For friends of Senior Independence Hospice Volume 5, Issue 1 Summer 2016 mpressions legacies of love and fingerprints on the world

Bazinga! page 2

In this issue: Running for a cause ...... page 3 Spiritual support ...... page 4 Thanks to our volunteers ...... page 7 Bazinga! Patient delighted with special gift

Senior Independence Hospice patient Gertrude “Gert” Lowther has a tall, handsome, very smart man keeping her company these days – in the form of a life- sized cardboard image.

When the Greater Cleveland region’s hospice staff heard how much Gert loves the TV show “The Big Bang Theory,” they decided to organize a special surprise for her as part of their Make it Happen program.

Make it Happen is Senior Independence’s wish fulfillment program that brings special moments of meaning and joy to patients.

For Gert’s surprise, the hospice team was able to find a life-sized cutout of her favorite Big Bang character, Sheldon Cooper. “She is a wonderful lady with a great laugh. They also bought buttons with some of She lights up a room with that laugh,” Kim Sheldon’s most popular sayings, and were shared. able to secure an autographed picture of Sheldon and the rest of the show’s cast. You can help hospice patients like Gert experience special moments of joy and Gert cracked up when they surprised her and meaning by making a donation to the Make it her daughter with the special Sheldon gift. Happen program. A reply envelope has been enclosed for your convenience should you “Sheldon makes me laugh. He’s a great choose to send your gift today. conversation piece,” said Gert. On the cover: Hospice patient Gert Lowther She added that she was also delighted and and her daughter pose with Gert’s new roommate, amazed at all the effort the hospice staff put cardboard Sheldon! Gert also received an into making it happen. autographed photo of the cast of her favorite show, “The Big Bang Theory.” One of her nurses, Kim Evans, said this Above: As part of its Make it Happen program, project has made many people happy and it Senior Independence Hospice helped bring a little all began with Gert talking about her favorite extra joy to hospice patient Gert by providing her TV show. with a cardboard cutout of her favorite TV character.

2 Running for a cause Employees race to raise money for hospice

Two Senior Independence they ran in the 13.1-mile The group trained for five staff members in the segment of the Cleveland months, running hundreds of Mahoning Valley region Marathon in mid-May. miles as they prepared for the recently raised more than half marathon. $1,500 for the Make it “All of the money went to Happen program by running the Mahoning Valley region’s They stayed together the a half marathon. Make it Happen program whole time and finished in just because it’s something we are under 2 and a half hours. “To me this was much more very passionate about. Our than another race; it was a goal next year, which will mission to inspire others and mark 10 years of hospice, is to Below, left: Hospice Case come together for a greater raise $10,000 to represent 10 Manager Ryan Scragg and Therapy Supervisor Heather cause,” said Dr. Heather years,” Heather explained. Hrina Medvec pose together after Hrina Medvec, therapy running a half marathon in support supervisor, who coordinated Heather has been involved in of Senior Independence Hospice’s the fundraiser. other philanthropic efforts and Make it Happen program. encourages others to do the Heather was joined by co- same. “I love doing volunteer Below, right: Ryan Scragg was worker Ryan Scragg, a work. It brings me great joy to determined to finish the 13.1 mile race, even in the snow! Ryan and hospice case worker, and give to others. I feel God has colleague Heather Hrina Medvec her husband, Matt, a police blessed me in many ways and raised money to benefit Senior officer. They obtained as a way to say thank you, I Independence Hospice patients in pledges of $1 for each mile like to give back,” she shared. the Mahoning Valley region.

www.seniorindependence.org 3 Spiritual support Chaplains provide additional level of care

Our spiritual care coordinators come from many backgrounds. One worked as a military chaplain. Another did mission work all over the world. A third spent many years as a nurse.

Now, their daily work supports hospice patients, family and staff. Whether offering prayer to patients in need or leading a grief support group for those left behind, they provide care in many forms. Here’s a look at the special people who attend to the spiritual needs of those we serve:

Mike Peebles Joyce Gordon Central Ohio Greater Cleveland Region Region

A pastor who has served in Nigeria, Jamaica, After years as a geriatric nurse, Joyce Gordon the Dominican Republic and England, felt called to bring spiritual care to hospice Columbus native Mike Peebles always carries patients. “I feel as if I have come home to a portable speaker with him so his patients where I was meant to be. Every day is a gift can hear their favorite music loud and clear. and each moment with my patients is an opportunity to bring peace and comfort to From music to spiritual and emotional people in need,” she said. support, Mike’s main goal is to minister to those in need, regardless of their religious Joyce focuses on support and encouragement. background. She sees a “real hunger” for spirituality in the patients, family and staff. When family members are having a difficult time, Mike is there to provide a listening ear “During a visit I listen deeply to the stories and offer prayer and words of comfort. of their life. By giving voice to their personal history and present concerns, the Mike and other members of the hospice process of spiritual healing can begin. With team sometimes create a church service their permission, I will read a devotional in a patient’s home. Spiritual songs that that resonates with our conversation,” she are familiar to the patient are sung. Mike explained. “Even if they can’t communicate, provides a short message or sermon, and even I will sit at their bedside and pray or softly communion if the patient desires. sing, knowing that God is fully present.”

