Hospice Awareness by Hospice of San Joaquin

Quality You Can Trust Joint Commission Accredited

Para asistencia en español, vea anuncio en la contraportada 3888 Pacific Avenue • Stockton, California 95204-1953 • 24 hr. main-line: (209) 957-3888 • fax: (209) 957-3986 http://www.hospicesj.org

Quality of Life Partnerships Our Mission The mission of Hospice of San Joaquin, a not-for-profit organization, is to provide comprehensive medical and compassionate care, counseling and support to terminally ill patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay, and to educate and collaborate with health care providers and the public in promoting quality end-of-life care. A nonprofit agency serving the community since 1982 Hospice is governed by a community Board of Directors and is recognized as a 501 (c) (3) organization. Hospice of San Joaquin is licensed by the State of California as a Hospice Agency and is certified by the Centers for MediCare and Medi-Cal Services to provide the Hospice Medicare/ Medi-Cal Benefit. The Joint Commission of Accreditation of Health Care Agencies (JCAHO) has accredited Hospice of San Joaquin, most recently in May 2008. For more information or referral, call (209) 957-3888.

Providing continuity of care for pacare. When cure is no longer an optients approaching end-of-life is the tion, palliative therapies can help alresponsibility of all treatment moleviate pain and bring hope to padalities—the hospital, the nursing tients and families. When treathome, the hospice—and should ments are exhausted or inefbe under the direction of the phyfective, comfort care (hossician. Partnering together is a pice care) is the natural next win-win-win proposition relevel of care to provide pain garding patient satisfaction management, symptom and good pain and symptom control, and support to pamanagement. Partnering tients and families. Under should be the guiding printhe direction of your phyciple in providing patient care. sician, the levels of care An important statistic to can be seamless—especonsider is that people in cially when the expertise of America are living longer today, the hospice nurse or social and dying not from sudden illness worker is included early in and infection, but from disability the disease trajectory. and chronic illnesses. It is now Hospice of San Joaquin enthought the larger growing population courages its community physiis those persons 85 and over. With incians to partner with us to ensure creased age comes increased frailty. And, that all patients facing life-limiting while most state they want to spend their illnesses receive quality care—from difinal months at home, the National Hospice agnosis, possible hospital admission, nursand Palliative Care Organization’s 2003 Reing home placement, and ultimately hospice port indicated that of all people who died in Audrey Wuerl, RN, BSN referral. Together, we can provide the supthat year, 75% were in institutions, and only port and continuity of care our patients de25% at home.1 Now, more than ever be- Education Coordinator serve. 1 fore, it becomes important for healthcare proMarx, T.L., DO, Partnering with hospice to viders to communicate to assure quality of care for their patients. improve pain management in the nursing home setting, The Journal of the From the hospice standpoint, hospital admissions constitute acute American Osteopathic Association, March 2005, Vol 105 (3), pgs 22-26

Hospice of San Joaquin 3888 Pacific Avenue Stockton, California 95204-1953

My mother, a resident of Lodi for over 60 years, died in a Lodi nursing home at the wonderful old age of 92. But because our family was not advised of the availability of hospice services for nursing home residents, her last few months of life were not peaceful. So to honor her memory I would like to tell her community of this very special end-oflife option available to you and your loved ones. First, let me provide an overview of hospice care in our country. In 2005, President Bush signed a proclamation declaring November as National Hospice Month. The proclamation reads in part: “Hospice enables many of our citizens to spend their final days in comfort and dignity surrounded by loved ones. This palliative care plays a vital role in our Nation’s health care system, and the dedicated work of hospice care givers helps ensure that our citizens receive the ser-

