SeasonsT H E H O S P I C EO F E A S T T E X A SF O U N D A T I O N

Peggy and Bob Hughes were soulmates. In the thirty six years oftheir marriage, they built apartnership based on sharedinterests, mutual respect, anabiding faith and deep love.

Peggy was a talented artist whocreated “Old European Master”style paintings, most of them ofthe Christ child surrounded byMary and Joseph and angels. Herexquisite creations in ornate framesdecorated the couple’s Dallas-areahome and their East Texas lakehouse, a constant reminder of thefaith on which their marriage wascentered. Bob’s work as a collegeprofessor and text book authorafforded them the opportunity torarely be apart. “Most everythingwe both did was to make the otherperson happy and to show our lovefor each other,” said Bob.

On Saturday, October 4, 2014,Peggy suffered a stroke while the

couple were at their lake house, andshe was flown by helicopter to aTyler hospital. Although initially itappeared that she would recover,Peggy suffered a second, massivestroke that took away all hope ofrecovery. After two weeks in ICU,Peggy was transferred to Hospiceof East Texas’ HomePlace.

“Since we were from Dallas, I hadnever heard of Hospice of EastTexas, and I had never heard ofHomePlace. Our experience therewas beyond anything I could haveimagined,” said Bob.

“When I talk about the peopleat The Hospice of East Texas, Ialways say that the doctors, nurses,caregivers, chaplains, volunteersand administrators are like angels.I can honestly say that I don’tContinued on next page.

Spring 2016

No Greater Lovethan for God and for Each Other...

2

know if I would have gottenthrough those last days if it hadnot been for the caring peopleat Hospice of East Texas.”

After Peggy passed away atHomePlace on October 31, 2014,Bob began to think about wayshe could contribute to Hospice,in gratitude for the care hisbeloved wife received. He arrangedfor a meal to be provided for staffand Hospice families, mindful thathe and Peggy’s brother had beenthe beneficiaries of so many mealsdonated by others while they keptconstant vigil at her bedside. Hebegan making annual financialcontributions. He joined theHospice of East Texas Foundation’sinvestment committee and its boardof directions. And Bob advisedHospice of East Texas that he was

planning for the ultimate gift, agift from his estate.

“I want to give something back bycontributing support for the hospiceministry,” said Bob. “The care Peggyreceived at Hospice of East Texaswas outstanding. The doctors,nurses and aides took excellent carenot only of her, but her brother andme as well. Remembering Hospicein my estate plans allows me tomake the most significant gift I willever be able to make, and it’s fittingthat it go to an organization that isso significant to me.”

A couple of years ago, when Peggyand Bob bought cemetery plots,they searched for an inscriptionfor what would be their sharedheadstone. Peggy came up with thewords. “No greater love than for

God and for each other.” To Bob,there could not be more fittingwords to describe the relationshipshe cherished most, his marriageand his faith.

Continued from previous page.

When you provide for Hospice of East Texas in your estate plan, youwill be leaving a legacy that is more than monetary – it’s a legacyof providing quality hospice care for people in our community. Weencourage you to speak with your attorney, accountant or estate

planning advisor about ways to meet your individual goals whilehelping to preserve and enhance hospice and end-of-life care forall people in need of our care.

Friends like you who decideto leave a legacy gift becomemembers of the Evelyn LakeSociety, named in honor ofThe Hospice of East Texas’very first friend and supporter.We would be honored toinclude you in this group,if you find that the decisionto make a planned giftaligns with your financialand philanthropic plans.

Making a gift through yourestate to The Hospice of EastTexas enables you to createa legacy of care for allEast Texans. There areno membership fees orminimum gift amounts tojoin the society. The sizeof your gift is entirely yourchoice and is kept strictlyconfidential.

The Evelyn Lake Society

A commitment you make todaycan influence the future ofHospice of East Texas with noeffect on your resources duringyour lifetime. For many friends ofHospice, a bequest is a simpleand cost effective way to makea gift. You may designate aspecific dollar amount, a particularasset, a fixed percentage ofyour entire estate, or leave yourresiduary estate after you have

provided for loved ones.If you would like more informationabout what a difference yourlegacy can make, please contactus. If you have already includedHospice of East Texas in yourplans, please let us know so thatwe can thank you.

For more information, visithospiceofeasttexas.org, emailnlamar@hospiceofeasttexas.orgor call us at 903-266-3402.

