Hospice of San Joaquin Builds its First Residential House in SJ County Coming Home …… A Place of Peace is the slogan for the community campaign to build the first residential hospice house in San Joaquin County. Hearing that a loved one has a terminal illness is devastating to families and friends It is a well documented statistic that most patients who face this kind of news, wish to spend their last days at home in familiar, comfortable surroundings. But what happens to patients who are not able to remain at home due to the lack of a caregiver, or financial means? Will they spend the final days of their lives alone in a hospital or nursing home that is designed to help people recover? Hospice House offers the promise to these folks of being able to come "home." To be in a home setting, surrounded by the familiarity of their personal possessions, with room for a loved one to stay the night comfortably and for friends and family to visit for hours. They will receive the finest medical, spiritual and emotional support available and be able to live out their last days in dignity and comfort. Hospice House will be built in Stockton on 2.9 acres just north of Central Methodist Church and across from University of the Pacific, on Pacific Avenue. The goal of the Community Campaign is to raise an additional $2 million dollars to build and endow hospice house for three years. Being only the fifth residential hospice house in California, it will have six spacious patient rooms, large
living spaces and beautiful gardens. In addition to regular hospice care from RN Case Mangers, Social Workers, Chaplains, Pharmacist, Dietician and Family Volunteers, the house will be staffed round the clock by licensed nurses, and nurses aides. Families and friends are welcome to participate in their loved ones care. As Barbara Tognoli, Executive Director states "Hospice House will belong to patients and families." Hospice of San Joaquin has served the community members in San Joaquin County by offering compassionate care to terminally ill patients for over two decades. From small beginnings in a tiny office at the Delta Blood Bank, Hospice has grown over the years to meet the needs of our community. Freedom from pain and symptoms has helped to provide a quality of life that would not otherwise be possible for these patients. Anyone suffering from any type of terminal condition qualifies for the comprehensive medical, physical and spiritual care delivered by a team of professionals. As a non-profit, Hospice of San
The mission of Hospice of San Joaquin is to provide comprehensive medical, physical, social, spiritual and emotional care for terminally ill patients, their families and caregivers.
Hospice of San Joaquin is a United Way participating Agency.
Joaquin never charges patients and families for these services. Among those participating in the community campaign to build the house are Honorary Chairs: Florence Kamigaki, and Sharon Bensch. Others include Douglass Wilhoit, Business Community Chair, Robert Browne, MD and Susan Watson, RN, BSN as Medical Community Chair and Co-Chair, Harvey Sundahl and Corie-Coleman Maxwell Financial Chair and Co-Chair, Ann Johnston, Elected Officials Chair, Doug Haydel, Chair to the Legal Community, and Pat Gabbard and Linda Dillon as Major Gifts Chair and Co-Chair. It will take the whole community to effectively raise the funds needed to ensure the success of this project. Donors can be assured that their gifts will only go toward the building and endowment of the hospice house. Special recognition will be given to those who are part of this important endeavor. For more information on how you can help, please see page 8 of this newsletter. I bring patients “home”
C O N T E N T S Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5
. . . . . . . . .Director's Corner . . . . . . . . .Campaign Chair . . . . . . .Auxilary Fundraiser . . . . . . .Auxilary Fundraiser
Page 6 . . . .Hospice Music Therapy Page 7 . . . . . . .Acknowledgements! Page 8 . .Hospice House Thank You
Message from the Executive Director:
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ver twenty-three years ago a group of caring people in this community came together to begin a compassionate movement called “hospice”. This was care of the dying; the medical expertise and care necessary to keep dying patients comfortable and to bring them home to be surrounded all they loved. For twenty-three years Hospice of San Joaquin has provided his care and continues today. Our hospice did not come out of the halls of academia. We did not come out of the medical establishment; we do not come out of business enterprise. We came out a volunteer spirit. A few people who cared enough to reach out to other human beings and make life a little different for them. This is probably the richest part of who we are today. From absolutely nothing we have created a program wealthy in the rich experience of caring well for dying patients. We have changed the lives and the deaths of hundreds people in San Joaquin County. We have also experienced the difficult and heartbreaking choices faced by many families who were not able to bring a loved one home for the final days of life. Out of these painful choices have come our passion to build a hospice house where patients can come “home” to die. We are dedicated to the following belief. No one should die isolated; no one should die out of control of his or her own life, no one should die without having a choice to come home. On Thursday evening, May 8th, a group of dedicated community members convened at Café Luna Spagheteria to form our Hospice House Capital Campaign Leadership Committee. Their goal is to give an opportunity to everyone in our community to help build our Hospice House. We are extremely grateful to Dino and Joan Cortopassi for graciously hosting our Kick-Off Event at their home and gardens on June 27th. In the warmth of their hospitality we unveiled the Hospice House plans to the community for the first time. There are new names, new faces and new strategies then there were twenty-three years ago, but our mission has not changed: to provide skilled and compassionate care for the dying and their families at home. Please join us in our mission to build the Hospice House: A Place of Peace.