Gayle Riley, RN HSJ Board Member

November: National Hospice Palliative Care Month vices and support they need”. That same year, 1.2 million people with life-limiting illnesses received care from one of over 4,000 hospice agencies, representing approximately one-third

of this nation’s deaths. Cancer diagnoses accounted for 46% of hospice admissions, while the top non-cancer diagnoses included dementia/debility (17%), heart disease (12%), lung dis-

ease (7%), kidney disease (3%), with other diagnoses combining at just under 15%. An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association published in 2000, addressed the issue of “Access to Palliative Care and Hospice in Nursing Homes”. It cites that “dying residents experience high rates of untreated pain and other symptoms and that they and their family members do not receive adequate social and spiritual support. Hospice Care improves end-oflife care for dying nursing home residents by addressing these issues, but it is rarely used, even though most nursing home residents have incurable chronic diseases, and more than half have been diagnosed with progressive dementia”. Progressive dementia is what my mother had. She could no longer walk nor sit in a wheel chair unless a safety belt was

Board of Directors Officers: Mark Wallace, President Director of Human Resources, Lodi Memorial Hospital Edward Schroeder, Vice President President & CEO, O’Connor Woods Chris Olin, Secretary Community Volunteer Gayle Riley, R.N. Treasurer Nurse, Healthcare Administrator, Retired Members: Nicholas Aninag Vice President, Bank of Stockton Jacqueline Bagatta, R.N., M.S.N. Deputy Director, San Joaquin General Hospital Phyllis Berger, Esq. Humphrey’s Law School Professor Joseph Curtis Agency Owner, Allstate Insurance, Curtis Insurance Agency Lynne Davis Davis & Associates Insurance Brokers Daniel Dixon CFO, Mariani's Men's & Boy's Clothing Patricia Erardi Community Volunteer Richard Ghio, CPA Instructor, San Joaquin Delta College Gary Giannini Principal, Schwartz, Giannini, Lantsberger & Adamson, CPA’s Pete Gormsen, CPA, DeGregori, Gormsen, Ringer, LLP Deitra Kenoly Advertising Director, The Record Jim Linderman St. Joseph’s Regional Cancer Center, Support & Education Coordinator Chris McCaffrey Vice President, Morgan Stanley Diane Park Fund Development Consultant Danae Sharp, R.N. Nursing Supervisor, Dameron Hospital Diane Vigil P.R. Director, Dameron Foundation Barbara A. Tognoli Executive Director and Member of the Board

continues on page 2

Support Personnel

Barbara Pombo • Development Director

Sip ‘N Stroll Success Literally Spills Over ...And Back Again...

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S.POSTAGE

PAID

Permit Nº557 Stockton, CA

ospice of San Joaquin’s Butterfly Auxiliary members carry a well-deserved reputation for ‘flitting’ around the County and beyond... and bringing back sweets that provide for the care of patients in the Hospice House. Take “The Chocolate Lady” who provided the shooters and poppers for Sinful Pleasures section of the 7th Annual Moonlight Sip ‘n Stroll on Heron Lakes Drive, Brookside. Edna Patitucci, sole proprietor of The Chocolate Lady, explains: “shooters and poppers are little chocolate cups that are used for tasting dessert wines and Port-perfect for this event, all about fun and laughter. I found that the Sip ‘n Stroll crowd were very appreciative of the opportunity to taste. They were having a great time, a fun-loving group – very courteous, very

supportive of Hospice of San Joaquin.” Edna shared that she responded to a phone call from Butterfly Auxiliary member Adrianna Crowley who asked for a donation and then arranged to visit Edna at her business in Sutter Creek with Butterfly member Catriona Linn.

Their mutual admiration was immediate and The Chocolate Lady committed her help. “This event was great exposure for us, a nice opportunity to give back to such a great organization. We don’t have a retail store, wholesale mostly to wineries and gift stores. We do weddings, our

cups used to toast the bride and groom. Our orders are through the internet (thechocolatelady. biz). Actually, we made a connection for a September wedding at the Sip 'n Stroll.” Edna, The Chocolate Lady, has already put Sip ‘n Stroll 2009 on her calendar (August 15th)! Stockton Sunrise Rotary underwrote the general expenses for the Sinful Pleasures venue. Other participants in that area included The Chocolate Factory. For a full list of restaurants, wineries, breweries and other businesses who donated their goods and/or provided underwriting for the Sip ‘n Stroll please see the list on page 3 of this issue. With the partnership of these businesses and individuals the Auxiliary reported a record net profit, based on an increase of donations from businesses and an estimated 1200 guests.