Influence the future

PLANNED GIVING a gift from the heart

“The care Peggyreceived at Hospiceof East Texas wasoutstanding. Thedoctors, nurses andaides took excellentcare not only of her,but her brother andme as well.”

3

THEWATERFLOWS

The water flows.

You can hear it.You can see it.You can sense it.

Soft falls, gentle ripples,a quiet pool.

A peaceful place to pauseand reflect on life.

To remember what has been.To realize what is now.To dream of what will be.

Written in memory ofJerry Pope Bynum

Hospice of East Texas’ Bereavement

Coordinator, Wes Bynum, wanted a

way to honor the memory of his

mother, Jerry Bynum. What came

to him was a poem, a reflection

inspired by a beautiful place on the

Hospice grounds, a place that has

been a comfort to so many.

Now inscribed on a plaque by the

waterfall garden, Wes’ poem is a

gift to all those who will visit that

space. HomePlace is full, every day,

of people who are watching and

waiting and grieving a loss that is

very real and present. They go out

into the gardens to seek the solace

of nature, to find in the presence of

God’s creation the comfort and

peace that He promises.

When they pause by the waterfall,

they will find the words Wes wrote,

words inspired by a lady who herself

would probably have loved to just sit

a spell by that waterfall, to let God’s

peace flow into her as the water

ripples and flows over the rocks.

Gladys Taber, who wrote the

charming Still Meadows books,

was one of Ms. Bynum’s favorite

authors. As Ms. Taber wrote:

“Perhaps, after all, our best thoughts

come when we are alone. It is good

to listen, not to voices but to the

wind blowing, to the brook running

cool over polished stones, to bees

drowsy with the weight of pollen.

If we attend to the music of the

earth, we reach serenity. And then,

in some unexplained way, we share

it with others.”

Thank you, Wes, for gathering the

words that will help others who sit

by the waterfall, watching and

waiting and grieving, to find serenity.

Your gift “fits” the memory and the

heart of Jerry Bynum.

4

My dad, Jim Brown, was a goodand godly husband, father, andaccomplished leader in businessand his community. He was alsoa patriot who loved our greatcountry. Because of the outstandingreputation of The Hospice of EastTexas, we moved Dad to HospiceHomePlace from Fort Worth forthe last weeks of his life. He died atHomePlace in 20l2.

Since his death we have considereddoing something for Hospice of EastTexas in gratitude for their incredibleservice provided to our family and toso many others. We are pleased toannounce that plans have beendrawn to create a Flag Court near theentrance to The Robert M. RogersHospice Center. It will include alighted ceremonial flagpole as itscenterpiece, surrounded by brickpavers, flagstones, and plantings.Benches will offer a place of restfor families, volunteers and staff.

This wonderful addition to theHospice of East Texas campusgardens will cost approximately$60,000. Donors who contributeto the project’s construction will

be offered the opportunity to select anengraved brick or stone in memory orhonor of a loved one. Once completed,the opportunities for giving andimproving the project will continue,with additional pavers being added.

Fundraising for this project hasalready begun, and we are hopingothers will join our family and thecharter donors with a contributionto complete the Flag Court atThe Hospice of East TexasRobert M. Rogers Hospice Center.

Our family has memories of walkingthe gardens at HomePlace duringdad’s last days. I know my dad andso many others will be pleased tosee the great symbol of our freedom(the Flag and a Texas flag as well)properly and prominently displayedas an addition to an alreadyextraordinary and beautiful place.

Will you join us in making The Hospiceof East Texas Flag Court a reality? Forinformation on contributing to the FlagCourt, visit the Hospice of East Texaswebsite at www.hospiceofeasttexas.orgor contact Nancy Lamar, VP ofCommunity Relations.

hospiceofeasttexas.org

A LETTER FROM

TOM BROWN

“We are pleased toannounce that planshave been drawn tocreate a Flag Courtnear the entranceto HomePlace.”

5

Each flagstone or brick will be engraved with the wording of the donor’s choice(subject to space restrictions.)

For more information contact Nancy Lamar, Vice President – Community Relations at 903-266-3400.

