RESCO of Hudson, Wisconsin has recently completed their United Way Campaign for 2011 and will be contributing $6,000.00 to United Way St. Croix Valley. According to company president, John Knutson, "We make a great living in the St. Croix Valley and contributing to the United Way is a great opportunity that we as a company, along with our employees, can give something back to the St. Croix Valley by supporting the United Way. Karen Homeier does a great job organizing our campaign every year and has great employee participation."

Historically, about 80% of United Way's funding comes from employees giving through payroll deduction. "We are so thankful for the support that we received from RESCO and its employees because it helps us feed and shelter people," said United Way Executive Director, John Coughlin. The United Way campaign supports approximately 80 agency programs and three initiatives. United Way's Food Resource Center, Shelter for All, and Success By 6 initiatives address immediate needs and promote long-term community change. "RESCO does a great job of having fun with their successful campaign to support local charities," continued Coughlin.

For more information about RESCO, contact John Knutson at 715-386-7300 or by email at jknutson@rescocompany.com. 

United Way Funds Help Hospice Patients Manage Pain  

Support from United Way St. Croix Valley helps ADORAY Hospice patients with pain and symptom management.

Clara was in bed and minimally responsive when the Baldwin-based ADORAY Hospice team was called in by her doctor because of a rapid decline in her health. At 91, with several health issues and an undiagnosed mass that Clara did not want treatment for, she was ready to die. Clara was not eating, was dehydrated, and unable to get out of bed. She was in significant abdominal pain, and suffered from nausea and vomiting.

ADORAY's hospice nurse contacted Clara's doctor to recommend a medication that would reduce her pain and increase her appetite, since pain and symptom management are two important goals of hospice care. The doctor was unfamiliar with the medicine, but was willing to try it. Within a few days, Clara was up, eating and drinking. She is now able to go to church, and has friends over to play cards, while she receives hospice care. She continues on this medication, thanks, in part, to United Way St. Croix Valley.

Hospice services are reimbursed a fixed per day amount by Medicare and other insurances. This payment rarely covers the cost of all services that are provided, including all medications related to the terminal illness.

Medications, especially for managing pain, nausea and vomiting, are a very significant expense to ADORAY's program. The funding provided by the United Way helps subsidize the cost of medications for ADORAY patients.

ADORAY, www.adoray.org, is a not-for-profit program of St. Croix Valley Shared Services, Inc., proudly owned by Baldwin Area Medical Center; Hudson Hospital & Clinics; River Falls Area Hospital; and Westfields Hospital, New Richmond. ADORAY has served nearly 6000 patients in St. Croix, Pierce, Polk, and Western Dunn Counties since opening in 1995.

Respond now!  

United Way St. Croix Valley will be unveiling an updated version of our official website in the coming weeks, featuring more information about what we do, our supported agencies and how you can get help.  

The site will be organized to help you find what you need quickly and easily, whether it be information on giving, volunteer opportunities or campaign news.  

Stay tuned!  

www.unitedwaystcroix.org