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

SPRING GARDEN PARTY AT HOSPICE SAN JOAQUÍN

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.

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

he April afternoon seemed to embrace the friends of Hospice of San Joaquin who gathered to dedicate the Circle of Care Donor Pavilion and honor the first donors to have their names engraved there. “This permanent recognition of our Lean On Me Society and Legacy League Members highlights the agency’s growth since locating here at our Pacific Avenue site in 2004”, stated Nick Aninag, Past President and Fund Development Chair. Introducing the unique, outdoor recognition piece, Aninag gave it context: “In the early days of this decade, when Hospice of San Joaquin set out to build one of the first Hospice Houses in the state, a Community Building Fund was initiated and successfully completed. Both modest and larger contributions came together to make possible our beautiful hospice residence that has now served over 770 patients.” “Big projects call for big investments from the donor & volunteer community,” acknowledged Aninag. The Board and management, led by Barbara Tognoli, understood that Hospice House is a unique service that requires a much larger operating budget. In order to provide the Hospice House 24-hour nursing care, regardless of ability to pay, the agency relies on the kindness of our community.” Executive Director Barbara Tognoli delivered a message of gratitude for the support of the

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: ULMERPHOTO.COM

Gathering of Donors

community. “We built and opened the only hospice residence in the region with confidence because of the incredible commitment in this community to compassionate care for the terminally ill and support for grieving family and friends. We have not been disappointed. We are here today to honor leaders among those who make this work possible. Every gift is an investment in community-based, compassionate hospice care and each contribution is received with our deep appreciation. In turn, Hospice of San Joaquin pledges to continue to deliver the very best in compassionate medical care.”

Reverend Dave Bennett, pastor, United Central Methodist Church, delivered the invocation and a tribute to Charles and Carole Plumb, benefactors of both the Church and Hospice of San Joaquin. The Circle of Care Pavilion honors Lean on Me Society or major donor commitments to all hospice programs:  Hospice House Endowment: permanent & future funding for the Hospice House  Hospice House Charitable Fund: current patient care in the House  Patient Care: all hospice care, at home and in nursing

facilities  Bereavement: adults, children & teens, both hospice families and the community  Education Programs: hospice care education for the public and medical community  Legacy League: bequests or other estate gifts, completed or intended. The Board Officers Mark Wallace, President, Ed Schroeder, Vice President and Gayle Riley, Treasurer joined Aninag in presenting sculpture replicas to Lean On Me honorees and Labyrinth replicas to Legacy League members.

Preparing Children for Loss

Do not try to hide what is happening

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S.POSTAGE

PAID

Permit Nº557 Stockton, CA

Children are very perceptive and may already sense something is wrong even before you tell them. Explain what is happening in words that they will understand. For example, “Grandma is very sick and the doctors can’t help her anymore. We don’t know when, but we do know that she is going to die.” Avoid euphemisms such as “she is going to sleep or pass-on.’ Depending on the age of your child, you may need to explain what ‘die’ means. Older children may want to know more about the physical changes that lie ahead and what the dying process may look like. Answer your child’s questions honestly in an age-appropriate manner. This is an excellent time to share your family’s religious beliefs with your child. However be careful discussing concepts of “God’s will” as children may then perceive God in a negative way for ‘taking away’ their loved one.

Explain medical words and concepts

Explain diseases and symptoms honestly to your child. If

PHOTO: JACKIE KORBHOLZ

nticipating the impending death of a loved one may be one of the most challenging experiences we face. Families who have children in the home face a unique challenge in deciding how to include the child in this process. Naturally, families want to shield children from the hurt that comes along with anticipating a death. However, we know that children who are actively and thoughtfully involved in the anticipation, death, and grieving process, are better off in the long run. These children will learn to adapt to the loss in a healthier and faster way and will be able to draw from that experience to help them cope with future losses. If you have children in your family and are anticipating the death of a loved one, consider these suggestions:

Board of Directors

your loved one is connected to medical equipment, be sure to explain to the child (beforehand if possible) what they will see. Simple, matter-of-fact statements will go a long way to assuaging any fears your child may have.

Marissa Torres (right) shares memories about loved ones with volunteer Lois Altnow during Kids Korner 2008.

