Hospice by the Sea INC.

A Special Volunteer Tribute Issue!

Announcing our new Pet Therapy ProgramMeet two of our pet therapy teams. They lift the spirits of everyone they meet

from the moment they walk in the door.

The companionship and unconditional love we receive from a gentle pet touches our hearts and makes us feel good. This is wonderful medicine

for hospice patients and their family members, o�ering health bene�ts such as: reducing blood pressure, relieving pain, decreasing stress and increasing relaxation.

Cathy Dash & Pearl“When I retired as an ICU nurse,

I didn’t want to become isolated. Volunteering at the hospice resale shop o�ered wonderful socialization, and I treasure the friends I made there,” Cathy said. Six years later, another hospice opportunity presented itself when Cathy adopted Pearl, a retired hunting dog.

Pearl’s vet saw how gentle she was and recommended the pet therapy program, so Cathy and Pearl went through the training. “I’ve seen Pearl just take people into a di�erent place. They feel better when they’re petting her and connecting with her. It’s wonderful to experience.”

One little boy was skeptical when Pearl and Cathy arrived to visit his grandmother. “Pearl went over to him (as if on cue) and put her head into his lap. He started petting her, then he hugged her and started to cry. Afterwards, he looked at me and said, ‘My heart feels better now.’ That’s what volunteering means to me.” g

Samantha Kuras & TedSam decided she wanted to work in pet therapy when

she received Ted as a birthday present. Ted loves both giving and receiving attention from virtually everyone he meets. “The days I volunteer with hospice are so positive. I show up with Ted and we bring smiles and good feelings to people who are going through a very hard time. And they return these good feelings to us.”

“Since we work as a pet therapy team, I get to see the wonderful bond that Ted develops with so many of the people at the Boca Care Center. To witness a happy exchange between my dog and a patient or a family member is truly inspiring for me. Ted cries with excitement when we pull into the parking lot, so I know he enjoys it, too,” Sam shared. “The experience adds so much

to both of our lives,” she added. g

TrustBridge Health has partnered with Canine Assisted Therapy (C.A.T.), a not-for-pro�t organization, which specializes in recruiting and training therapy teams. Some teams become our volunteers to provide pet therapy for our hospice patients. C.A.T. teams also work with children and adults with special needs, and patients undergoing physical, occupational, and recreational therapies. For information on becoming a Pet Therapy volunteer, call (561) 227-5138. g

News to Friends Fall 2015

Cathy Dash & Pearl, Samantha Kuras & Ted.

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The hospice model of care in the United States was founded by volunteers. Each founded in 1978, Hospice by the Sea and Hospice of Palm Beach County owe a debt to our founding volunteer groups. The role of volunteers remains vital today, as Medicare regulations require they provide a portion of hospice services. For our organization, that translates to more than 800 active volunteers.

At TrustBridge Health, we call them our Hospice Heroes. Out of kindness and compassion, they help us care for people during their time of greatest need. Like the community they serve, they are vibrant and diverse. Some work directly with patients and families, and others help in our o�ces,

resale shops or fundraising events. Many o�er their professional skills in service to others, such as hairdressing, accounting or massage therapy.

In this issue of News to Friends, we’d like to introduce you to a few of the people who dedicate their time and energy to help us care for 1,900 patients and their family members every day. We want you to hear directly from them about what motivates them to enrich the lives of others, and the ful�llment they receive in return.

They are an indispensable part of our hospice family and we are inspired by their example. They teach us what is possible and the impact that each one of us can have in the lives of others. g

Leadership Message

2 2

Compassion Accountability Pride

Our VisionTo provide an unmatched healthcare experience for families in their time of need.

Our MissionTo provide families with access to compassionate, expert and professional healthcare services in their time of need, throughout their lifespan.

Our Values Excellence Integrity Teamwork

John Marino, Chairman

Marian Pearlman Nease, Vice Chair

David C. Fielding, CEO

Volunteer Alejandro Rodriguez, Patient Visitor and Camp Volunteer

When he was in graduate school for counseling, Alejandro was an intern in a hospice bereavement program. Now he works as a substance abuse counselor and continues to be involved with hospice as a volunteer. “I was given the chance to volunteer as a camp counselor with a group of kids who were grieving. Over the course of the weekend, we were able to acknowledge and honor their loved ones as well as incorporate fun activities,” Alejandro explained.

He also visits with patients. “I truly cherish my time with them. I feel that it is a gift to be present with them during this time in their lives. They have many stories to share as well as a clarity of mind that happens when one starts to let go of all the day-to-day worries. They teach me how to be continuously grateful for each moment,” he added. g

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Volunteer Kara Kent, M.A.M.C., B.S.R., Volunteer Chaplain

Kara believes that to �nd purpose in life, we are to add value to the lives of others. She embodies this philosophy as a hospice chaplain in our Professional Volunteer program. “I started out as a patient-visitor volunteer, reading to patients, taking walks, or writing notes for them. I also do vigil visits when a patient is imminently dying. I am there to hear their last words and convey them to their family. If they are unresponsive, I am there as a caring, comforting presence.”

