Archives: May 2012

A Decade of Reflection

May 7, 2012

“I sit in my glassed, sun filled porch, feeling the warmth of the morning sun on my face. I am enjoying a cup of tea while I attend to two of my needy cats that have a temporary requirement for human social interaction. I am happy, well fed, and all is right with the world [...]

A Profound Experience as a Volunteer

April 27, 2012

“Several years ago, I was asked to provide a vigil for a patient in a western suburb. I was surprised to find her awake and communicating. We visited for a while, then I noticed about a dozen framed paintings on the floor, leaning against one wall of her room. I assumed they were from her [...]

Misty’s Wish

January 20, 2012

Our “Hospice Heroes” program launch is underway. Hospice Heroes is a community of individuals, families, and school, church or service groups across Northern Ohio who host fundraising activities that help our agency provide care to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. Each month we will be sharing an inspirational story about [...]

An Angelic Delivery

January 3, 2012

The holiday season is all about giving back for Denise Selan-Tegge. For several years Denise has decorated a six foot tall Christmas tree and put it up for sale in her shop in Willoughby, Twice Loved. This year, the theme of the tree was angels. She suggested a price of $300 for the tree and [...]

Volunteers Exemplify the True Meaning of Christmas

December 29, 2011

“I can’t imagine staying home Christmas morning and opening socks and underwear when I can share the spirit of the holidays with others, helping to make Hospice House a ‘home away from home,’” said Bill Jindra, a Hospice of the Western Reserve volunteer who has been playing Santa at David Simpson Hospice House for the [...]

Seasoned with Love

December 16, 2011

“Seasoned with Love” were the three words written on the bright red aprons worn by three generations of the Martin Family as they prepared a dinner at David Simpson Hospice House. In the family kitchen at the House, they prepared homemade meat sauce, spaghetti, salad, rolls and cake to serve 80 on Sunday, Nov. 6 [...]

Thanksgiving is Less Than a Week Away, What Are You Thankful For?

November 18, 2011

Six more days until Thanksgiving, which means six more days before the holiday season officially kicks off. Six more days before we will be sitting around the dinner table with family and friends, gorging ourselves on turkey, potatoes and stuffing, and leaving only enough room for one last piece of pumpkin pie. But this holiday is not only about eating until [...]

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

November 1, 2011

Each year, in November, we celebrate National Hospice and Palliative Care Month by spreading the news about one benefit hospice care offers to patients and their loved ones: creating a legacy through ethical wills. Sometimes called life closure or legacy work, an ethical will is a collection of personal values and family history that can be [...]

National Massage Therapy Awareness Week

October 27, 2011

This week, Hospice of the Western Reserve is celebrating National Massage Therapy Awareness Week. Some facts about massage therapy at Hospice of the Western Reserve: Massage therapists at Hospice of the Western Reserve are licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio. Massage therapy is provided by one paid massage therapist (Andrea Schlenkerman) and a [...]

Hoops for Hospice

October 18, 2011

While scoring points for Laurel High School basketball, 16 year-old Katie has also scored more than $1,900 in donations through her personal fundraiser, Hoops for Hospice. Her grandmother’s hospice experience inspired her to help us care for others. Last fall, after setting a goal of 300-point season, Katie sent out dozens of letters seeking point [...]