Reassure child that they will be cared for and loved

Your child may fear that their parent(s) or primary caregiver Create memories may be next to die and they will Encourage your child to spend time with their loved one. If pos- be alone. Reassure him or her sible, take a small trip together. Take pictures together. Continue that they will be cared for and longstanding traditions as long as you can (such as family dinners, loved and what the plan for this watching fireworks on the 4th of July, etc….). Make new traditions is. Set aside time each day to or routines as an illness progresses such as sharing a milkshake each spend just with your child. Read afternoon or watching a television show together. Important memo- a book, play a game, or go on a ries of time spent with a loved one are invaluable to a child as they bike ride. It will be good for both of you! face the grieving process and will be treasured dearly later in life. Preparing for the death of a Affirm children’s feelings about the loved one will not be easy for you or your child. However, upcoming loss Children will have a variety of feelings as they anticipate the keep in mind that children are death of a loved one. Encourage him or her to express all of those indeed resilient. Talking to them feelings, even the ones we might typically label as ‘negative.’ Your and including them in this part child may respond better to creative ways of expressing feelings of your family’s story will help through art, music, journaling, or even pretend-play. You may them to better cope with losses also want to visit your local library or bookstore. There are many they will inevitably face in the wonderful books for children that discuss death, dying, and grief future. While it is the family’s responsibility to guide the child and can help you discuss what is happening. through this time, there are other individuals and organizations that Be aware of your own words and fears Children are more aware and attuned to our words and actions can support you. Do not hesitate than we often give them credit for. Don’t hide your emotions from to reach out for extra support. your children but express them in appropriate ways. Be mindful For more information about that some conversations need to wait until a child is out of earshot. the Adult or Children’s BereavePerhaps most importantly, remember to reach out and find support ment programs at Hospice of San for your own self. You cannot effectively help your child through Joaquin, please call 209-957the anticipation and later the loss of their loved one if you are not 3888 and ask for the Bereavecaring for yourself. ment Coordinator.

Jacqueline Bagatta, R.N., M.S.N. Deputy Director, San Joaquin General Hospital Scott Beattle, Esq. Calone Law Group Phyllis Berger, Esq. Professor Humphrey’s Law School Jack L. Gilliland, M.D. Retired, Kaiser Permanente Pediatrician Lynne Davis Davis & Associates Insurance Brokers Patricia Erardi, Community Volunteer Richard Ghio, CPA Instructor, San Joaquin Delta College Stephen Guasco, Director Managed Care Catholic Healthcare West Gary Giannini Principal, Schwartz, Giannini, Lantsberger & Adamson, CPA’s P e t e G o r m s e n , C PA , DeGregori, Gormsen, Ringer, LLP Deitra Kenoly Advertising Director, The Record Chris McCaffrey Vice President, Morgan Stanley Diane Park Fund Development Consultant Danae Sharp, R.N. N u r s i n g S u p e r v i s o r, Dameron Hospital Barbara A. Tognoli Executive Director and Member of the Board

Support Personnel Robert T. Browne, M.D. Medical Director James Saffier, M.D. Staff Physician Mobin Ghavami, M.D. Staff Physician Gail E. Wigley, RN D i r e c t o r, C l i n i c a l Services Jo 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 Becky Freeman Volunteer Coordinator Carrie M. Vanderkar Bereavement Coordinator Patty A. Rieber Human Resource Manager Leo Ronquillo Information Systems Manager Carolyn Gomes Annual Gifts & Events Planner

From the Director

Santa Visited San Joaquin in the Spring

Dear Readers,

In April of 1982 a small group of hospice staff and volunteers presented a report on the first three months of hospice care in San Joaquin County. We had served eight patients and families since initiating hospice services on January lst of that year.

Now here it is April again. How meaningful it is for us to thank you our community today for helping us to reach this benchmark in our history. Every blade of grass, every pebble under our feet, every beam and solid piece of foundation is due to your generosity. But more importantly, every nurse’s intervention, every comforting word of a social worker, every gentle kindness of a hospice volunteer has continued for 27 years because of the thousands of gifts, small and great, of individuals, families and local organizations, many of whom are here today. This agency and its assets are yours; the community’s. This community first had the vision and has always stepped up, no matter what the cost, to care for the most fragile among us. Twenty-seven years have passed since that April report in 1982. Over these past years Hospice of San Joaquin has provided care for thousands of patients and families in our community — Thanks to your generosity Thank you

Barbara Tognoli Executive Director *These remarks were delivered at the Spring Garden Party on April 16, 2009