4 James Fawcett Daniel Tayman Vincent Flippo Akron/Canton Mahoning Valley Greater Toledo Region Region Region

James Fawcett was a Like his colleagues, Daniel Vince Flippo’s theology military chaplain assistant Tayman makes himself degrees and experience have and even served in Iraq. available to staff in addition to prepared him to help patients So he especially enjoys patients and their families. and their family members working with veteran hospice adjust to the realities of patients and their family Those who take care of death and the dying process. members. James says many hospice patients come to Sharing in the patient’s life of the veterans he’s visited are care for them deeply, and review can lead to discussions touched by their interactions. grieve right along with family of deeper concerns with which members. “If I can put a little the patient might want help. Hospice patients can have wind in their sails, I feel I’ve strong spiritual needs, and made a difference for them on One of Vince’s patients asked chaplains like James can that day,” Daniel said. for help with writing letters to provide much needed comfort. leave for his sons of whom he “Many of our patients feel The Air Force veteran has was so proud. isolated,” he said. “We can been a pastor since 1990, bring caring, compassionate and brings positivity to all he “He was unable to write companionship and, for those does. He looks out for what he very well by this point and who are religious, we can calls “sprinkles on a cupcake” could barely speak. However bring encouragement through opportunities to cheer and I will treasure that day he spiritual sources and prayer.” brighten someone’s day. and I grappled through the heartfelt words and the deep, James added that he has also And whenever possible, loving emotions as we cried felt privileged to participate Daniel likes to give little and worked to leave letters in the funerals of some of surprises. “It’s amazing to to his boys,” he shared. “The his patients. “It’s an honor see what a sweet treat does to fact that he included me in to be a resource for families the outlook of a patient and something so personal is during their time of grief,” he even their family. Smiles all among my highest honors,” explained. around!” he shared. Vince said. www.seniorindependence.org 5 Special wishes fulfilled

Make it Happen is a special Senior Independence program that brings moments of joy and meaning to those nearing the end of their lives by fulfilling their life-enhancing wishes. Here are some of the wishes this program has helped to come true:

Marjorie Boroff’s 85th birthday celebration was a foot- tapping good time as a bluegrass band was brought in to provide her favorite music. Many members of her large family attended and there were sub sandwiches and cake on the menu. “Marjorie was in high spirits and was beaming from ear to ear,” said a hospice staff member.

Floyd Ackerman loves banana ice cream, and it was the highlight of his Make it Happen event. Hospice staff held an ice cream social for Floyd, and his friends and family came to enjoy the sweet celebration. “He was so joyful that day,” a family member said, adding, “The hospice team is truly a special group.”

Richard Stewart enjoyed a special Super Bowl party that included snacks, a football-field cake and a nickel. Richard and his brother had a long-standing nickel bet on the game so the hospice team helped him send a nickel to his brother who lives out of state to keep the tradition going.

6 Director’s Column By Sue Brookins, MSN, RN, ACHPN, CNS Corporate Director of Hospice

Thanks to our Volunteers

Did you read our April issue of Impressions? April was National Volunteer Month, and we celebrated the occasion by dedicating the newsletter to our hospice volunteers, all over the state, who give so much to enrich the lives of our hospice patients.

But we don’t need a designated time of the year to show our appreciation for volunteers. We love them every day!

Volunteers who work directly with patients provide some of the most compassionate, loving care that one human being can give to another. From visitation and spiritual support to errands and light housekeeping, each act, each word, each moment, is a loving touch for people during a difficult time.

And volunteers who work in the office are just as important to patient care. Whether assisting with Make it Happen events, filing and photocopying, or making telephone calls, these volunteers are completing the circle of care for our patients and families, sharing their love for humankind behind the scenes.

Hospice volunteers are a valuable part of the care we provide for each and every patient. If you’d like to learn more about opportunities to volunteer with Senior Independence Hospice, I encourage you to visit seniorindependence.org/hospice/volunteer for more information.