THE HOSPICE OF EAST TEXASFLAG COURT AND GARDEN

CONTRIBUTION OPPORTUNITIES

$10,00024 by 24 inch

Large engraved flagstone

$5,00018 by 24 inch

Medium engraved flagstone

$2,500Engraved 12 by 18 inch flagstone

$2,000Engraved 12 by 12 inch brick paver

$1,500Garden bench with brass plaque

$1,000Engraved 8 by 8 inch brick paver

$500Engraved 4 by 8 inch brick paver

$250Engraved 3 x 5 inch brass plaque

mounted on the wall

6

Inspired by the giving spirit ofher fellow Hospice of East Texasvolunteers, Sheila Odakercommissioned quilter Debbie Borskito create a quilt in their honor. Thisstunning work of art will hang in theMeadows Conference Room of theRobert M. Rogers Hospice Centeras a tribute to all the volunteerswho contribute so meaningfullyto the patients and familiesHospice serves.

QUILTS AND MORE QUILTS!

Sharon Gates Grooms’ mom,Barbara Gates, was a quilter, whohad made quilts for Hospice ofEast Texas. When Mrs. Gatespassed away, Sharon’s father gaveher quilting supplies to Hospice,hoping we could find a groupwho would finish her quilt topsand donate them to Hospice.Up stepped the East TexasQuilters Guild, who madeseveral lovely quilts fromMrs. Gates’ fabric. Sharon’sfather passed away unexpectedlywithout seeing the finishedquilts, but Sharon came by tosee these beautiful examplesof her mother’s creativity andher father’s generosity.

In memory of their father, TommyHolcomb, two of his children,daughters Amy Moss and Susan Salterdonated this quilt to HomePlace.

Amy, the quilter, and Susan, designedthe quilt with their father in mind,remembering his love of farmingand working the land and the fact thathe was the recipient of a Purple Heart.With fabric depicting tractors andcows, the quilt will be just right forthe bed of a man like Mr. Holcomb.

Since the first patient was cared for at HomePlace, thetradition has been to place a quilt on each patient bed.This simple gesture is welcoming for patients and families,often reminding them of home and beloved family

treasures that have comforted their loved ones. Quiltersguilds, church groups and patient families donate quiltsso that Hospice of East Texas can continue this traditionof comfort. Here are a few we recently received.

7

In December 2015, Hospice of East Texas board member, Jonna Fitzgerald, posted this note on her Facebook page:

“Many of you have heard me share the story about thelengthy time we were at The Hospice of East Texaswith Mom in early 2011... there were many magicalmoments we experienced while there. This is one ofthem. Mom had not been eating and was asked if shecould have anything she wanted to eat, what it wouldbe. She responded that she would eat some watermelon.Mind you, this was April... not many watermelonsaround. It was just a couple hours later that a man

walked into her room with a beautiful plate full ofwatermelon, from which he had meticulously removedevery seed. Mom said it was the best watermelon shehad ever eaten. Today, at a Hospice holiday gathering,I finally met the ‘watermelon man’ – THANK YOU,Shane Lee, for such a precious gift to my mother andmy family, and for all you do to make Hospice of EastTexas the amazing place that it is!”

Many thanks toJavier Destarac ofBoy Scout Troop 333for organizing a projectto place Americanflags around theRobert M. RogersHospice Center as hisEagle Scout Project.

THE WATERMELON MAN

MANY THANKSTO SCOUT TROOP 333

8

“I love Hospice. It’s beenmy love for a long time.”

With those words, PaulaBates describes her 35 yearsas a volunteer for Hospice ofEast Texas, service whichbegan before there was evena Hospice of East Texas.

In 1982, Paula was one ofthe Junior League volunteers

charged with researching the concept of hospice careand investigating whether it was something that couldbenefit East Texans. She and fellow Junior Leaguevolunteer Sandie Propst asked the Junior League ofTyler for $30,000 as seed money to start a hospice,and with that grant, Hospice of East Texas began.

Through the years, Paula has held most everyvolunteer position it’s possible to hold at Hospiceof East Texas. Serving on the board of directors formany years, Paula also volunteered to work withpatients and their families. For seven years, she andher friend, Cindy Gordon, chaired Light Up A Life,Hospice’s signature fundraiser. Now she volunteersat the front desk at HomePlace, the first smilingface visitors see when they enter the facility, and sheorganizes the library where books and magazines aresuch a comfort to families.

“To start off with a project and to see it grow fromwhat you helped start, our small beginning, to seethe vision that other people had for it, to see what it’sbecome, is unbelievable,” says Paula. “It feels great

to have had a part in that.”