ULMERPHOTO.COM

This pilot project set the course for our future. We, through our hospice care, had changed the living and the dying of these first patients and their families. We knew Hospice was here to stay. We did not have an office. We did not have money in the bank. But we had a passion to continue to provide this compassionate care called “hospice” and this vision carried us forward. Twenty-two years later, on an April day in 2004, we held our first on-site event for the then proposed Hospice House and Center. It was a beam-signing ceremony. We invited everyone to sign their names and to write a personal message on the large, wooden beams that would support the interior framing of the Hospice House and offices. The messages were varied: there were words of hope, words of love, tender words in memory of loved ones and words to encourage us to continue to follow our vision to provide hospice care for more and more patients. These foundation beams became the physical support for the hospice buildings, but the community who rallied around this new venture became the real support and remains at the heart of our hospice care today.

Mrs. Gamaza’s favorite season was winter following the family’s holiday gatherings. Unfortunately, during the holidays of 2008 she was hospitalized. “When we learned how important holiday gatherings were to her, and that she had missed the last one, we planned a special holiday in March —Spring Christmas.” Shared Diane Medina, Social Claudia Gamaza, known for Worker, HSJ. Ms. Medina her energy and enjoyment of along with Becky Freeman, family activities, was diagnosed Volunteer Coordinator, and a with cancer in her late 40s. group of volunteers planned As her cancer progressed, her and made the event happen. husband Robert decided to stay “Hospice of San Joaquin did home full-time to care for his everything right for her and wife. “I just wanted to make her we will always be thankful for wish [to stay home until the end] the services.” Robert Gamaza expressed his gratitude. a reality,” shared Mr. Gamaza. t Hospice of San Joaquin, we know that the best quality of life for patients is achieved through a multi-disciplinary care approach that encompasses all the patient needs. A critical component in our care is the non-medical support services provided by volunteers; as in the case of Claudia Gamaza and her family.

Claudia Gamaza, receives a special hug from Santa (Harry Olson, volunteer and HSJ former Board member) in March 2009 — Spring Christmas.

Hospice of San Joaquin a nonprofit, community agency

Charitable Gifting and Volunteerism

ocal Volunteers and contributions in the early 1980’s, founded Hospice of San Joaquin, a nonprofit community agency. From the admission of the first patients in January 1982, all hospice patient support, bereavement, and professional services; including attention by registered nurses, social workers, a primary physician and pharmaceuticals, were provided solely through the charity of San Joaquin County residents. In 1989, Medicare and Medi-Cal established the hospice benefit to eligible patients. Today it is not much different, the benefit assigned to Hospice of San Joaquin covers only a portion of the cost of care for the terminally ill patient and support for the family. The Medicare and MediCal benefit, assigned to Hospice

of San Joaquin did provide for expanded capacity to better serve the community. The Medicare benefit was not designed to cover all care of the terminally ill; nor does it

In the tradition of Hospice of San Joaquin’s founding and early history, community charity carries the balance. These charitable dollars consistently supply between 15 percent to 20 percent

reimburse all mandated aspects (e.g., bereavement and education). In addition, approximately 17 percent of patients cared for by Hospice of San Joaquin are either too young or otherwise in-eligible for Medicare.

of Hospice of San Joaquin’s annual operating budget and 80 percent for direct patient care. Last year, the Federal Government approved a cut back in Medicare reimbursement rates triggering a lower reimbursement for hospice

services. Hospice of San Joaquin is anticipating the need for stronger contributions. Hospice of San Joaquin serves patients based upon terminal diagnosis, doctor’s referral and the patient’s choice of hospice care. Hospice of San Joaquin does not bill the patient or family for the hospice care, nor for bereavement services, nor for its education programs. This nonprofit community agency relies on the thoughtful consideration of individuals and families in planning annual contributions and designations in wills and trusts to fund the Mission of Hospice of San Joaquin. With your community partnership, Hospice of San Joaquin, serving the terminally ill and their families since 1982, is the premier leader in hospice care.