Hospice Awareness is a bi-annual publication of Hospice of San Joaquin, a private, non-profit organization serving terminally ill patients and their families in San Joaquin County. Any inquiries regarding the content of "Hospice Awareness" may be directed to Linda Blackman, 2609 E. Hammer Lane, Stockton, California 95210
(209) 957-3888
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Hospice of San Joaquin Board of Directors 2003-2004 Gail Wigley, RN President Dameron Hospital William Trezza, CEO Vice President Bank of Agriculture and Commerce Barbara Wegner Secretary Community Service Volunteer Steve Guasco Treasurer St. Joseph’s Regional Healthcare System Nicholas Aninag Bank of Stockton David Bentz Stockton Police Department Ann Durant Buggy Community Service Volunteer Vicki Burgess, RN Kaiser Permanente Peter Gormsen DeGregori, Gormsen & Ringer John Harris, ESQ Harris & Perisho Jennifer Held Library & Literacy Foundation of San Joaquin Karen Hull Property Management Experts Virginia Manss, R.N. St. Joseph’s Cancer Center Sandra Mayer, RN Dameron Hospital Penny Meyers, RN Kaiser Permanente Harry Olson Retired Terry Sample Bank of Stockton Barbara Sexton, RN Retired Noreen Tighe, LCSW St. Joseph’s Medical Center Diane Vigil Dameron Hospital George Wehrs Wehrs Direct Marketing Services
Hospice House Community Campaign Chairs
George Wehrs, PR Committee Chair
Doug Wilhoit, Business Chair
Harvey Sundahl, Financial Chair
Chris Olin, Hospice House Committee Chairperson
Pat Gabbard, | Major Gifts Chair
Florence Kamigaki, Honorary Chair
Linda Dillon, Major Gifts Co-Chair
Corie Coleman-Maxwell, Financial Co-Chair
Ann Johnston, Elected Officials Chair
Robert Browne, MD, Medical Co-Chair
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Sharon Bensch, Honorary Chair
Susan Watson, RN,BSN, Medical Co-Chair
he Board of Directors and Staff of Hospice of San Joaquin acknowledge and applaud the Community Campaign Chairs for the generous gifts of their time, expertise and commitment to help raise the needed funds to build the first Hospice House in San Joaquin County. Their contribution to this campaign will be remembered and appreciated for years to come, as each patient who seeks comfort, warmth and dignity at the end of life, makes hospice house their “home.�
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Doug Haydel, Legal Chair
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On April 18, 2003 the Hospice Butterfly Auxiliary sponsored the Second Annual Hospice English Tea, a fundraiser to benefit the Hospice House. Champagne, tea (of course), sandwiches, scones, and assorted puffs, tarts and pastries were served on some of Stockton’s finest china! Everyone had a wonderful time, and the auxiliary was once again successful in their efforts.