Robert T. Browne, M.D. Medical Director James Saffier, M.D. Staff Physician Mobin Ghavami, M.D. Staff Physician Gail E. Wigley, RN Director, Clinical Services Jo E. Paganini, MSW Director, Social Services Steve Parsons Director, Operations / Finance Barbara A. Pombo Director, Development Gene Acevedo Director, Community Outreach and Public Relations Audrey Wuerl, RN, BSN Education Coordinator Julie A. Lofy Volunteer Coordinator Carey M. Vanderkar Bereavement Coordinator Jim R. Russow Chaplain Patty A. Rieber Human Resource Manager Leo Ronquillo Information Systems Manager Carolyn Gomes Annual Gifts & Events Planner

Audrey Wuerl, RN, BSN — Education Coordinator

From the Director

Best Practices in Pain Management & End-of-Life Care

I have just returned from a beautiful trip to France, where I embarked on travels throughout the Loire Valley, where the “tres belle” villages maintain the architecture and culture of the medieval ages and earlier history. Hospice care has its roots in the Middle Ages, so it was no surprise to me to find structure markers identifying that a “hospice” once existed here, ministering to weary travelers and those on pilgrimage to the great cathedrals throughout Europe.

Hospice of San Joaquin and Lodi Memorial Hospital partnered to present this seminar for physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare providers. The event was held at Hutchins Street Square in Lodi, and was sold out! Educational handouts, along with a continental breakfast and buffet lunch, were provided to 136 participants. The importance of the Advanced Directive (from the physicians’ perspective) and how doctors can talk to doctors was discussed. The latest techniques in pain management and treatment modalities were explored, as well as how pain syndromes vary with different diagnoses and that pain needs to be constantly evaluated. We learned how to conduct “courageous conversations” at end-of-life and how spiritual peace affects physical pain. The hospice philosophy of maintaining the patient’s autonomy, while providing care with dignity and respect, was the focus of the seminar. This venue allowed participants to

Inspiration for my short message here came from gazing upon these magnificent churches. Each cathedral took centuries to complete. Each took the dedication and skills of architects, master builders, journeymen and artists all working together to bring about such breathtaking beauty. Partnership. The stone cutter depended on the work of the quarry man. The artist secured his scaffold to a wall erected by a stone mason. Sponsors and patrons provided finances to continue the work and provide wages for the artisans whose lives were spent on this spiritual and physical journey. Partnership is the theme of this newsletter and analogies abound. Hospice of San Joaquin would not be in the position it is today without our partnership with so many other generous people and organizations. Donors, volunteers, physicians, discharge planners, social services, healthcare providers, hospitals and our families and patients; all working together to create hospice care. Alone we might accomplish “placing one stone upon another” but our structure would be weak, without the nuances and skills offered by all these other partners. We hope as someone receiving this Newsletter you will consider yourself as our partner in providing hospice services. When you support us we are able to support those who are on their final pilgrimage in life. Thank you!

November from cover page

used. She knew me most days, but thought her beloved husband was still alive. He had died in 1974. When she would ask where he was and why he did not visit her, I would say that he had been to see her that morning and he was now home resting. She always accepted this with relief. On my daily visits to help her eat lunch or dinner we had wonderful conversations about the past; her childhood, my childhood, living in Lodi, but always the past because that is where her mind had come to rest. However, all of this was before her downward spiral which began with a decrease in appetite and ever-decreasing weight loss. In the month of October, four months before she died, I was invited to a Care Planning Conference at the nursing home. It was there that I learned of the beginning weight loss. The staff in attendance said they would have the dietician review my mother’s case and probably give her a soft diet and a power milkshake. They thought this would increase her food and nutritional intake. We also talked about her medications, which had all been prescribed that year; anti-psychotics for the behavior that comes with dementia, cardiac drugs for a new diagnosis of congestive heart failure, sedatives for agitation and pain medication to be given ‘as needed’, for to give it on a regular basis I was told, would decrease her awareness even more. In those last few months, my mother always seemed to be in pain. I could tell by her furrowed brow. When she could still communicate she would say she had a terrible headache. When the staff turned or repositioned her she would