“I pursued my master’s degree, so now I volunteer professionally as a hospice chaplain. I �nd out each person’s faith and pray for them as they exit this world. A prayer may include that they be released from any regrets, fears, doubts and anxieties they may have. My hope is that they and their families feel valued and reassured at this most vulnerable phase of life,” Kara shared. g

To get started, all you have to do is:

Call (561) 227-5138 or complete

the volunteer registration form at

hpbc.com/volunteer.

There are so many ways to help. You can

do the type of work you want to do in the

geographic area that is best for you. All we ask is for a 3-hour weekly

commitment.

No special skills are required, just a

compassionate heart and the desire to help.

We provide all the training you need.

Becoming a Hospice Volunteer... it’s as easy as

1 2 3

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Volunteer Linda Kane, Patient Visitor

Linda became interested in volunteering with hospice when someone she knew became ill. “I was surprised and thrilled to see this 90-year-old continue to go out to eat, get her hair done and play cards with friends. Through her, I learned that being in hospice care did not mean a time of sadness or despair but a time of hope, laughter and peace of mind,” Linda explained.

“I have visited many patients over the past 3 years. Some are unable to get out, but they are always full of life and laughter. We don’t dwell on their illness; we just relate to each other as people. I always leave them feeling enlightened and so blessed for getting to know them,” she added. “The only skill you need is a smile, a compassionate personality and an open heart. The patients will �ll your heart with more joy than you

can ever imagine.” g

becameeat,hospicepeace

theytogettingpersonality

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Volunteers The Ladies Who LunchPat Byrne, Barbara Hammerschlag, Mary Behr and Betty Connover

After a full morning of volunteering, four unassuming women get together in the Gerstenberg Café every Friday for lunch. No one would ever suspect that they are actually superheroes.

Mary Behr and Betty Connover are Eucharistic Ministers who pray with families two mornings a week in the inpatient care center. They pray with people of all faiths and are able to distribute the Eucharist to Catholic patients. Pat Byrne spends her mornings visiting hospice patients and families while Barbara Hammerschlag helps several departments with administrative projects. These two

can also be found assisting at Foundation fundraising events throughout the year. Collectively, these exceptional ladies have dedicated 61 years to unsel�shly uplifting the lives of others. Now,

that’s something to celebrate! Lunch, anyone? g

also be found assisting at Foundation

Country Club Chef Showdown

celebrity judges Lindsay Autry

and Virginia Philip.

Event supporters Sally and Aubrey Strul at the White House Chef event.

Camp Good Grief Volunteer Shelby Cavanagh (left)

and campers.

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Volunteers Nate & Annie Kerr, Patient Visitors and Administrative Volunteers

Pastor Nate and Annie are a married couple who volunteer together, visiting patients and helping in our o�ces. “I became a volunteer because of the wonderful care hospice provided for some of my family members. I wanted a chance to give back to them. Being a pastor, I know that love and caring are what it’s all about, and how important it is to care for the whole person. When I visit patients, I hope I bring them joy—the same kind I feel every time I visit them,” Nate shared.

One day each week, the Kerrs o�er administrative support. Nate prepares packets for caregivers while Annie inputs data for the Bereavement Center. “It is so rewarding to know that I’m helping to meet the needs of patients and families. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and to show your love for people,” added Annie. g

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Volunteer Christopher Delange, Patient Visitor

Christopher has his sights set on medical school. This forward-thinking University of Central Florida (UCF) undergrad became a hospice volunteer during his summer break. He said he wanted to “gain one-to-one patient experience and do something that really helps people.” He accomplished what he hoped for and received some nice surprises along the way.

“I saw how much hospice care helped my great-grandmother and my family, so I had some idea of what to expect. What I couldn’t anticipate was the connection I had with the people I visited with. One man told me great stories about growing up in the 1930s. I enjoyed my time with him so much and learned a lot from his perspective. I’ll never forget him,” Christopher explained. It has been such a positive experience that he plans to volunteer at a hospice in Orlando when he returns to UCF this fall. g

Mimosas & Mallets committee volunteers Jennifer Foland, Amanda Baughman, Jennifer Schnipper and Stacy Bellows.

Boy Scout Troop 105 held a �shing clinic for children

from our bereavement program. Signature Golf Classic volunteers, chair Tom Tracy and Shaun Eldridge.

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Many thanks to our Corporate Partners

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C O R P O R A T I O N S

ELECTRIC

FIRE & SECURITY

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS

ELECTRONIC SOLUTIONS

Our Foundation will o�er a special, commemorative display during the holiday season. Families can honor their loved ones or celebrate a family milestone by purchasing a decorative ornament or card to be exhibited on a Christmas tree or Chanukah menorah.

This year, the Tree & Menorah tribute will debut at a special, community-wide Celebration of

Life event on November 15 (see the back cover for event details). Following the event, the tree and menorah will be located at our newly renovated Boca Raton Care Center

through December 31.

