You may know that Hospicare gives bereavement support to the families of our hospice patients for up to 13 months after the death of their loved one, but did you know we also offer bereavement support groups, workshops and events for the community? For a list of all upcoming bereavement offerings that are open to community members, visit the events page of our website and download the monthly calendar.

 

Would you like to give to Hospicare through the Community Foundation of Tompkins County? Well, now you can! The Hospicare Foundation board recently created the "Hospicare Fund," a permanently endowed designated fund managed by the Community Foundation of Tompkins County. No matter where you live in New York State or beyond, you can contribute outright to the fund or designate estate gifts be added to it. The funds will help support Hospicare's mission in perpetuity. Contact the Community Foundation of Tompkins County for more information. 

 

We are also pleased to report that Hospicare will receive $5,000 in grants at the Community Foundation of Tompkins County's awards reception on June 8. A grant of $2,000 will be awarded to us from the Kathy Yoselson Fierce Determination Fund of the Community Foundation, as well as a grant of $3,000 from Stephen & Linda Pope and (separately) the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.  The grants will support care in the Nina K. Miller Hospicare Residence for patients from Tompkins and Cortland Counties with low incomes and no insurance who cannot afford to pay for our services.

 

 

Pam and Steve married in 2007. Steve was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, right before their second anniversary. Pam has dedicated herself to being his caregiver, but the responsibility can be exhausting. When Steve went on hospice service in the couple's home town of Philadelphia, Pam realized that hospice was there for her too, helping her cope with Steve's demanding needs and offering her respite when she needs it most.  

   

On Tuesday evening, June 16, the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County will show the movie Being Mortal. This PBS Frontline documentary focuses on Dr. Atul Gawande, whose best-selling book of the same name explores our reluctance to discuss end-of-life care and our need to understand the issues surrounding death. Staff and volunteers from Hospicare will guide a discussion on the issues raised in the film after the showing.

The event is free and open to the public. Call the YMCA at 607-257-0101 to reserve a seat. For more information on the event, see this newsletter's Save the Dates section below.