(left) Dr. Ghavami and Dr. Saffier take notes during Best Practices In Pain presentation on Saturday, September 6, 2008, at Hutchins Street Square in Lodi. (below) Mark Sey, (right) CEO of Lodi Memorial Hospital, introduces HSJ Chaplain Jim Russow, presenter of “Body and Soul”, dealing with spiritual and pain management. PHOTOS BY GENE ACEVEDO / HSJ

network to explore new avenues to improve quality of life for patients facing life-limiting illnesses This was an all day event that provided education along with 7 continuing education hours for physicians, nurses, social workers and other healthcare providers. Hospice of San Joaquin would like to express appreciation to Lodi Memorial Hospital in helping support this collaborate, and to all who came to further their knowledge in end-oflife care.

cry out in pain, her whole body stiffening. A more consistent approach to pain management would have been a blessing, rather than ‘as needed’. This meant she would receive pain medication when I requested it or when one of the nurses thought to provide it; she could not ask for herself.

the diet changed by speaking to the Director of Nurses. This story is just one of many that chronicled my mother’s discomfort and pain in the last few months of her life, which could have been alleviated if only we had been offered the option of hospice care at the October Care Planning Conference or anytime afterwards. And because I do not believe that my family’s experience was uncommon, I am telling you my mother’s story so that perhaps you will be better able to recognize when your loved one could benefit from hospice care.

In November, she got pneumonia. After witnessing a week of growing discomfort, I asked for a chest X-Ray. I thought that because she could not chew very well and had difficulty swallowing, she may have aspiration pneuGayle Riley monia. I was told that lives in Lodi. I have since learned she did not have a temperature so she probably She is a retired that my mother was a author, classic example of prodid not have pneumo- nurse, and board gressive dementia, with nia, but that they would member of get one to check for The Hospice of a predictable decline that begins with loss of fluid build-up from the San Joaquin. appetite and weight. congestive heart failure. She was not in a poorly The X-Ray confirmed pneumonia in her left lower lobe, run nursing home. It is considthe hallmark of aspiration pneu- ered one of Lodi’s finest and I monia. She was put on antibi- really do believe the staff was otics and I asked to have her diet compassionate and did their best changed to a pureed one. In re- for her. But Federal and State sponse, the nurse said she policies require nursing homes would ask the speech therapist to provide restorative care. To to do a swallow evaluation. A maintain quality of care, regulaweek later I was told by the tions require the use of a comtherapist that my mother was prehensive, uniform assessment not being cooperative and could system for all nursing home I please speak with her. When I residents. From these in-depth asked what the problem was, assessments actions are trigshe said that my mother would gered by the presence of spestrike out at her, shout profani- cific conditions thought to be inties, and then clamp her mouth dicators of inadequate treatment. shut. She further told me that Functional decline, weight loss, to fulfill California regulations and dehydration, the very signs she needed to be able to com- of terminal illness, are used as plete the evaluation before indicators for potentially treatchanging the diet. When I told able illness and are red flags to her that my mother was in no State inspectors, who then ascondition to be cooperative and sume that care plans will include that a whole week had gone by treatment to reverse these conwith her not being able to ad- ditions, not protocols for palliaequately chew her food, we got tive care. into an argument. Only after I This disconnect with the reburst into tears of frustration did the therapist tell me I could have ality of dying disappears once

hospice is allowed to enter as a care-giver. Under Medicare regulations, the hospice agency assumes overall responsibility for the implementation and management of a care plan related to the terminal illness. The nursing home is required to continue the same level of service and personal care as if the patient were not in hospice care, while the hospice staff provide added palliative care. Services unique to hospice include expert pain and symptom assessment and management with an emphasis on quality of life, emotional and spiritual care, and bereavement service for the family. I now know that this nursing home and the many others in San Joaquin County offer hospice care as an option, but it was not offered to my family. And in the year 2000, only one percent of our country’s nursing home population was enrolled in hospice care. This needs to change. Hospice is a Medicare benefit. It does not matter if you are paying privately for the nursing home or if Medi-Cal is paying for the care; hospice is an additional benefit. In fact, even if you do not have Medicare, hospice care is available to you regardless of your ability to pay as long as a Medicare-certified hospice agency is used. In addition, hospice provides all medications, services, and equipment related to the terminal illness. In closing, I would like to emphasize that Hospice is not a place; it is rather a philosophy of care created to help people live with dignity, comfort and compassion at the end of life. My hope, in memory of my mother, is to help more people be aware of this very special end-of-life option for nursing home residents.

