‘Can We Count On Your Help?’

By Dr. Renny Edelson, Chiropractic USA

Anyone who knows or loves someone working through end-of-life issues will know how much of a blessing it is to have the caregivers and the Hospice of Marion County (HMC) facility there when they needed them most. HMC is available to all people in any setting—home, hospital, nursing home, or at one of their three Hospice Houses. HMC is a not-forprofit organization with a 24/7 Care Team staffed by doctors, RNs, CNAs, social workers, pharmacists, chaplains, and of course, volunteers.

HMC’s mission is to provide exceptional, compassionate end-of-life care to our entire community. The patients are chatterboxes and recluses, religious and irreligious, battered by cancer, congestive heart failure, Alzheimer’s, old age, etc. Some cling to life amazingly, most pass as they expected. I’m telling you this story because it reveals the thoughts, the fears, and the lessons of those living the ends of their lives in the care of others, having exhausted their medical options or ceased treatment for their illnesses. It zeroes in on how working with HMC can be incredibly fulfilling. For the doctors, nurses, or professional social workers, or just a volunteer lending a hand, HMC matters. The end-of-life experience deserves as much beauty, care, and respect as the beginning.

Damian Romano & Dr. Renny Edelson

Photo by Steve Floethe

HMC operates on a strict non-profit budget with a very large part of their annual funding coming from the families who have been there. The other source of revenue comes from fundraising events, supported by the generosity of local businesses and concerned citizens.

The first annual Hackin’ It For Hospice Golf Tournament was conceived by me as a way to make an impact on this most worthwhile organization. This event would not be possible without the help of Damian and Audrey Romano, along with my wife and the entire staff of Chiropractic USA. I would like to sincerely thank all of them for their enormous help.

Can we count on you? Your help is going to make a tremendous difference. For it to succeed, we need folks like you to register and participate in the tournament. Don’t play golf? I bet you know a neighbor who does! Please help us get the word out, and we’d love to see you on April 18th.