The last good thing that may happen in a person’s life is a hospice volunteer. ~ Unknown www.seniorindependence.org 7 ACCREDITED CHARITY bbb.org thank youfor your generosity

The following donations were made between March 1, 2016 and May 31, 2016 in support of Senior Independence Hospice. If you believe your name to be omitted or printed in error, please accept our sincerest apologies and call the OPRS Foundation at 1-800-686-7800.

In Memory of: Marjorie Boroff Florence Edmonds Sallyann Ankney Steve Bogart Donald & Mary Poppe Forrest & Mary Black Frances Brooks Nancy Brothers Kenneth Erdner Fontella Marmon Erin Durfey Bruce Alexander Constance Ciesick Rosemary Eurenuis Robert Byrne Robert & Pamela Coleman Terrie Feeney Mr. and Mrs. Robert James Paladin Brewing LLC Sandy Paul Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Rubin Mr. and Mrs. David Pape Dinnasia Patterson Raymond & Karen Tyndall Mr. and Mrs. Brian Pittner Diane Pulman William & Barbara Tyndall Wendy Purcell Sheila Reed Ramon Carr S. Keith Edgar Marcia Richard Eve M. Baldwin John & Sandy Stanhope Gina Rutkowski Sandy Bruner-Hurst Sharon Tamp & Family Jan Sawyer Brenda Hauck Lisa Sealscott Greg & Cathy Kasch William Fast Cindy Tee Jim & Marsha Kasch Jeffrey Fogt Mandy Van Camp Kathleen & Mark Moses Mary Vetter Alma Felix James Barone Susan Willmont Julie Lauer Theresa Barone Gayle Clemens Irwin Ferry Ellynore Beck Carol Wullkotte Barbara Kelly James Beck Michael Cluckey Diana Fodor Matilda Benkowski Leeann Dufendock Jeanne Eskola Irene Petrick Karen Miller Laurie Yuhas

8 Betty Gillespie Rev. L. Michael Herbert Margaret McCormick Julie Lauer Shirley Hostetter Mary Petro Mary Lyon William Glancy Ruth North Marvin Meininger Carol Glancy Jerry and Debbie Ruef Linda Meininger Yvette Van de Grift Pamela Golas W. Robert Meloy Daniel Golas Loretta Kinninger Lois Grasser Elaine Echols Velma Graham Jack Moran Ron & Karen Graham Lawrence Kirk Edward & Jean Kamrada Marianne E. Johnson Paula Mullins James Hagenmaier Michael Pekar Anonymous Elizabeth Kovach Patricia Pekar Jack & Gerry Brubaker Anonymous Becky Prairie Richard & Karen Cramer Barbara Robeson Nancy Hagenmaier Elfreida Krister Pam Testa Irene Hunter Robert & Deborah Brink Edna Zaitzew Julie Lauer Dave & Kath Reinhart, Michael LaRiche Nicky & Stephanie Edward Morel Victoria Adamus Mary VanCuren Joseph Carbone Herman Wonderly Gloria Faletic Dolores Latine Fraternal Order of Eagles Charles Hall Richard & Dolores Latine Stanley & Carol Jenovic Freddie Hall Ethel Kovach Clayton Lemke Elizabeth Lovsin Agnes Hamilton Ronald Gerkensmeyer Richard & Nancy Marko Worthington Schools Heidi Morel Transportation Team Thomas Lucas Helen Morel Nancy Lucas Richard & Barbara Shramo Betty Justis Frank & Virginia Siskovic Carole Bremigan Frances Mallin Marlene Sorz John & Pam Bremigan Deborah Jarosz Geraldine Trebets Ryan, Mindy & Alyssa Justis Jacqueline Ulle Gloria Marshall James & Jane Vondrak Shirley Kerezsi Julie Lauer Vivian Vrana The Kerezsi Family Lorna Walsh Thomas Whittaker Jeanne Masteller Walthall, LLP CPAs Louann Geel Bernard Wiederwohl Clyde King Barbara Etherington Albert May Helen Murphy Mary Etherington Jane Pattie-May Linda Marshall www.seniorindependence.org 9 Florence Nash Kenneth Rittenhouse Helen Kushner Anonymous Joyce Dirrman Jonathan & Terri Shonerd Tom & Joan Truman Arthur Orkis Doris Schindewolf Pamela Orkis Anonymous Jean Vascik Joyce Downey William & Nora Ellen Ella Owens Dennis R. Harshbarger Bowers Jack Owens Mark & Lori Heath Kathleen Casterline and Family Eugene & Barbara Heising Nancy Perout Greg & Jami Hurley Diane O’Konski Ralph Davis Steve Klingler Brian & Janet Rozick Nancy Kryka NASA Family Mayfield Village Council Bruce & Bresa Rose Marlyn Whitfield David & Valerie Perout Gloria Smith Evelyn Nulf William Thomas Gary Weeks John & Judith Young Warren Wilkinson Edgar Pierson Diana Zuber Heidi Christy-Savoie & Melany Aston Ronnie J Savoie Frank & Beverly Ferry Dorothea Shadoan Michael & Julie Fridley Anonymous Della Williams Ursula Fridley Jim & Sara Bertsch Hazel Armstrong George & Laura Horvath Tray & Becky Bilden Lucille Luoma Paul & Vivian Goins Jane Williams Ronald & Trudy Metz John Oen Sports Tours, Inc. Donald Williams Robert & Geradine Pascute Denise Norton Arthur Smallsreed Carl Six Dorothy Wise David Sponaugle Teresa Stackonis Sally Myers Scott Sponaugle Barbara Wright Warren Bowling Association M. Carlene Wright Gladys Woodard Virginia Smith James Porz Robert Stone Marguerite Young Natalie McWilliams Susan Hirsch Robert Young Helen Ramsdell Donald J. Young Wilma Politz Theresa Stouffer Stouffer Realty, Inc R. Gordon Reinel Myrna Zerbe Cheryl Reinel Jean Tavenner Doris Santangelo Aida Montano Armand Rispoli Paul & Sharon Schultz In Honor of: Joyce Dirrman Richard Tavenner All those who cared for Virginia Ritchie Marilyn Truman Florence Nash Kristy Ahee John & Jean Adamcek Anonymous

