The Simple Act of Doing More

Posted by Western PA Hospital News on May 20, 2011 in Hospice | 0 comments

Volunteers Margaret Ponte, Toni McGrath and David Scott with Family Hospice and Palliative Care CEO Rafael Sciullo, (l to r) at Family Hospice’s annual volunteer recognition luncheon, April 14, 2011, at The Center for Compassionate Care in Mt. Lebanon.

“Those who can, do.  Those who can do more, volunteer.”

~Author Unknown

The work done by those who care for patients – and their caregivers – at end of life is truly remarkable. Many say that it takes a special calling to provide such a compassionate level of care at what is arguably the most delicate time of life. But alongside the physicians, nurses, social workers and other hospice professionals are individuals who go above and beyond in so many ways.

They are our hospice volunteers. From family visits to bereavement support, from pet therapy to office administrative tasks, our volunteers do it all.

Since its inception, volunteers have been an integral part of hospice. And at Family Hospice and Palliative Care, our corps of over 400 dedicated volunteers truly makes a difference, each and every day.

Take for instance Alice, who serves as a “Candlelight Companion” in the Greensburg area. Family Hospice offers the Candlelight Companion program at hospitals, long-term care facilities, and our hospice Inpatient Unit, The Center for Compassionate Care.

Depending on a family’s wishes, a Candlelight Companion may be asked to read, play the patient’s favorite music recordings, pray or just sit quietly.

There’s Marian, a volunteer who provides pet therapy by taking her dog Nellie to visit patients and families. Nellie is a regular visitor to Camp Healing Hearts, our annual free summer day camp for kids coping with the loss of a loved one.

Frank is a volunteer who is active in Veterans’ affairs – and much more. He has done everything from directing traffic for events at our Center for Compassionate Care to taking time to visit patients in their homes.

And we’re blessed to have the help of Harriett, Kathy and Odessa. These ladies come to our administrative offices each week, handling more paperwork than some business executives may know what to do with. Among their responsibilities is assembling the important admission packets that are presented to each patient and caregiver upon coming on to hospice service. In addition, these ladies share their time at our events, such as our annual Golf outing and Memorial Walk, by helping register participants.

These are just a few of the examples of how our volunteers make a difference. Others help us stay in touch with bereaved family members after the death of a loved one, or visit patients by providing massage therapy or expressive art and music. Each one of them, no matter their role, makes a difference.

Saying “thank you” hardly is enough. But one way we do express our gratitude is at our annual volunteer recognition luncheon. Held each spring at The Center for Compassionate Care, our luncheon gives Family Hospice the opportunity to wrap our arms around these wonderful men and women who show such selflessness.

This year alone, Family Hospice recognized over 20 volunteers who celebrated milestone years of service, including six at the 10 year mark, five celebrating 15 years, two with 25 years of service, and two who have spent 30 years volunteering for our organization.

Carol, one of our 30-year honorees in 2010, remembers the first patient she helped:

“I remember that she had emphysema and liked me to read her the 23^rd Psalm. Staying with her gave the family free time to do things outside of the home. I really felt I was doing something helpful.”

Carol has gone onto do many more helpful things. Her volunteer service has included everything from picking up patients’ relatives at the airport, to cleaning house, to taking grieving grandchildren to the park.

Carol, along with Alice, Marian, Harriett, Kathy, Odessa and hundreds more are the foundation of hospice. Their spirit, generosity and attitude are exemplary for people of all ages and backgrounds. Our volunteers are the ultimate example of “doing more.”

Consider being a hospice volunteer: To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Family Hospice, please visit www.familyhospice.com and click on “Become a Volunteer.” Or call Nick Petti, Manager of Volunteer Services, at 412-572-8806.

Rafael J. Sciullo, MA, LCSW, MS, is President and CEO of Family Hospice and Palliative Care and Past Chairperson of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. He may be reached at rsciullo@familyhospice.com or (412) 572-8800. Family Hospice and Palliative Care serves nine counties in Western Pennsylvania. Its website is www.familyhospice.com.

On the Wings of Doves

Posted by Western PA Hospital News on Jan 20, 2011 in Hospice | 0 comments

Doves are considered a symbol of those who are deeply missed.

By Rafael J. Sciullo

During the holiday season, thousands of families across Western Pennsylvania were making their way to area malls to do their shopping. With lists in hand, the search was on for just the right gifts. Then, onto the grocery stores, to buy everything needed for those special dinners and get-togethers. After all, the holiday season is a perfect time to spend with the ones we cherish most

It’s also the ideal time to remember those we’ve lost. Those who have meant so much to us.

A certain family of five made their way to the mall on a cold Saturday afternoon. But before they ventured into any stores, placed an order at the food court, or went to visit Santa, mom said “See those trees over there, I want us all to go and take a good look at them.”

The youngest child asked “Why Mommy? What’s so special about those trees?”

“Well,” Mom replied, “Grand Pap’s name is on one of those trees. Let’s look for it and then we’ll take a picture next to it.”

Grand Pap had died earlier that year and his daughter wanted to make sure he was remembered in a special way during the holiday season. His name was inscribed on a dove adorning a beautiful holiday tree. It was part of Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s tenth annual “Holiday Memorial Tree” campaign.

For a donation to our non-profit organization, those who have lost a loved one can have that person’s name on a dove, adorning trees at seven local malls during the holiday season. In our most recent campaign, over 1,300 people were remembered in this manner.

The Holiday Memorial Tree campaign allows participants to not only honor those they’ve lost, but, through their donations, benefit thousands of families here in Western Pennsylvania who annually receive compassionate care, regardless of their ability to pay.

It is really amazing to think that a simple fundraising appeal that began a decade ago has become such a cherished local holiday tradition. It’s now commonplace for our Family Hospice staff to get requests for doves from people before the campaign even begins – and for Memorial Tree donations to continue after it ends.

When the campaign began in 2001, there was one tree on display at The Galleria in the South Hills. Now, the campaign has grown to cover seven participating malls: The Galleria, Century III Mall, Ross Park Mall, Monroeville Mall, The Mall at Robinson, Clearview Mall and Shenango Valley Mall.
So, the family of five made their way to the trees, and after just a minute or so of looking, the middle child found Grand Pap’s name. “Here he is!” The rest of the family gathered around, pausing for a moment as each quietly called to mind a special memory.

Then, as they got into place for pictures, smiles came to their faces one-by-one. This was their special way of celebrating holiday time with their cherished loved one. Not only was it a special way to remember Grand Pap – but pay tribute to him by letting everyone know he was special and missed.

Of course, this scene was repeated over and over – each in its own unique way – by families all around our area. Family Hospice and Palliative Care is proud to be a part of this annual remembrance and we’re grateful for the hundreds of families that take part each year.

Before leaving the mall, the family of five passed by the trees again. “Mom,” the oldest child asked, “can we put Grand Pap’s name on the tree again next year?”

“Sure,” Mom said, “We’ll do it every year. Let’s make it our holiday tradition.”

Rafael J. Sciullo, MA, LCSW, MS, is President and CEO of Family Hospice and Palliative Care and Past Chairperson of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. He may be reached at rsciullo@familyhospice.com or (412) 572-8800. Family Hospice and Palliative Care serves nine counties in Western Pennsylvania. Its website is www.familyhospice.com.