Native Daughters of the Golden West honor Barbara Tognoli

he Native Daughters of the Golden West have selected Hospice of San Joaquin’s Executive Director Barbara Tognoli to receive the 2009 Roll of Honor award. The Roll of Honor award is given to individuals that are not born in California, who have performed some significant and/or noteworthy service for the State. Acknowledging Tognoli’s success in ensuring patients have an option when

cure is not, Patricia Sharratt, Senior Grand Trustee, NDGW stated, “Barbara Tognoli has helped many people… She developed and directs Hospice

of San Joaquin, an agency that offers an ongoing hospice program for adults and children and provides education to the community on issues of death and dying.” On June 18, 2009, Barbara Tognoli received the award at the Grand Parlor at the State Convention in San Jose. “I accept this award on behalf of Hospice of San Joaquin’s staff,” Tognoli said, recognizing their hard work and dedication. The Order of the Native

Daughters of the West is a fraternal and patriotic organization leading in preserving the history of the State of California. Parlor No. 5, responsible for awarding Barbara Tognoli with the Roll of Honor award, represents San Joaquin County and neighboring communities since the mid 1800’s. The NDGW invite the community to become members of the Order by calling (209) 859-0840.

ESTATE PLANNING

Thoughts on Charitable Giving Scott G. Beattie, Esq. CALONE LAW GROUP, LLP

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

Studies on philanthropy indicate that more than 80% of households make charitable gifts during their lifetimes. Whether it is to schools and universities, churches, medical institutions, or other charitable organizations, Americans like to give some of their blessings back to the organizations that are meaningful to them. While benefits under the tax code are generally not the primary motivation for such gifts, the tax break doesn’t hurt either. The tax code encourages “Social Capital” so that people can choose for themselves which causes they want to benefit, thereby keeping wealth local and reducing the money available by way of taxes for government chosen social programs. Surprisingly, only a small fraction of those who give during their lifetimes make legacy gifts (i.e.,

testamentary charitable gifts). Some may feel they have given enough during their lifetimes. Others just don’t think about it when doing estate planning. I’ve made some informal inquiries, and I believe only about 1 in 5 estate planning attorneys even ask the question, in their standard client interview, whether charitable gifts are to be considered.

could happen if the gift is a larger dollar amount (say $100,000) and the estate is depleted in the years before the donor’s passing. Another way to handle a legacy gift is to make a percentage gift. For example, “I hereby give 10% of my estate (but not greater than $xx.xx) to ________ [charity’s full name].” Such a gift fluctuates with the value of the donor’s estate and puts an express cap If you want to make a chari- on the amount to be given. The table gift in your will or trust, residue is then protected for heirs one simple way to do so is to or other designated beneficiaries make a specific monetary gift. (e.g., in equal shares to my isFor example, your Will might sue who survive me by right of indicate “I hereby give to Hos- representation”). pice of San Joaquin a specific monetary bequest in the amount These are just a couple among of $10,000.” The residue of the a great many ways to structure estate may then be disbursed to a charitable legacy gift. The family members. One impact, ways to give are limited only though, is that the specific gift by your imagination. Gifts can is paid first and, if there are be made outright, or in trust, insufficient funds, the residuary or even entrusted to a donor legatees (your family) may be advised fund for management. left with less than intended. This Frequently, the donor will want

to limit the gift for a specific purpose. If so, the limitation should be clearly spelled out in the instrument (e.g., “to be used solely for the purpose of funding 24 hour nursing care at Hospice House”). The type of gift will depend on the size of the estate and the donor’s particular goals and interests. Some people want to use charitable gifts to create an estate tax reduction while still passing the maximum amount to family members (Jackie Onassis did this). A charitable lead trust (CLT) might be for them. You should contact your estate planning advisor before engaging in any legacy planning. I hope this helps you give back to your community For further, more detailed information on particular planning vehicles, please call Hospice of San Joaquin’s Development Office (957-3888)

