Free Community Luncheon Features Real-Life Stories about Hospice Care

Channel 3's Danielle Wiggins will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

Meet Danielle Wiggins of WKYC TV Channel 3 News!

Euclid residents are invited to join Hospice of the Western Reserve’s African American Outreach Committee at a free community luncheon event entitled, “Voices for Hospice: Who cares?  We do! Putting the Pieces Together,” on Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Embassy Suites, 5800 Rockside Road, Independence. The event commemorates World Hospice and Palliative Care Day.

Mistress of ceremonies is Danielle Wiggins of WKYC TV Channel 3. A panel of hospice team members including a spiritual care coordinator, an art therapist and a pediatric social worker will talk about their specialties and share real-life stories about how their work provides comfort, hope and dignity to patients and their families. The luncheon is free, but registration is required. Registration is available online at hospicewr.org/voices or by calling 216.486.6645.

Attendees will also enjoy a fabulous display of handcrafted art courtesy of the African American Quilt and Doll Guild. A variety of nonprofit community organizations will provide educational exhibits and complimentary health care screenings.

“This luncheon provides a great opportunity for church groups, social organizations, families and friends to learn more about the hospice philosophy in a relaxed setting,” said LaBena Fleming, Provider Relations Manager and co-chair of this year’s event.

“Hospice empowers people to direct their wishes so they can live the final phase of life the way they choose,” she added. “By the end of the program, I think the audience will be quite surprised about what they thought they knew -- and by what they didn’t know -- about hospice.”  

“Hospice is not about giving up and ending life prematurely. It’s about celebrating life and making the time remaining as meaningful as possible,” added co-chair Jennifer Palmer, R.N. Pediatric Team Leader. “Hospice does not mean the family must give up faith and hope for healing. Hope is always a part of hospice.”

Laurie Henrichsen

Public & Media Relations, Hospice of the Western Reserve

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Volume 5, Issue 8, Posted 5:14 PM, 09.04.2014