The Butterfly Auxiliaryon the middle left picture are: "Mannequins" Catelyn and Corrine Hazelet enjoy a "spot of tea."
Back Row from left to right: Alice Tolliver, Jackie West, Tatiana Castleton, Colleen Evans, Darlyn Stone, Claudia Strobel, Pam Hammond, Sharon Benninger, Lockey Welch, Janet Olmstead, Beverly Johnson, Theresa Stathatos, Kim Boccia, Sharon Stokes, Nora Wager, Pat DeBock Middle Row from left to right: Jackie Korbholz, Sandy Stokes, Shirley Luke, Johnna Smith, Joyce Wright, Sally Shubin Front: Pat Gabbard Not pictured: Gloria Bacchetti, Sonya Botiller, Pam Coburn, Linda Dillon, May Eversole, Barbara Galgiani, Elise Garber, Suzanne Haley, Charlyne Hansen, Linda Hartzell, Corinne Hazelet, Frankie Hey, Beverly Hood, Linda Jeffers, Kie Kie Morell, Linda Schwartzenberger, Diana Watson, Susan Watson, Carol White
Wilma Avery-Fay with Grandaughter and Auxiliary Secretary Johnna Smith
Kristi Lobb, (L) with mother Ida Lobb and sister
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2002 Sip & Stroll Hospice of San Joaquin appreciates the hard work and dedication of the Hospice Butterfly Auxiliary Members. They have made it their mission to support the Hospice House, while being wonderful ambassadors of fun and good will in our community. Thank you! The Hospice Staff & Board of Directors (L-R) Butterflies Susan Watson, Sharon Benninger, Frankie Hey
Car club members enjoy a cool drink in the shade.
Mozelle Williams bringing a platter of fresh fruit to guests.
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Hospice Music Therapy ANICIA gives the gift of music, time, and a CD dedicated to help Hospice House become a reality.
It has been said that music is the language of the soul that transcends the conscious mind and takes us to the place where our heart resides… a doorway allowing us to soar above the troubles of the world to a more clear experience of our true nature.
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nicia Hibdon, a truly gifted harpist, offers music that serves as the wings that carry hospice patients and families to a place of reflection, peace and joy. As the volunteer Music Therapist for Hospice, she gives freely of her time to hospice patients. She plays familiar pieces that delight and bring back fond memories, as well as, compositions that are created out of her experience of each individual patient. Being a life-long student of music, studying voice, piano and organ, it was only when Anicia visited Finland as a foreign exchange student in 1971 that she became enchanted with the Kantele, an ancient Finnish Harp. Hearing a friend play, she became so inspired that she began lessons and a love affair with the instrument that has spanned 30 years. She has been the recipient of prestigious scholarships, and attended the UOP Conservatory of Music. She began playing for hospice patients three and a half years ago, finding her own personal inspiration in the opportunity to make a difference for others. Anicia confirms "It’s not about me or the instrument….but about the blessing of the human spirit and recognizing the spiritual ministry of the music to ease patient’s pain while providing a comforting distraction." It is her passion and her greatest dream is to have the financial freedom to give her music to patients on a full time basis.
Hospice patient Mabel Smith and Hospice Family Team Member Sharon Benninger listen to Anicia play the kantele.