10 Linda Chiarello Senior Independence Team Joseph & Donna Midlick Sarah Hadley Susan Berny Charles B. & Laura B. Monroe Jerome Ellis Terri Treharn Whitney O’Neal Barbara Ellis Anonymous The PEW Charitable Trusts Lillian Pugel Barbara Kelly Other Donations: Louise Rade Sarah Hadley Elizabeth Santell Anonymous Elaina Schmidt Amanda Kridler Mary Adam Kenneth D. Shinn Sarah Hadley Fredrick & Susan Ball Robert & Sandra Simpson Debra & James London James Beck Kalee Sparklin Scheer Janice Palma Susan Berny Senior Independence Irene Serrano Jane Brodnik Mahoning Valley Region Elizabeth Buschmann Lawrence & Donna Spengler Heather Hrina Medvec Edward & Sharon Cassidy Sue Welty Anonymous Barbara Chappell The Family of Gloria Tarolli Kelly Ring The Community Foundation Michael & Ann Toro of Mahoning Valley Cheryl Webber CVS Caremark Annual Geri Zagorianos Giving Campaign Melissa & Eric Dardinger Billie Province Linda Darlage Irene Serrano Katie Davis Cheryl Webber Charlotte Decker Mary Dennis Mary Ross Elaine Echols Sarah Hadley Carol Edmonds Julia Felix Ryan Scragg Tom & Kathie Gannon Betty Bell Deborah Graver Bummer & Amanda Bell Sarah Hadley Cindi Board Walter L. & Teresa A. Haun Robert & Joy Brieck Ruth & Francis Hemry Patricia Kosek David & Pamela Hrina Kylie Kuhns Lisa Ann Marie Hrina Mona Manganelli Mary Kalin Steve & Jenn McKay Matthew Kepler Larry & Connie Scragg Wendy Price Kiser Cheryl Webber Evelyn Lazor Pamela Lewis Lou Anne Schlievert Cheryl & Sean McLaughlin Jonathan & Terri Shonerd Heather Hrina Medvec www.seniorindependence.org 11 Local Offices Akron/Canton: 330-873-3468 1815 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313 Central Ohio: 614-433-0031 2740 Airport Dr., Suite 140, Columbus, OH 43219 Greater Cleveland: 440-953-1256 38879 Mentor Ave., Suite A, Willoughby, OH 44094 Mahoning Valley: 330-533-4350 6715 Tippecanoe Rd., Canfield, OH 44406 Greater Toledo: 419-865-1499 1730 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43614

24/7 Assistance: Phone: 855-579-4967 | Fax: 855-579-4968

Wrestle mania! Patient has room decorated, receives special keepsakes

Every day of hospice patient Harold Keeler’s life centers on watching videos of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) matches.

Senior Independence Hospice staff members noticed Harold’s enjoyment of WWE, and they also noticed the bare walls in his room. Enter the Make it Happen program and the blank view in Harold’s room has been transformed into a wrestling panorama.

Carol Davis, volunteer coordinator in the Mahoning Valley region, said their team decorated Harold’s walls with WWE logos and life-sized graphics of WWE wrestlers.

Senior Independence also contacted the WWE, who sent a package of gifts including DVDs, autographed pictures, programs, a shirt, hat, headband and special book.