For additional information about this special holiday display, please contact the Foundation at (561) 494-6888 or visit hpbcf.org/holiday. g

Tree & Menorah for Hospice Display

Corporate Partner PNC Bank“PNC has a long history of partnering with local organizations that strengthen

and enrich the lives of our communities. By contributing to hospice, we can ease the burden for individuals who are terminally ill and their families during a very di�cult time. As a Foundation Corporate Partner we support a cherished and irreplaceable service,” stated Cressman D. Bronson, PNC Regional President & Head of Commercial Banking, Florida East.

“Working closely with the healthcare industry is a vital part of the community and is an essential part of our business strategy. Working with hospice strengthens and enriches the lives of South Floridians every day. Having an organization like hospice in our own backyard, where people, regardless of their income status, can receive end-of-life treatment in a peaceful environment like their own home, is priceless. PNC Bank is honored to support the work of this caring and compassionate team of professionals.” g

Cressman D. Bronson

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Many thanks to our Corporate Partners

Resale Shops

VOLUNTEER à DONATE à PURCHASE

Call (561) 494-6814 | hpbcf.org

FREE PICKUP OF LARGE ITEMS AND ALL VEHICLES by our trusted employees – now on Saturdays, too!

Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.CENTRAL SHOP1324 N. Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 681-6511

NORTH SHOP863 Donald Ross Rd.Juno Beach, FL 33408(561) 624-5495

SOUTH SHOP141 NW 20th St. Boca Raton, FL 33431(561) 338-4030

Call (561) 494-6814 | hpbcf.org

Volunteer Brenda Magee, Resale Volunteer

When she retired, Brenda began volunteering at one of our Resale Shops doing inventory and dusting furniture. When she started working as a cashier, she made it her job to greet every visitor with a smile as he or she arrived and left the shop. “I get to meet everyone who comes in to make a donation, shop and browse. I want them to know how important they are to us and to our hospice patients. Many families visit regularly and we really enjoy seeing each other,” Brenda said.

“Every day is di�erent and fun! It’s a great way to give back to the community and connect with people. The volunteers are like a family, always laughing and kidding around with each other. You can come in with your friends or make new ones. We’re all here for the same good cause—to help hospice take care of people,” she added. g

inventoryjobeveryonehowand

connectaroundhere

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Mark your calendar

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Sunday, November 15Celebration of Life2:00 p.m. at Seagate Country Club Delray Beach, FLJoin us in remembering your loved ones at this special, community-wide program �lled with sharing and healing. In addition to an uplifting ceremony, Remembrance Stations and a Remembrance Wall will be set up to provide attendees special ways to express their love of friends and family who are no longer with us.To RSVP, please call (561) 227-5175 or email bereavementevents@hpbc.com.

Monday, December 7The Hospice Signature Golf Classic10:00 a.m. at Medalist Golf Club Hobe Sound, FLCelebrating its third year at the exclusive Medalist Golf Club, the Hospice Signature Golf Classic attracts the most discriminating golfers. Threesomes will be paired with a professional golfer on this pristine championship course. The day begins with brunch and a golf clinic. An awards cocktail reception ceremony immediately follows tournament play.For more information, please contact Lauryn Barry at (561) 494-6884 or visit hpbcf.org/medalist.

5300 East AvenueWest Palm Beach, FL 33407-2387

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWest Palm Beach, FL

Permit No. 68

TrustBridge HealthBOARD OF DIRECTORSJohn Marino, Chairman Marian Pearlman Nease, Vice ChairBarbara Bolton Litten, Secretary Randy Levitt, Treasurer Mike Arts Stephen Haskins Heather Siegel MillerRandy Nobles Thomas Tracy

John Zells

FoundationBOARD OF DIRECTORSBishop W. Oshea Granger, Chairman William E. Quinn, II, Vice ChairmanThomas C. Quick, Secretary Robert M. Friedman, CLU, TreasurerRichard P. Callahan, Immediate Past ChairmanJames R. BorynackJennifer BrancaccioThomas G. Burns, CPAF. Malcolm Cunningham, Jr., Esq.Tylor Field, IIIWilliam E. FlahertyPamela S. GoodmanJeremy HurdStuart B. Klein, Esq.Sharon O’NeilAlbert J. Travasos, CLUBeth Walton

Foundation Websites: hpbcf.org | hbtsf.org

News to FriendsEditor: Laurel Drazen

Graphic Design: Josh Miller

Photography Credits: Leonard Bryant, Alyssa Dragun, Bob Golden, Steve Martine

News to Friends is published three times per year by TrustBridge Health.

Website: trustbridge.com Email: info@trustbridge.com

Referrals & Admissions: (561) 227-5140

General Information: (888) 848-5200Comments and suggestions are welcome. Please call Laurel Drazen at (561) 227-5276.

Established in 1978, Hospice of Palm Beach County and Hospice by the Sea are certified by Medicare and Medicaid and are members of the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care and National Hospice and Palliative Care organizations.

Licensed since 1981.Accredited by The Joint Commission and by the Palm Beach County Board of Rabbis, Inc.

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