Carey Vanderkar • Bereavement Coordinator

Partners in Grief – Reaching the Bereaved in San Joaquin County Hospice Awareness is a quarterly newsletter published by Hospice of San Joaquin Located at 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204 * (209) 957-3888. Gene Acevedo, Director of Community Outreach: Editor Barbara Pombo, Director of Development: Co-Editor Hospice Staff: Article Contributions Roberto Radrigán, G. D., GráficaDesign: Design & Layout Comments, questions, sponsorship opportunities or if you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please contact our office at (209) 957-3888

It is said, and rightly so, that the best way to journey through one’s grief, is to do so with others. Towards that end, Hospice of San Joaquin offers bereavement services to anyone in the community. Being a hospice family is not a requirement to take advantage of our grief support services. By partnering together with various local organizations, we are able help a greater number of bereaved in San Joaquin County. In Manteca, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the Manteca Presbyterian Church have opened their doors to our Adult Bereavement Support Groups. In Lodi, Emanuel Lutheran Church, and Vinewood Community Church have made their facilities available for these groups as well. In Stockton, our support groups are offered not only here at Hospice of San Joaquin, but at O’Connor Woods for seniors. The University of the Pacific (Morris Chapel) welcomes us annually for our memorial service.

Hospice of San Joaquin is concerned about our grieving youth as well. In addition to our on-site children’s program, bereavement staff is available to go to school sites and facilitate support groups for children and teens. School counselors are invited to call us at any time throughout the year and work with our bereavement coordinator to design a program that fits the needs of the students and the school. While sharing one’s pain of grief won’t make it disappear, it will, over time ease the burden. Reaching out to others is the simplest way of beginning the healing process through one’s grief. We are thankful to the many organizations that are helping us reach the bereaved in our communities and consider them our honored partners. For more information about the bereavement services offered by Hospice of San Joaquin please contact the Bereavement Coordinator at 209-957-3888 or visit us on line at www.hospicesj.org

This corner of our newsletter is dedicated to those courageous and generous individuals and families who go beyond immediate concerns to help meet the needs of those who will follow them. For many of us, just entertaining the thought of planning is intimidating. For others facing the fact that no one is immortal is an invitation to make decisions now that will make a difference in this world for many years to come. Barbara Richards is one such thoughtful and courageous soul. Barbara served on the very first Board of Directors for the newly organized Hospice of San Joaquin in the early 1980’s. And she remains a constant friend of Hospice. As she says, “I attend all the events. I remember the names of the people who were first involved (and those who came later). Karen (Hanson) Quinn recruited me. . .we started in a storeroom at the Medical Society Office with a folding table and phone.” Barbara Richards, originally from Massachusetts, came to Stockton in 1964 after beginning her work as a Social Worker in Washington State, then northern Nevada. There she met and worked with Marianne Carlson; they became good friends. When that agency closed their Reno office, both

An Amazing Story Of Friends, Lives Shared And Generosity Enough To Embrace Strangers Dolly French is a name often heard in the halls of Hospice of San Joaquin, in Butterfly Auxiliary meetings and around town. . .but she is hard to catch up with in person. Recently, she did have some time to chat about her connection with the Hospice Butterfly Auxiliary and her extraordinary success in fund raising. Dolly: “How it all started is that I worked at the Shadows for 20 years with the Mah’s. (Norman was the son.) I thought someday they would retire, but they outlasted me. I was gone for a year. Then Norman got lung cancer. I called and offered to cover for him, to give him some quality time and a break. I went in to talk and give him a hug – and he told me that he had six months. I went back to work at the Shadows. A long time before that, Norman would get a group of Stocktonian’s together and go for dinner once a month on Monday’s, when the restaurant was closed. I asked him if I could get friends together – was he up to it? He was.

