far as Texas, Minnesota, and Ohio! The family gathered in a local park to reminisce and enjoy time with each other.
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Dreams are Ageless
A
lfred
had
special
seats to WWE Raw with his brother,
nephew and grandson! Alfred and his family enjoy watching wrestling and spending time together, but it was the first live match they’d been to in many years. The family sat in the first section and even got to try on a real wrestling belt!
Alfred poses for a photo with his family at WWE Raw!
Want to see more photos from these and other recent Dreams? Visit the gallery page at hospicedreams.org!
Greek Lunch For her Dream, Angeline just wanted to have a good Greek lunch. Hospice Dreams took her to a local restaurant, Demetri’s, for some traditional Greek food. Angeline really enjoyed the famous dish of flaming saganaki—better known as flaming cheese. Dreams are Ageless
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LLINI D
R
E
A
M
Mary Pankey, 84, has had two great loves in her life: her late husband, Everett, and Illini sports. The couple served the University for more than 35 years as ushers at Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium. Everett Pankey was among the original ushers at Assembly Hall’s introduction in 1963, and Mary joined soon after.
Birthdays and anniversaries in the Pankey family are marked by a football or basketball game, and the dress code is always orange. “The Illini are a second family for them,” said daughter Maryanna Smith.
Pankey what was on her bucket list, she told them she wanted to visit the Illini again. Mary received a behind-the-scenes tour of Illini basketball.
Basketball coach John Groce delayed a recruiting trip to greet Pankey at When her caregivers from Ubben Basketball Complex, Passages Hospice asked where he presented her with Coach Groce and basketball players Nnanna Egwu, Tyler Griffey and Brandon a signed basketball and Paul posed for pictures at half-court with Pankey, her family, and staff. Illini t-shirt. “You made my day by coming,” Groce told Pankey. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for the University.”
As the guest of honor, Pankey was privy to a tour that few members of the public have seen. After visiting the locker room, meeting room and practice court, Groce and basketball players Nnanna Egwu, Tyler Griffey and Brandon Paul posed for pictures at halfcourt with Pankey and her family. “I don’t think you could have a better day than this for my mother,” said son Nelson Pankey. “She just dearly loved Illinois.”
Dreams are Ageless
Dot’s Spa Dream
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orothy “Dot” Stansbury and her two older sisters have always shared a special bond. Lunch Dot poses for a photo with her outings, and rare but sisters at the salon. special trips to the salon, were more fun as a threesome. Even now, when age and disease have taken their toll, the three regularly gather at Dot’s nursing home for some quality time. Now a hospice patient, trips to the salon are even more rare for 89-year-old Dot.
TOP: Dot gets her nails done ABOVE: Dot’s sisters are all smiles while getting their nails done. BELOW: Dot enjoys a slice of cake on her special day.
She misses the chatter and fun of the salon, and the company of her sisters. We sent Dot and her sisters Mary Easterling and Barb Oyler for a special “girls” day. The three relaxed with manicures and hairstyling at Bliss Salon in Mt. Zion before enjoying their favorite seafood lunch at Red Lobster in Forsyth. Dreams are Ageless
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58
th
Wedding Anniversary
Marvin and Glenna Lohnes celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary at Bob Evans! The Lohneses lived on a farm just south of Pekin, and had a Bob Evans Sunday dinner tradition for many years. But with Marvin’s declining health, it’d been nearly six months since they visited the restaurant. Marvin gave Glenna flowers for their special date, and we decorated the table to help them celebrate. 8
Italian Dinner Eloise was always the hostess, but her declining health made it hard to have parties like she used to. We helped Eloise host a dinner for her closest family, friends and neighbors. The group enjoyed a delicious meal and wonderful conversation!
Eloise posed in many photos with her family and friends at the dinner she hosted.
Dreams are Ageless
Home Spa Day Beverly enjoyed a makeover at her home, courtesy of a local salon. After her hair and makeup were done, Beverly and her family enjoyed dinner from their favorite restaurant, Red Lobster.
Iz z y’s An i ma ls Izzy Tobiansky raised German Shepards and other animals on his farm, but he misses animals now that he lives in town. The Passages Pooches volunteer group from Passages Hospice brought a Pomeranian, LaCee, a Black Lab, Midnite, and a bunny, Thumper, to visit him at his nursing home. Izzy couldn’t get the smile off of his face when he held the animals.
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Crazy Ray’s
Ray poses for a photo with Racecar driver Kurt Busch
NASCAR Day E
J Equipment of Manteno helped Hospice Dreams give Ray Rhoades, 64, a NASCAR Dream day at the Chicagoland Speedway.
