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E is for Empathy

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E Is For Empathy
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There are three Es in the history of St. Francis Reflections that spells Empathy. It began in 1977 when Emilie Sasko saw that her neighbors in end of life where walking that road alone. As an RN with great Empathy she stepped forward when most of the country was not doing anything like this in their communities. Volunteers around Titusville began providing a sacred service that bridge the gap in healthcare. For most of us today we think that hospice was the ultimate next step for a patient and their family. But it 1977 it was the exception not the rule. Over the years the address for care grew as did St. Francis Reflections.

Fast forward and a dream of providing a Care Center arose for the citizens of Brevard County. The hero of that moment was none other than Edward Poe a long time resident of Titusville. Gifting land to build what would become the first of three Care Centers around the community came to life in 2015. This gift from Ed showed great Empathy towards his fellow neighbors. He knew that at times the family and the patients needed extra care. He wanted to provide that place of rest.

The last of the E for Empathy is Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. Our namesake for a giving circle she brought to the forefront a taboo subject – death and dying. Through her address people became aware of how we step through those stages in the dying process and what we do as we transition. It was life altering to begin that conversation and to highlight how others who love them might help during this period before death. St. Francis Reflections continues her legacy of partnering with patients and families as these steps and moments occur. E is for Empathy and if we could in just small ways take the road in end of life and light up that darkness we would honor all three of these thoughtful souls.   Emilie, Ed and Elisabeth charted a path through their view of serving others. St. Francis Staff and Volunteers follow in their footsteps. It is what any good neighbor would do. If you would like to volunteer or provide a gift that support your neighbor in hospice care please signup on the form that follows:

 Reflections of Life Articles: Winter 2023

Rockin the Sunset

The 2023 Rockin the Sunset Concert for a Cause is almost here! This year we are featuring the sounds of the legendary Sir Elton John presented by Greggie and the Jets. The evening will be fun for all ages. Wear your favorite Elton John inspired outfit for a chance to win prizes. February 24th at …

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On My Honor

“On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” – Scout Oath. The Scouts from troops 525 and 4117 who came to volunteer their …

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Gift of Leadership

St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care and St. Francis Reflections Foundation are both nonprofit organizations lead by volunteer boards. Each board member commits to serve up to nine years to help St. Francis best serve those who need end of life care. Some might call them the invisible heroes. They attend meetings and contribute their talents …

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Getting Ready to DASH Again

It was a cool morning at the Veterans Memorial Center on the Indian River as the horn sounded for the start of the first annual 2022 DASH in Life 5k on November 12. There were over 170 registrants and many cheering friends, family members and volunteers all along the beautiful course to provide encouragement and …

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Holiday, Hope, and Happy Moments

For the first time in several years, the staff at St. Francis Reflections was able to get together for some holiday fun, enjoying great food and white elephant gifts. A time to visit, laugh and thanks to Tammy Rolfe try their hand at fused glass. Senior leadership was on hand and they brought some of …

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Affirming Life

There are those who find it difficult to discuss the purposes of hospice. For us, hospice is our every day. We consider it affirming to be a part of those last months and days. We know much can happen to create wonderful moments and to help people with personal wishes, closure, and putting their houses …

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Welcoming Warriors Home

Our commitments in life comes with purpose. At St. Francis Reflections, through our We Honor Veterans program we are deliberate in our yearly welcome home to our Vietnam Veterans. This commitment is to rectify and restore that which did not happen when our individual heroes returned home. During that politically charged time, Veterans suffered emotional …

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