‘Sisters’ & Friends Hospice of San Joaquin • Legacy League Your thoughtful decision today is a legacy of security and comfort for the families who follow women landed jobs in Stockton – Marianne with County Mental Health and Barbara as Director of Social Services at San Joaquin General Hospital. These two also shared a love of animals – if you listen closely to Barbara you will soon learn of a number of dogs that they rescued and provided homes for over the years. Barbara is now caring for two: Barney – a large ‘mixed’ breed with a big bark and gentle personality; and Raven, a schipperke. The friends also shared an unusually thoughtful and generous commitment to charity – seek-

Dolly French and Friends My friend, Michael Herrera of Miguel’s, helped me. So every month, Miguel and I would get the group together at different restaurants. We charged $25. The owner of Flynn’s donated the meat; so we donated to Hospice of San Joaquin. Then, Stockton Joe’s donated the food; Dave Wong’s was so good to us, Santiago’s, 856. Some restaurants couldn’t do it, but they always donated something for the raffle or otherwise helped. Norman lasted two years. We wanted to do a fund raiser in his honor; it got started again at Stockton Joe’s. . .Then Miguel passed away. . .Miguel had a heart of gold. He was my best friend. Then came the Lobster Dinner – the first year a woman donated her 4500 square foot

basement and we had a good deal on the lobster. We charged $60 a person. We had a great turn out. So this year I booked the Rod and Gun Club, January 25th, 2 p.m. When I was making the arrangements, a lady was there who knew me, and she wanted to pay for the bartenders, security and the hall. Every time I need help, there are people there. I want to help as long as I can. . . As long as everyone is having a good time and it helps with Hospice. . .I would do this again in my lifetime as much as I can do it. I got attached to Hospice, mainly through Bev Hood and Linda Dillon, and Yumi Oji, my good friend – I started going to the Tea and then my husband Dave and I got involved in the Sip ‘n Stroll. The little bit I can do to help them, my friends, and to help Hospice is what I want to do. For Lobster Dinner reservations call (209) 603-8191 or send a check ($60 per person) payable to Hospice of Butterfly Auxiliary (Att: Dolly French), 4719 Quail Lakes Drive, Box G-168, Stockton CA 95207. The first 200 people to respond will be seated. Proceeds benefit Hospice of San Joaquin’s Hospice House.

Hospice of San Joaquin Legacy League Members The purpose of Hospice of San Joaquin’s Legacy League is to recognize individuals who have taken action to remember or name Hospice of San Joaquin in their wills, trusts, and estate plans. While it is not feasible to list all who have remembered Hospice in their estate plans over the years, it is important to note that those gifts provided a substantial portion of the resources that strengthen the services of Hospice of San Joaquin to the terminally ill, their families and friends. Often Hospice does not receive notice of the intended gift prior to receiving it – with no opportunity to thank these individuals while they were living. The Board of Directors and staff want to take this opportunity to acknowledge those who have indicated their intent to leave a future gift to support hospice and bereavement care in our community.

Hospice of San Joaquin’s Legacy League Members Noelle Delore Judith Hutton Pete & Dena Piccardo Charles & Carolyn Plumb Mark & Denise Rasmussen Barbara Richards Millard E. Spooner Fusae Tanaka Barbara Tognoli Richard F. Wong, M.D

Legacies Received 2006 - 2008 Marianne Carlson Graham-Ultch Trust Belva Larsson Marie M. Mitsuda Louis Angelo Motto-Ros Jacquelin A. Mullen Ona E. Murphy & Robert E. Murphy Karl Nickel Estate Virgil & Dorothy Osborn Family Trust Duane Ostgaard Morris & Faye Stein Faith S. Swanson Trust For more information call (209) 957-3888

Hospice of San Joaquin

r you fo ce k n a LEGACY LEAGUE Th spi ng Ho n in i d u l inc MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION qui n Joa ing. a S f o I/We hereby state my/our intention to name lann your p

Hospice of San Joaquin 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California 95204

as a beneficiary in my/our will, living trust and/or other estate planning documents. Further, I/we pledge to authorize this intention in writing and file with my/our estate planning attorney and/or other advisors.