Rhoades was a race car driver himself to make his dream happen.” for many years and was known as “Crazy Ray” for his willingness to The company donated Infield and Pit passes to the September 16 th take risks to win a race. race, including access to the garage “He lives, breathes, eats and sleeps area, a Luke Bryan Concert, and racing,” said his niece, Bonnie Fisher, other activities sponsored by EJ who remembers her uncle rolling his Equipment. The afternoon’s highlight car several times as he attempted was an exclusive meet-and-greet to overtake an opponent. Rhoades session with his favorite driver, Kurt asked Hospice Dreams for one more Busch, who gave him autographed memorabilia to take home. day at the races with his family. “We were moved by his story,” said “I couldn’t dream of anything that Julie Belan of EJ Equipment. “We would’ve made me happier than I am just decided to do whatever it takes today,” Rhoades said.
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B
illy at Hallmark House in Pekin couldn’t get out to a
Cardinals game this year, so we helped him celebrate the team from his nursing home. We threw a Cardinals party and presented Billy with an autographed picture of Mark McGwire. Billy didn’t want to let go of the picture! Want to see more photos from these and other recent Dreams? Visit the gallery page at hospicedreams.org!
A
lfred Jackson, life-long Cubs Fan, can’t remember the last time he actually
got to go to a Cubs game-but it has been long enough. He now watches his beloved Cubbies on TV whenever he can. Alfred’s favorite player is Starlin Castro, so we brought him an autographed picture of the baseball star. “Thank you, thank you, I’m so happy,” he repeated over an over again after receiving the framed picture. Dreams are Ageless
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Hospice Dreams Hosts
Business After Hours Event
Hospice Dreams hosted a Business After Hours event at its Bradley office through the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce.
Participants in the balloon release watch as their ballons in memory of those who passed float away.
H
ospice Dreams showcased the recent Dreams they had fulfilled as part of their mission to grant unmet wishes for adult hospice patients, giving them a higher quality of life and helping families make important memories together. The organization was founded in 2008, but chose Bradley
(Above) Hospice Dreams staff join a Chamber of Commerce representative for a ribbon cutting ceremony. (Below) Jerry, a board member, volunteered as bartender for the after hours event.
for its first office location in October 2011. In addition to an official ribbon cutting
ceremony,
the
open
house
featured refreshments, a raffle for prizes and a memorial balloon release honoring loved ones who have passed. 12
Dreams are Ageless
Kankakee wine enthusiasts raised more than $1,800 for Hospice Dreams during a wine, beer and food festival held at Hidden Cove Sportsplex on September 15th. About 330 people attended the festival, which featured various wines and beers as well as food from local restaurants. Attendees enjoyed music, socializing and raffle prizes as they sipped their beverages. “We had an amazing turnout,” said Christine Cousin of Hidden Cove Sportsplex. “It was really a great showcase of
We are very lucky to be a part of this community.
local businesses and it supported an important cause.” Cousin says the festival will become an annual event and expand to include wine and food pairing classes and other informational sessions. “The Kankakee area is always so supportive of our events,” said Kansas Swain, Director of Foundation Development for Hospice Dreams. “We are very lucky to be a part of this community.”
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The
CLASSY Awards
Above: Program director, Kansas Swain, arrives on the red carpet with her husband. Below: The founders of the Classy awards begin the awards.
Hospice Dreams has been named the Midwest Small Charity of the Year in the 4th Annual CLASSY Awards. The CLASSY Awards is the largest philanthropic awards ceremony in the country, recognizing the top charitable achievements around the world. “Being called the Small Charity of the Year in the Midwest is amazing,” said Kansas Swain, Hospice Dreams Director of Foundation Development. “We are so passionate about granting dreams, and it feels incredible to be recognized on a national level.” Hospice Dreams fulfills
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Dreams are Ageless
unmet wishes for adult hospice patients, improves their quality of life and helps families make memories together. Hospice Dreams has fulfilled more than 200 Dreams since it began in 2008. The program serves patients enrolled in any hospice program, and has granted Dreams across the Midwest.
Hospice Dreams started as a charitable wing of Passages Hospice, but quickly grew to serve hospice patients across the region. “Families, communities and businesses large and small have shown so much interest in Dreams,” said Michael Gillman, Passages Hospice Administrator. “It started as a local effort to bring joy to a few hospice patients but we’ve been able to reach so many deserving people.” Hospice Dreams was selected by a panel of judges and a popular vote from 80 Midwest finalists in multiple categories. More than 2,400 nominations were submitted for nonprofit organizations around the country. The national Small Charity of the Year award winner was announced on September 22nd at the Classy Awards ceremony in San Diego, California. Hospice Dreams was judged with three other small charities from other regions of the United States, and ultimately, Team Rubicon was the winner of the national award.