The relationships Paula has formed at Hospice of EastTexas through the years are immensely meaningful toher. “I have found love here,” she says, “with patients,families, with the volunteers and staff. I’ve learnedpatience, and understanding, and joy.”

“I believe it’s a God thing,” Paula adds. “God putsit on your heart to want you to do things and to seethat you work through it. He makes things right. Heopens the door, leading you through every little stepthat you take. I believe God wanted Hospice to behere... and I believe that God is in charge of this.”

Paula Bates was honored at the Hospice of East Texas2015 annual meeting and celebration as the longestcontinually serving Hospice volunteer. Her history,her wisdom, and the long arc of her service haveblessed our organization, and our patients andfamilies, beyond measure.

PAULA BATESPROVIDING A MINISTRY OF LOVE FOR 35 YEARS

Paula Bates and her family at the 2015 Hospice of East TexasAnnual Meeting and Celebration

“I believe it’s a God thing,”Paula adds. “God puts it on your heart to want you to do things

and to see that you work through it. He makes things right.He opens the door, leading you through every little step that you take.

I believe God wanted Hospice to be here...and I believe that God is in charge of this.”

9

Every nonprofit organization isrequired to have an “annualmeeting.” As a time to review thepast year and “pass the gavel,”these events are important andnecessary. At The Hospice ofEast Texas our annual meeting ismore than just a necessity... it is atime to pause and celebrate ourinspiring, dedicated board; incrediblestaff and physicians; phenomenalvolunteers and generous donors.

Through the years The Hospice ofEast Texas has become a complexand complicated organization withmore than 250 employees, 271 vol-unteers, a budget of $18 million and

three corporate entities; Hospice ofEast Texas, Hospice of East TexasFoundation and Texas PalliativeCare. In 2015, we cared for 2285patients and served 3615 bereavedloved ones in a service area that spans15,000 square miles.

At its heart, however,The Hospice of East Texas isvery simple. At its heart areits people, and the annualmeeting is our time to shareand celebrate their stories ofdedication and generosity.

The Hospice of East Texas BoardChair, Bob Dyer, passed the gavelto in-coming chair, Rabbi Neal Katzand The Hospice of East TexasFoundation Board Chair, Whit Riter,passed the gavel to in-coming chairDavid Nelson. Cassie Ransom, RN,and Billie Murphy, LVN wererecognized with the Keith Ingramaward for their twenty years ofemployment with Hospice. Pam andThomas Smith, whose generous giftwas the catalyst for the creation ofthe Bobbie and Mel Lovelady Fund,were honored for the spark that isproviding exceptional end-of-life

care for persons with dementia.And Paula Bates, who has been avolunteer for The Hospice of EastTexas since before there was aHospice of East Texas, was laudedfor thirty five years of continuousdedication to our mission.

“Every bird in its winter needs agentle branch to help launch itsfinal flight.” This touching phrasehas been our theme for the lastyear. The gentle branch that isThe Hospice of East Texas is partof a larger tree, a tree with rootsthat are deep and broad and stretchback thirty four years. The leadershipof our Boards of Directors upholdsour mission in much the same waythat the trunk of a tree supports itsbranches. Our dedicated staff andvolunteers provide the specialexpertise, compassion and passionfor extraordinary care that is thegentle branch for more than 300patients and their families everyday, preparing for a final flight.And you, our friends and supporters,make our mission possible throughall the many ways you give to makethat flight possible.

We are very grateful to each of you.

A NOTE FROM MARJI

Marji Ream, Thomas and Pam Smith, Mel Lovelady Rabbi Neal Katz, Bob Dyer Cassie Ransom, Marji Ream, Billie Murphy

10

As a time of remembrance and reflection, more than4000 tributes “to light up a life” were sent “in honorof” and “in memory” of those held dear, madepossible by 639 gifts totaling $126,445. Ceremoniesthroughout East Texas offered a time for those servedby Hospice of East Texas and the public at large tomake new holiday memories.

Proceeds from this signature fundraiser will go tosupport the extraordinary care, compassion andcommitment of the Hospice of East Texas in the yearahead and will help to insure that this extraordinarycare is available to all who need it, regardless of age,disease or financial circumstances.

Many thanks to all of you, our friendsand supporters, for another successfulLight Up A Life season!

YOU Light Up Lives!