Choosing the Right Level of Care

By Audrey Wuerl, RN, BSN Education Coordinator

We have discussed the benefits of hospice care for those facing life-limiting illnesses in prior newsletters, but we have not addressed what physicians and patients must consider when navigating various options when faced with those illnesses. Choices for care, when cure is no longer possible, have improved greatly in recent years. For instance, many hospitals now have Palliative Care Teams to assist physicians in accessing the next level of care for patients and family members (caregivers) to allow a peaceful life closure. Sometimes patients can access both programs simultaneously, and other times, hospice care can follow a palliative course in the hospital setting. What are the differences between receiving services from the hospital-based palliative care team and services received from hospice? These concepts are parallel, but generally do not overlap one another. Both philosophies provide quality of life when quantity is no longer possible. However, palliative care follows the curative course that the patient has been on, frequently in the hospital setting. On the other hand, hospice care follows the palliative course, provided in the home, and is appropriate when all curative measures as well as therapies have been exhausted. How can a physician know which program, when choosing between hospital-based palliative care or hospice care, will benefit his/her patient best? And further, what constitutes a quality palliative care team? And, how does one choose an outstanding hospice? A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association attempts to clarify the choices.1 Today, physicians and patients can access over 1,400 hospital-based palliative care programs and there are now well over 4,700 hospice programs in the United States. The reason for this expansion is to accommodate an aging population living with chronic illnesses; and, simply, cure is not always an option. The good news is that these programs provide options and understanding the options allows families to make informed decisions. This will be especially important to the 76 million baby-boomer generation as they confront end-of-life issues for their parents, as well as for themselves. Physicians have been trained to make objective, well-thoughtout decisions regarding care for their patients. Choosing between a hospital-based palliative care team and a traditional hospice approach will depend on the needs of the patient, the disease trajectory, and the desires of the patient. Knowing what each can offer, what guidelines should be used in choosing a program, and what to expect from each is a good place to start. But first,

determining the patient’s preferences regarding quality of life will help clarify mutual goals.

Hospital-based Palliative Care

The hospital-based palliative care team comes into play following a patient’s hospital admission, and prior to discharge. For example, if chemotherapy is ordered by the physician, this could be administered in the hospital but not by the hospice as chemotherapy is considered a therapy (and precludes hospice admission). It is important to remember that hospitals are acute facilities that strive to restore patients to optimum function. When that is not a viable option due to terminal or life-limiting disease, the hospital-based team can assist the physician in structuring a plan of care that strives to maximize quality of life while managing pain and symptoms. In this sense, the palliative care team might suggest early hospice referral as the patient would be leaving that setting. Generally, the patient and family are participants so that the outcome best benefits and supports the patient’s desires. The physician needs to be confident the hospital-based palliative care team incorporates holistic care at its very base— physical comfort, emotional support, psychological support, and shared decision making— and coordinates the care across different care settings, as well as being patient/family centered. A candid prognostic dialog becomes paramount now, as this communication integrates the gap between the patient’s needs and the physician’s expertise. The physician should expect the following from the hospitalbased palliative care team: Evidence-based symptom palliation and psychological support Shared decision making that supports both the patient and the family or caregiver Dignity and respect regarding

cultural values Assists patients/families with practical, financial and legal assistance Coordination of care across the health care setting that helps patients move from one setting to another in a seamless fashion. The hospital-based palliative care team can work closely with the local hospice when patients have completed all therapies and there is a prognosis of six months or less. I have found that when working with physicians, patients and families who are considering hospice care in the last months, all appreciate a coordinated healthcare approach. An approach that helps guide the patient as he navigates through the system, providing appropriate care at each stage. The presence of a hospice nurse on the hospital-based palliative team can serve as a resource to advise when the patient would benefit now more from hospice services, and advocate for the patient/family regarding those services.

Hospice Based Palliative Care

When the patient is not hospitalized or for those currently undergoing therapy, he/she can still access the expertise of the hospice nurse regarding pain and system management. Many hospices provide limited support to those patients not yet eligible for hospice care, or those not emotionally ready for hospice. These are non-reimbursed services that hospices do as community outreach. Medicare stipulates all curative measures must be exhausted, and all therapies completed, before patients come onto hospice care. So, an early referral from the hospitalbased team for these services can foster a caring relationship with the case manager and the patient “before need.” This helps alleviate fears on the part of the patient and family, and allows for a rapport to develop should the patient come onto hospice services at a later date.