Above: Red carpet arrivals mingle before the awards. Right and below: Hospice Dreams staff enjoy a few moments on the red carpet.
About the CLASSY Awards The CLASSY Awards, presented by eBay and PayPal, is the largest philanthropic awards ceremony in the country, celebrating the greatest charitable achievements by nonprofit organizations, socially conscious businesses, and individuals worldwide. In 2012, more than 2,400 nominations were cast in sixteen categories, and the nominees’ collective efforts impacted the lives of more than 346,000,000 people in 134 countries worldwide. The CLASSY Awards were created and hosted each year by StayClassy, a leader in online fundraising solutions for nonprofit organizations.
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Hospice Dreams held its first annual charity golf outing on Monday, September 24th, at the beautiful Kankakee Country Club. It was an incredible day for golfing, and included dinner with a silent auction.
We would like to thank the following sponsors for making our Golf Outing a success: Career Builder
City Tavern
Homestar Bank
Assurance
Elite Community Credit Union
WVLI WFAV WIVR
ExxonMobil Bade Appliance Brown & Brown Chevrolet Bradley’s Wash “N” Dry 16
Giavanni’s the Salon and Spa H&H Custom Woodworking Inc. Holiday Inn (Bloomington) Dreams are Ageless
MMS OAK Orthopedics Taake Insurance Agency, LTD. Tile by Lonnie
Dreams in the News Read more about Ray Rhodes’ NASCAR dream in the Manteno newspaper!
Read about Michael LaRussa’s boating Dream (previous issue) in the Allegen County News.
Upcoming Events Join Hospice Dreams as we host bingo at the Community Appreciation Festival in Bourbonnais, IL. The Community Appreciation Festival is Sunday, October 28th, 2012 from 12:00 - 7:00 pm at Hidden Cove Sportsplex. See our website for more information on this free event! Join us for our annual holiday party and fundraiser for Hospice Dreams! Event information will be announced soon, so watch our events page! To stay up-to-date on all our events, including local dine-to-donate opportunities, visit the events button on our website, or follow us on Facebook!
www.HospiceDreams.org Dreams are Ageless
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Letters
aw this posts we s r d n a s d r a ec end us you s ic , n te w u fe ib a tr to con to us Here are would like k wall, or comment u o y f I . month ceboo on our Fa red! t s o p , s r e ht be featu lett ig m u o y d an on Twitter
Send us your snail mail to: Hospice Dreams Attn: Dream Letters Department 511 E. North Street Bradley, IL 60915
Follow us on twitter! @hospicedreams. Use the hashtag #hospicedreams Send us your comments on Facebook!
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Dreams are Ageless are Ageless Ageless
Dreams Dreams are 18
Thank you for your donations. General Donations: Barbara Hansen Carryall Transportation Inc. Dr. Devas Gunawardhane ExxonMobil Foundation Volunteer Involvement Program Jason and Josie Hurdis Patrick Hermes Richard and Rebecca Young Sheila Smith
In Honor of: Marvin Lohnes
Richard and Karla Lohnes
Mary Pankey
Bradford Smith
Barb Stygar
Leona Burns
Helen Kurkiewicz
Doris Schmidt
Edward and Karen Rhodes
Michael Larussa
John Schmidt
Rosella Limback
Arthur and Barbara Alderson
Dorothy F. Letz
Lloyd Scott
Jeff and Deb Bristle Joanne Allen Donald and Deborah Burns
Bryan Davidson Wanda Keele
Ivan and Frances Staley Janice Williams Elaine Henley Rita Scott Dorothy Rogers Margaret Hampsten Patty Squibb Robert or Beverly Wacker Paul and Cheri Polanski
Irene Buckalew
George Letz
Pam Logan Kerri Harris
Armando Luevano Patti Luevano
Stephen and Staci Otradovec
Gerald Meyer Vernon Meyer
Jerome Mitchell
W.S. and Dorothy Mitchell
E. Robert Mulligan
Judith Hubrich
D.H. and K.H. Land
In Memory of:
James Carlson
Helen Mulligan
Lorena Anderson
Margaret Ferguson
Robert and Sandra Barnes
John and Georgianna Dixon
Mareen Smith
P.S. Northrup
Diane Granda
Cynthia Howell
Peter Olson
Roberta Olson
Estuardo and Linda Teran
Donna Granda
Patricia Schurtz
Frank Baumgart
Paul Hibbetts
Eleanor Pollard
Michael Brown
F. Norman and Delores Bafunno
R.J. and D.J. Steenken
Robert and Susan Baumgart Mary Fitzgerald
Yolanda Marucco
Metal Spinners Sunshine Fund
Millie Kabat
Robert and Darlene Borsberry
Elizabeth Krieg
Barbara Borsberry
Berniece Hayenga Richard and Nettie Pell
Judith Primrose Anthony and Patricia Valosek Eugene Batty James Schwarten
Larry and Joyce Davis Douglas and Carol Love
C. Clorice Fidder
Homer and Rebecca Bailey Ronald and Karen Armstrong Margaret Tyne Ruthie Lee Riley
Sherry Lindquist
Merikay Bland
Harry Papka
Darrin and Patti LaGesse
Judith Cook
Larry and Connie Rogers
Mary Jane Kuipers
Donald Saathoff Shirley Saathoff
Charles Schahrer Thomas Schahrer
Bettye Jo Hackman
M. Lynn Payne Steven and Mimi Payne Lloyd Scott, Trust
Jennie R. Spatafore
Peoria Area Telephone Retirees
Alta Sprerl
Yvonne Harper
Lorraine Tucker
Stephen and Sandra Sartain Charles and Jeanette Lindsay J. Gregory Langan Carol Clavey First Baptist Church Richard Perschnick Gregory and Marilyn Tucker Loren Steder John Foxley Norris Tucker
Marilyn Wilson
David and Lynda Trembley
There are many ways to support Hospice Dreams and make a Dream possible for a hospice patient. Here are a few: For Free: Register for and use GoodSearch.com. Every time you search online, Hospice Dreams gets a donation!
