Category: Reflections of Life

The NorthStar fall program is currently in full swing, with a host of exciting activities planned to assist children who are coping with the loss of a loved one. The program aims to equip children with the skills they need to work through the grieving process and create new, special memories. Melissa Kluck, Program Coordinator for NorthStar, emphasizes the importance of providing a sense of belonging for children during their toughest moments.“Children do not want to feel like they are all alone in their grief, and NorthStar gives them a sense of community,” she explains. “Part of healing is creating a

Veteran’s Day 2023 at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island will be extra special this year. The morning will begin with the 2023 DASH in Life 5K that leads runners and walkers through the beautiful Memorial Park with the finish line in front of the Museum. The race will feature awards for difference age groups followed by a very special Veteran Pinning Ceremony in the plaza. Immediately following the Veteran Pinning Ceremony, The Veterans Memorial Center will kick off their special Veterans Day Ceremony and Pass in Review. Special guests include Patrick Space Force Base Deputy Commander, Colonel S.

The calm, quiet neighborhoods were becoming the home to space oriented workers. Schools were seeing growth, with children moving in from all over the country. The “fast food’ culture was taking hold everywhere in North Brevard. There were very few, if any, home computers, no real internet, no wealth of family physicians, oncologists, nurses, or large hospitals, and no cell phones. That was the world into which our Founder, Emilie Sasko, RN was attempting to introduce a new form of patient care – hospice in-home care for those in need of support for what was to be for many the last

We all want to provide the best possible care for our loved ones, whether it was of a parent, sibling, spouse or child. Having them at home with us means that we are on duty 24/7 – we know that. We have to do the shopping, cooking, cleaning; we are probably doing that already. But how about all the other things? Paying the bills and making sure that the money is there to pay them. Getting the car, the AC or the leaking toilet fixed. Keeping track of medication, doctor appointments, etc. for you and your patient.These are all practical things

We love quilters and appreciate the hours of time, creativity, and love they sew into the blankets, adult clothing protectors, and pillows that they donate to comfort our patients. Recently, when we learned that a quilting group was running out of material, we communicated the need for donations through social media and our network within the community. It turns out that one of our patients who recently passed loved to sew. She had left behind many boxes of material. When her family learned about our need, they immediately knew that donating the material to St. Francis Hospice would be a beautiful

Best known for their roles as Santa and Mrs. Claus during the holiday season, Tim and Cora Brown are so committed to St. Francis Hospice’ mission that they set aside two days a week to volunteer in both of our offices. Their administrative contributions are invaluable to the daily hospice care our staff provides. Their dedication and support are admired and appreciated more than we could ever express. “With other charities we help people when they need it with everyday things like food and doctor visits. With St. Francis we get to be there in person when their needs are the

Mr. Lee is a 101 Army Air Corps Veteran who later retired from the Air Force as a Full Colonel While in 1982. While in the Army Mr. Lee served as a gunner for four years during WWII, completing 19 missions over Germany and surviving a landing where the plane flipped over. Mr. Lee remained an active reservist while obtaining his law degree. At the age of 40 Mr. Lee was called to back to active duty and served 16 years at the Pentagon. It was our honor to present to Mr. Lee a quilt named “When Eagles Fly” during his

What could be better than enjoying sunshine and fresh air with your family and friends in a beautiful park while honoring local Veterans? At 7:30 am on November 11, 2023, The DASH in Life 5K will kick-off a full day of Veterans Day activities at Brevard Veterans Memorial Park. This idyllic course is flat, scenic, and inspiring. Stay for a special pinning ceremony recognizing all of the Veterans in attendance, immediately following the awards presentation. Proceeds from the race will support the We Honor Veterans program at St. Francis Hospice. We ensure that the Veterans in our care receive the honor,

Meet Brodie and Beau, brothers who both live with a disease that deteriorates their muscles to the point that they are unable to hold themselves up in a chair. Although their minds are active and their attitudes are bright, they are physically challenged and unable vocalize their needs. Their devoted mother, Melanie Armistead, relies heavily on visual cues and non-verbal communication to read the boys’ faces for pain, fatigue, or worry. These cues are hampered when a child is slouched over or reclining. Melanie knew that her sons needed specialized chairs to improve safety and mobility, enable them to sit upright,