Physicians, who determine it is time for a hospice referral due to patient preference and disease trajectory, may wonder how to select a competent hospice organization. Not all hospices are created equal: some are very good, and some are truly excellent. But, like choosing a hospital-based palliative care team, there are guidelines for determining highquality hospice programs. The physician can ask, • Is the hospice accredited or certified through a national organization? • Are staff certified in hospice and palliative care medicine? • Does each team member use a standardized assessment tool? • Does each patient have one case manager and social worker assigned to them? • How does the program monitor and improve its quality of care? Most hospices will be Medicare certified, as Medicare is the primary payer who reimburses for patient care. But if the hospice is Joint Commission Certified, they have put themselves to a higher standard and the level of accountability is much higher. The Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is an independent governing body that oversees hospitals and nursing homes. By voluntarily undertaking this outside review and evaluation process, in addition to the mandated (Federal) Medicare and State Department of Health annual reporting, this hospice demonstrates a commitment to quality care, continuous improvement and public accountability for the care and service of terminally ill patients and their families. When the hospice has this certification, both physician and patient can rest assured they have chosen a truly excellent hospice. Guiding principles should be competent, compassionate, and coordinated care. The hospital-based palliative care team offers very important services for the patient, but those services vary from hospital to hospital and not all hospitals have such teams. But, hospice services and team members are the same from hospice to hospice and are mandated by Medicare. Both structures, however, strive to provide an interdisciplinary approach (physical, social, psychological, spiritual) to care. Whether care is received from the hospital-based team or the hospice team, both must strive to provide patient/family centered, competent and compassionate care. This allows for a life closure with dignity and respect— hallmarks of all palliative care.

— Teno, JM, Connor, SF, Referring a patient and family to high-quality palliative care at the close of life. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2009, (301), No 6; 651-658.

ULMERPHOTO.COM

Auxiliary Supports Hospice House through Spring Teas & Luncheon

Tatiana Castleton (standing,) Butterfly Auxiliary member, greets guests to the 2009 Stockton Spring Tea on April.

All three chapters of the Hospice of San Joaquin Butterfly Auxiliary raised awareness for the Hospice House by hosting their beautiful Spring Tea or Luncheon fundraiser events in May. The sold-out teas were personalized by the Auxiliary members as they shared traditional fine china settings making every table unique. Dolores Arbios said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the tea, especially visiting with all the people there. Everything was

so beautifully done! I even won a prize! The basket was loaded with stuff including an afghan. I am looking forward to attending next year.” Adding to the excitement are the multiple raffle prizes kindly donated by our local business community. “We are happy to see how the attendees enjoyed their time and the Auxiliary appreciates everyone for their support,” said Sharon Stokes, Chair of the Lodi Luncheon event.

Quality of Life: Faith and Change The one thing in life that never changes is that things always change. We welcome some changes. We turn a knob and water comes into the house from somewhere outside. We need not walk across the room to change the channel on the Jim Russow TV. We can Chaplain call home from the condiment aisle at the store to inquire if we need ketchup. Some changes are good and make our lives much easier in many ways. But of some changes we are apprehensive… why do kids wear their pants so strangely? Of other changes we are afraid… if I feel this bad now, how much worst will it get? As I become more and more sick, will I become a burden to my loved ones? Will I be able to handle the pain? How do I face these fears? How do I cope with these changes? For many people, a spiritual faith is an important tool in dealing with change, whether that be the change the dying person experiences or the change which is brought about in the home and life of the family who are caregivers. This faith may be founded

upon the sacred writings, specific traditions and ceremonies of a particular religion, which provide a stable foundation in the midst of devastating change. This faith brings us the promise that God does not change, that God continues to be with you in these troubled changes as God was with you “in the way things used to be.” It is faith that gives us the assurance that this life is not all there is. Faith gives us the foundation for the hope that when the pain is over, we are at peace in God’s presence surrounded by loved ones who have gone before us. Faith gives strength to endure the ordeal of the journey toward death because we know that the best is really yet to come. It is faith that gives us comfort when we “see angels”, when we believe that a personal God is with us as we pass through the valley of the shadow of death. Faith in God may be hard to define, but as we approach death, we know that faith is the substance of our hope, the foundation of our anticipation of a peaceful release from the pains of life and the indescribable wonder of endless joy in the presence of those we love. And in the end, it is faith which is a source of strength which those left behind will use to comfort one another and cope themselves.

8 t h A N N UA L

The Quarter in Review (left) Elizabeth Stockman (middle) accompanied by Stephanie and Christian Vallejo presented a $186.00 donation to Hospice House. She asked for donations to Hospice of San Joaquin instead of birthday gifts.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. Starts at the Eagles Nest / Harley Davidson 13900 Harlan Rd, Lathrop, CA

(above) Robbin Panko, Home Health Aide, Hospice of San Joaquin gives patient Anna Pennington and granddaughter Debra Stephens a personalized quilt she made. The quilt includes printed photos of Anna Pennington’s life. (below-left) Hospice of San Joaquin welcomes, Candace Johnson, Sharon Harding, Naima Laird, Ceil Chatham, Mike Smith, and Judy Winkley as new hospice patient team member volunteers. (below) Volunteer Ron Turner gives Michael Gotschall a memento at the end of the 2009 Memorial Service — Hope for the Journey.