_________________________________ Name _________________________________ Signature Date

ing out those agencies that make a difference by providing tangible service. Among these are agencies caring for abandoned and abused animals; and those who care for people, among them, Hos-

pice of San Joaquin. After continuous support over the years, both women also made substantial gifts to the Hospice House Building Campaign. When Marianne Carlson passed away in May 2006, she named Hospice of San Joaquin as a beneficiary in her will. Barbara Richards made her own gift at the time the bequest came to Hospice. Executive Director Barbara Tognoli, knowing both women well, was inspired to accept and recognize their combined gifts as sponsoring the garden of the Hospice House: Dedicated to Sisters & Friends, Marianne Carlson & Barbara Richards. Barbara avoids the limelight – no photos – but accepted this as a tribute of their friendship. Barbara Pombo, SJH Development Director

Spiritual support for the spiritually and culturally diverse San Joaquin area Life is often described as a journey, especially by people who are aware that they are nearing the end of theirs. There are many remembered milestones along the way… childhood memories, graduations and other significant achievements, marriage, children, and the like. Families and friends help the dying person celebrate those memorable milestones with “Remember when…?”, “There was that one time that…?”, “I’ll never forget when you…”, with old black and white photographs or those new fangled digital DVD things. Many people also reflect upon their spiritual journey as well. These spiritual journeys are as unique as is the person, journeying with “god” through the desert, over the mountain tops, smooth sailing or stormy seas of life. Some people have been accompanied along the way of

their spiritual journey by the traditions, beliefs, ceremonies, and vocabularies of a specific religious faith. When a Jim R. Russow p e r s o n Chaplain chooses the services and support of Hospice of San Joaquin for end-of-life care, the spiritual support of a chaplain is also offered. It is the goal of the chaplain to offer spiritual support at the point of the person’s need. With that goal in mind, Hospice of San Joaquin enlists the assistance of the diverse religious community in which we live. Just as one person’s journey through life has been his or her unique life journey, we cannot assume that one person’s spiritual journey is the

same as another’s. Whatever the spiritual language or traditions have been, Hospice of San Joaquin seeks to connect the individual with the representative of those varied traditions… rabbi, priest, practitioner, elder, pastor, or mullah, because all the world’s great faiths are right outside our door in a spiritually and culturally diverse county. Hearing familiar spiritual words, sharing important spiritual traditions or ceremonies, even experiencing once again the aroma of incense or the tinkling of bells which were part of the person’s spiritual journey through life can often help bring peace and comfort, alleviate distress, renew or strengthen hope in that which is eternal.

The The Quarter Quarter in Review Review in (left) Guests of September’s Lincoln Center Live enjoyed wine tasting, raffles, and shopping! Proceeds from many of the evening’s event benefited the Hospice of San Joaquin.

(right) Hospice of San Joaquin appreciates five years of hard work and dedication of (l-r) Shirley Starling, Christina Frazier, and Donna Ferrera, during the 2008 Recognition DInner at the Stockton Country Club last July.

Hospicio de San Joaquin ofrece sus servicios en español Si desea que alguien le interprete este boletín en su idioma, por favor comuníquese con Gene Acevedo, Director de Relaciones Públicas Nellie Zavala, Maestra en Trabajo Social Josie Minor, Maestra en Trabajo Social Diane Medina, Maestra en Trabajo Social

(209) 957-3888

(below) Brent Lofy volunteers as a Big Buddy assisting a youngster with the Camp Caterpillar Project —a children’s healing grief day camp— on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at the Brookside Farm in Stockton.