Donate Today!
It’s easy! - donate online via our website, call us, or mail your donation directly to our office! HospiceDreams.org Toll Free: 888-741-9132 Hospice Dreams 511 E. North Street Bradley, IL 60915
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$5.00 for a photo album
For just $5 you can help provide a Dream recipient with mementos of their Dream. Many recipients and their families like to proudly display photos of their Dream event to remember that happy day.
$15.00 for a meal
Small gifts can help cover smaller expenses that occur when granting a Dream. It can pay for a lunch for one of our Dream recipients!
$25 for a small memorial quilt patch
Remember your friends and familiy members on our virtual quilt! For a $25 donation you receive a small quilt patch that will be perpetually posted on our website’s virtual quilt! In addition, your donation helps us grant a Dream.
$75 for a large memorial quilt patch
For a larger donation, you receve a large quilt patch to remember your friends and familiy members on our virtual quilt! In addition, your donation helps toward a Dream.
$100 for food and cake
Donation dollars go a long way in providing dinner and cake for family celebrations like an anniversary or a 100th birthday!
$300 to Grant a Dream
Grant a Dream! A $300 donation provides most Dream recipients with their special day.
Dreams are Ageless
Dream Notes You can use this space to write out your memories from the Dream that was granted.
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Board of Directors Rhonda Bouchard - Office Manager at STARCON INTL. - Citgo Refinery Jerry Henke - Exxon Mobile Retiree Darci Lemner - HSA Administrator at Peoples Bank Steve Lemner- Surgical Tech at Riverside; Owner and instructor of Lemner’s Soo Bahk Do Marilyn Roy - Realtor; ABR, GRI at Speckman Realty INC/ Real Living Ali Stone - Office Manager at Tube City IMS, LLC
Hospice Dreams Team
Editors: Kansas Swain
Kansas Swain, Director
Kaitlyn Henderson
Kristen Kolwelter, Dream Development Manager
Art Direction:
Kaitlyn Henderson, Communications Manager
Kristine Tague
Stacy Barclay, PR and Development Coordinator
Article Authors:
C. Cooper, PR and Development Coordinator
Kristine Tague Kaitlyn Henderson
Kamie Freeland, PR and Development Coordinator
Photography:
Ricki Kravat, Office Manager Kristine Tague, PR Coordinator Dreams is a quarterly newsletter that documents the stories behind the Dreams that are granted through Hospice Dreams. Hospice Dreams is a registered 501(c)3 charity that provides adult hospice patients with an opportunity to live their dream. We rely solely on the donations of individuals and sponsors to provide these Dreams. If you know of someone who has a dream, please click the “I have a Dream” button found on the top of our website for information and the application form. If you have further questions don’t hesitate to email us at: info@hospicedreams.org. Use GoodSearch when you search the internet – they will donate a penny to us every time you do. We are listed as “Hospice Dreams.”
w w w.Hospi c eDre ams.org
See Dreams happen on our YouTube channel.
Dreams are Ageless
Staff photographers supplied all photos in this newsletter unless otherwise specified. All photographs of Dreams are the property of Hospice Dreams and may not be reproduced without permission. Contact info@hospicedreams.com for permission or questions. This issue of Dreams was made available to the public on October 24th via Issuu.com
Hospice Dreams 511 E. North Street Bradley, IL 60915 Toll Free: (888) 741-9132
www.HospiceDreams.org Copyright 2012 Hospice Dreams.