The reason that I have been a part of St. Francis Hospice for the last 13 plus years has changed over time. Initially, it was due to watching my own mother deal with end-of-life care for my grandmother. She didn’t know what to do or who to turn to. I felt useless and frustrated that I didn’t have any answers for her. Since joining the board of the organization, my why has gone from knowledge to passion.
Once I learned more about hospice, I realized that St. Francis Lifestage Care is NOT just a “hospice” organization. It’s a group of caring individuals that provide all aspects of care and support to families in their most vulnerable time of life. It’s my opinion that the “things” we provide outside of the “hospice” services are what sets us apart, what makes us “special”. Don’t get me wrong, our hospice services are second to none in my opinion. St. Francis goes above and beyond when you consider the programs that we provide before, during and after the dying process to family members, their children, and their pets. The fact that we are a non-profit organization, and we are not paid by any insurance or government program to provide these services says a lot. The pet pledge program, the Veterans program, the children’s grief services to name a few. When you truly care and have compassion, you don’t stop providing support based on what the government covers. You find a way. The entire organization shares that same passion. That’s what makes it work.My why today is because I have a shared passion to support families in all aspects during one of the most difficult times of their lives. I wish my mother had the support of St. Francis or similar organization during her time of need.