(left) Anita Poore enjoys a sip of wine during the 2008 Sip N’ Stroll (right) Truckin’ for Hospice’s General Chair, Glenn Richardson, San Joaquin Unit, CTA, said, “This year’s great success with a record 550 riders and nearly 100 sponsors is a credit to a great, hard-working committee that combines seasoned volunteers with some new members ready to make a difference. The California Trucking Association (CTA) is pleased to sponsor and coordinate Truckin’ for Hospice! It benefits so many in the communities we serve! Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 25, 2009 and check out our website at www.truckinforhospice.com for announcements and details.”

California Truck Centers Rocha Transportation Bunge Oils CTA-Allied Unit CTA-San Joaquin Unit Lori & Company, Inc. Mountain Valley Express Co., Inc. Reeve Trucking Co., Inc Sward Trucking, Inc. Bob Harkrader & Sons Trucking Boyd Special Commodities Burns Truck & Trailer Services Chemstation Of Northern California Delta Container DOT Foods Eagle's Nest Harley-Davidson Food for Less Freightliner Gilton Solid Waste Idealease, Inc. International Engine Corporation Interstate Truck Center Jamestown Harley Modesto Bee Peterbilt Motors Company PND Precision Signing & Processing Rocha's Valley Enterprises, Inc Sunrise Sanitation TJS WC Trucking Wells Fargo Bank Western Star Trucks Eaton / Roadranger Boyd Special Commodities Carl Gisler Trucking Diesel Master, Inc. DynoMaster, Inc. Foster Farms Poultry Fuel Delivery Services, Inc. Gillies Trucking, Inc. Gilton Solid Waste Management Miranda's BBQ Paccar Finance Pacific Southwest Container

Paul Oil Company USI Insurance Services of No.CA. Florsheim Brothers Foundation AFLAC Air Tech Heating & A/C American Lumber Antonini Freight Express, Inc Auto Industrial Paint Company PAC Trucking B & B Trucking BASSKNG BJJ Company, LLC Cherokee Freight Lines DCFS USA, LLC Foster Farms Dairy Fritz Hummer Trucking Holt of California Idealease Of Stockton, Inc. Joe Gonzeles Jr.Trucking JSG Trucking Co. McCoy Truck Tire Service Center McKinney Trailers Merrill Lynch - The Anderson/ Cameron Group Mica Recovery & Transport, Inc. Old Corner Saloon PAPE' Kenworth Ralph Hayes & Son, Inc. Redfearn Trucking, Inc. Silva Trucking Snowline Hospice - El Dorado Co. State Farm- Sean O'Neal-Agent Teresi Trucking, Inc. Terrill Transportation Tiger Lines Tom, Claire & Betty Dempsey Unifirst Corporation Valley Truck Parts & Equipment Western Pacific Truck Schools Westmark Williams Tank Lines Wilson Way Tire Yosemite Meat K & H Manufacturing Co. Superglass Windshield Repair #209 Safe T Lite

Thank You for Your Sponsorship and Your Support!!

Tree of Lights Locations: Tracy — 4th Annual Friday, November 21st, 6:00 p.m. Tracy Outlets 1005 E. Pescadero Avenue, Tracy, CA

Lockeford — 3rd Annual Wednesday, December 3rd, 5:30 p.m. Wells Fargo Bank 19000 N. HWY 88, Lockeford/Clements CA

Stockton — 20th Annual Tuesday, November 25th, 6:00 p.m. San Joaquin Delta College 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA

Lodi — 16th Annual Thursday, December 4th, 5:30 p.m. (Before Parade of Lights) Lodi City Hall, 221 W. Pine Street, Lodi, CA

Manteca — 17th Annual Monday, December 1st, 6:00 p.m. Doctors Hospital of Manteca 1260 E. North Street, Manteca, CA

Rio Vista — 4th Annual Saturday, December 6th, 5:30 p.m. (Before the Boat Parade) Rio Vista City Hall, 1 Main St., Rio Vista, CA

Coping With the Holidays November 22, 2008 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This workshop is designed for adults who will be experiencing their first holiday season without a significant loved one in their life.

Hospice of San Joaquin 3888 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA Pre-Register with Carey M. Vanderkar, Bereavement Coordinator at

(209) 957-3888 $10.00 dollar donation is suggested