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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: Fall 2023

DASH to Celebrate Veterans Day 2023

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, …

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Life Changing Gift of Dignity

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 …

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Serving Brevard for 45 years

What began as a dream of helping neighbors almost fifty years ago is turning 45 this year. Emilie Sasko was a nurse, volunteer, mother of 12 and a dreamer. She had a dream that she was being called to create a hospice, and supported by her deep faith, family and friends, founded the second hospice …

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When Angels Get Their WINGS

Wonderful. Inspiring. Notable. Gracious. Service. These words are frequently used to describe our staff at St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care. We treasure these words in our hearts. Another phrase that we often hear from patients and families is, “You are our Angels.” “You are our Angels” inspired the WINGS Recognition Program. WINGS was created to …

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Memorial Day to Remember

By: Chandler Langevin, Veteran Services Coordinator Memorial Day is a very sacred time for staff and volunteers at St. Francis Reflections. As part of our ongoing commitment to Veterans, we traveled throughout Brevard County to render honors to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Here are some of my highlights from the …

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We LOVE our Volunteers

Our volunteers are a diverse array of caring individuals including working professionals, retirees, stay-at-home parents, students, and people who are exploring new careers and building new skill sets. Those who are interested in volunteering must be dependable, friendly and compassionate. It is not necessary to have medical or hospice experience. Each volunteer is asked to …

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The Staircase

Michael Brian Horton May 30, 2016 Last night I had myself a dreamI still can see it nowA staircase stood before meSpiraling up into the cloudsIts wood was worn and weatheredBut had stood the tests of timeAnd I came upon a young man thereAs I began to climbHis uniform colonialHis tri cornered hat pulled downHe …

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