Fun motorcycle, car, truck ride to help raise funds and awareness for Hospice. Presented by the California Truckin’ Association / San Joaquin Unit 500 participants expected. Sponsorships available and $30.00 per rider with advance registration. More information and registration at

(209) 835-2224

www.truckinforhospice.com

(right) Jessica Delk, presents a $500 dollar check to Hospice of San Joaquin. Funds raised as part of her Senior project at her high school. (L-R) Jessica Delk; Josie E. Minor, MSW; Camille García, mentor; Jerrye Wright, RN, Hospice House Manager

HOSPICE OF SAN JOAQUIN’S SEVENTH ANNUAL

CAMP CATERPILLAR

Calendar Summer 2009

28th Annual Recognition Dinner

Thursday, July 16, 2009 5:45 p.m. Stockton Golf and Country Club 3800 W Country Club Blvd. , Stockton Special Honoree, Steve Stange Health Care Partner, Award presentations to Board, Staff, Community Donors, Benefactors & HSJ Butterfly Auxiliary Tickets are $35.00 ea. (209) 922-0242 Carolyn Gomes, Events Coodinator

Live! At Lincoln Center

Friday, July 17, 2009 Friday, August 21, Friday, September 18 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Lincoln Center 848 W Benjamin Holt Dr Conveniently located on both sides of Benjamin Holt Drive off of Pacific Avenue Friday nights are filled with special plans to help raise awareness and funds for Hospice of San Joaquin (and other charities). For questions contact (209) 477-4868 Lincoln Center Marketing Office

Truckin’ for Hospice

Saturday, July 25, 2009 Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. Starts at the Eagles Nest / Harley Davidson 13900 Harlan Rd, Lathrop , CA Fun motorcycle, car, truck ride to help raise funds and awareness for Hospice. Presented by the California Truckin’ Association / San Joaquin Unit 500 participants expected. Sponsorships available and $30.00 per rider with advance registration. More information and registration forms available at www.truckinforhospice.com Register now (209) 835-2224 Lillian Sealy, Event Chair

MidNite Club Golf Tournament

Saturday, July 25, 2009 8:30 a.m. Registration Starts at 10:00 a.m. Lyons Golf Course Rough & Ready Island Gold Tournament to benefit Hospice of San Joaquin. More information call: Jose Santiago (209) 478 – 0151 Bob Young (209) 986 – 8288 Tim Montgomery – Lyon ’s (209) 462-3879 $ 70.00 per player

Moonlight Sip & Stroll

Saturday, August 15, 2009 6:00 p.m. Heron Lakes Drive at Brookside Classics Area Capture the moonlight ambiance & enjoy a summer’s evening stroll while wine & brew tasting and sampling a large assortment of fine foods, move & groove to live music. $ 50.00 per person $ 60.00 per person at the door (209) 922-0380 or website for tickets Butterfly Auxiliary Hotline

Camp Caterpillar

Saturday, September 19, 2009 8:00 a.m. Registration Hospice of San Joaquin Camp Caterpillar is a day camp at Micke Grove Park for children entering Kindergarten through sixth grade, who have had a loved one die within the last two years. Pre enrollment required, cost is free (209) 957-3888 Carrie Vanderkar, Bereavement Coordinator

Kids Korner

The fall session begins Saturday, September 26 9 am – 11:15 a.m. A special place where grieving kids can share, heal and grow in a safe, supportive atmosphere with their peers. (209) 957-3888 Carrie Vanderkar, Bereavement Coordinator

Understanding Your Grief

August 12, 2009 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. A one time workshop for the newly bereaved. Pre enrollment required, cost is free. (209) 957-3888 Carrie Vanderkar, Bereavement Coordinator

Children’s Healing Grief Day Camp Saturday, September 19, 2009 8:00 a.m.

Camp Caterpillar is a day camp at Micke Grove Park for children entering Kindergarten through sixth grade, who have had a loved one die within the last two years. Pre enrollment required, cost is free Registration Hospice of San Joaquin

(209) 957-3888