Mabel Smith, a lovely, petite hospice patient, remembers her deceased husband’s strength, and the sweetness of their love. In response to Mabel’s memory, Anicia composes and plays a soulful piece to express the essence of Mabel’s life with her beloved. The magical tones of the harp strings take us on a journey to visit this place with Mabel, and to honor her life in a way that words just cannot do. Hospice patient Joe Hamrick, an accomplished musician, is spending his days in a nursing home as he is not able to remain at home. Anicia’s visits are a welcomed reminder of his own relationship with music and what it has meant in his life. Interactively she plays as he conducts, and a special bond between fellow musicians is born. She sings and plays some of his favorite songs as Joe joins in, his joy shining through his eyes. To be understood, validated and valued especially at this juncture of his life, is of great importance. Anicia acknowledges "I am always learning. Dying people have lessons to teach and Joe has been my teacher, giving suggestions and helping me to see my music from yet another place." Anicia knows only too well the loneliness dying patients can feel. In addition to playing for hospice patients in their homes, she has played for many in nursing homes and hospitals. It has strengthened her own resolve to help make Hospice House a reality. In that spirit of caring she has created a wonderful CD of her music. It will sell for $20.00 with 25% of each sale donated to Hospice House.
Hospice Volunteer Music Therapist Anicia Hibdon shares a love of music with patient and musician Joe Hamrick.
Whether listening to her CD or hearing a live performance, her beautiful music is perfect for any of life’s many celebrations. To find out more about this gifted and generous artist, you may visit her website a www.anicia.biz or by telephone at (209) 612-2297.
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DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN!!! You just had to "be there" to feel the excitement generated by a group of over 400 motorcycle and classic car enthusiasts who participated in last year’s poker run! In addition to the festivities and great food, they raised over $11,000 to benefit the patients and families of Hospice of San Joaquin! This year will be even bigger and better! Thank you Tom Dempsey, General Manager of Interstate Trucking and San Joaquin Valley Truckers for making a difference in our community!!!
Hospice of San Joaquin will hold it’s Annual Recognition Dinner to honor our Volunteers, Staff and Community Benefactors. Please join us on this very special night to honor those who give of their time and talents every day to support the patients and families served by Hospice of San Joaquin Wednesday, July 23, 2003 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Elkhorn Country Club 1050 Elkhorn Drive Stockton, California To make your reservations, please call Hospice of San Joaquin at (209)957-3888 Please respond by July 10, 2003
Thank you Lynda, for Generously providing balloons for Hospice of SJ
Non-Profit Org.
U.S Postage
PAID
Permit No. 557 Stockton, CA
2609 E. Hammer Ln. Stockton, CA 95210
Coming Home… A Place of Peace Will you help us provide this new dimension of care for terminally ill patients by selecting one of the levels below: Guild master $2,500 to $4,999 Architect $1,000 to $2,499
Mater builder $500 to $999
Artisan
Mason
$250 to $499
$ 25 to $249
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Campaign to Build Hospice House The Need for a Hospice House Only 20%* of those who wish to die at home actually do. Lack of a caregiver, the caregiver’s need for respite, or family complications prevent many from being able to remain at home, in comfortable surroundings. Until a hospice house is built in our community, terminally ill patients may not have a choice in their end-of-life care.
The Dream Becomes a Reality
Address:
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“Coming Home… A Place of Peace”
Zip: (home) Please clip and mail today to: Hospice of San Joaquin 2609 E. Hammer Lane Stockton, CA 95210
Your tax-deductable doantion to Hospice of San Joaquin is greatfully accepted. With your support we will bwle to build and endow the first Hospice House in San Joaquin County. Hopice House will provide a warm, homelike environment for patients who cannot remain in their own homes.
At Hospice House, patients will be cared for with respect and dignity by a skilled team of hospice nurses, physicians, social workers, home health aides, dietician, chaplains, and trained volunteers. Cozy private rooms with sunlit patios will provide privacy for patients and close family members. Spacious living room, family room, and lovely walking gardens will enhance visits from loved ones and friends who will be warmly welcomed.
What Can You Do? You can help us build a hospice house and give those who can no longer remain at home an alternative to dying alone in a hospital or nursing facility. We need your financial support to be successful. There are many giving opportunities, and donations in any amount are appreciated. Thank you for your pledge of support in helping us to improve the quality of life for those facing the realities of terminal illness. *According to an extensive survey conducted by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, 80% of the respondents expressed the desire to die at home.