Looking for a way to helpHospice of East Texas servepatients and families?Participate inEast Texas Giving DayWhat a day May 3rd will be!

On that day, nonprofits throughoutEast Texas will participate in the first East Texas GivingDay organized by the East Texas CommunitiesFoundation. This online “crowd funding” day offersdonors throughout East Texas the opportunity tosupport the causes they care about and to invite theirfriends and family to join them in that support.

Mark your calendar, and “Like” us on Facebook forall the up-to-the-minute action. Help us share the storyof The Hospice of East Texas and attract new donorsand friends.

Call Wendy Frizzell at 903-266-3400 ext 140for more information.

Hold a “Coffee Drive”Yes, a “coffee drive,” not a “food drive!” One of thespecial touches at HomePlace is “the coffee that’s alwaysthere” for families and guests. A little thing like freecoffee can mean a lot, but to have free coffee atHomePlace around-the-clock for thousands of familieseach year adds up to quite an expense. If your group ororganization is looking for a service project, why nothost a “coffee drive” to help Hospice of East Texasprovide this small gesture of comfort? Ground coffee,any brand, caffeinated or decaffeinated, all are welcome.

Invite Us to SpeakJust the word ‘hospice’ can be frightening, until youknow something about how extraordinary our care canbe and what a blessing it is to patients and families.Perhaps your civic club or Sunday School class wouldlike an interesting, informative, thought-provokingpresentation about hospice care in general andHospice of East Texas in particular. We are availableto speak throughout East Texas!

Remember the Hospice ShopsThe Hospice resale shops in Henderson and Nacogdochesare important sources of revenue for the mission ofHospice. You may drop items at the shops, bring themto the Tyler office, or if you have a large load, we cancome and pick up. Call Wendy Frizzell at 903-266-3400ext. 140 for information.

11

For a majority of us, the end of life is the most difficulttime we will face. Hospice of East Texas makes a specialeffort to provide all in need with our extraordinary care

and compassion, especially where the need is greatestand for those most vulnerable. Your gifts made theseunique programs possible in 2015.

Your support makes our unique brand of care and compassion a reality

Every Bird in its Winter, Needs a Gentle Branch To Help Launch its F inal F light.

We Honor VeteransStaff and volunteers made contact with 502 patientswho were veterans of our country’s armed services,thanking them for their service, connecting themwith resources and honoring them for their sacrifice.

Dementia Care ProgramWith funding provided by the Bobbie and MelLovelady Fund at The Hospice of East TexasFoundation, Hospice staff and volunteers weregiven specialized training on techniques toconnect with dementia patients at the end of life.

Pediatric Hospice CareIn 2015, Hospice of East Texas provided 26terminally ill children and their families the giftof compassionate care, thanks to the region’sonly dedicated pediatric hospice team.

Unfunded CareHospice of East Texas is committed to serving allwho need our care, regardless of their ability topay. In 2015, $650,000 in care was provided tothose without a payor source. In the last five years,that commitment totaled more than $5.5 million.

WINGSThrough individual contacts, support groups and“Camp 3G: Grieve, Grow and Go Forward,”The Hospice of East Texas met the unique needs of grieving children. WINGS programs are offeredto the entire community, free of charge, thanks tosupport from area foundations and individuals.

Texas Palliative CareThe Texas Palliative Care consult service provided1406 specialized consults to patients with seriousillnesses for which there is no cure, providing relieffrom symptoms, pain, and physical and emotionalstress as well as help with decision-makingfor families.

HOSPICE OF EAST TEXAS

2016 Board of Directors

Rabbi Neal KatzChairman

Jeb JonesVice-Chairman

Scott MyersTreasurer

Jane GreenSecretary

Nancy AbernathyPrice ArredondoBob BondurantGillian Brasfield

Tom BrownTracy Crawford

Bob DyerJonna Fitzgerald

Johnna FullenRev. Reginald Garrett

Chris GlenneyEddie Howard

Rick Jett – Ex-OfficioGreg KimmelTracy LisnerJim Mazzu

Milton McGeeKim ProthroJames Ray

Kristen SeeberPeggy Smith

Linda Thomas

HOSPICE OF EAST TEXAS FOUNDATION

2016 Board of Directors

David NelsonChairman

Craig BoydChairman-Elect

Robert BailsTreasurer

Craig AdamsSecretary

Rick Allen, ex-OfficioDoug BollesBobby CurtisDawn FranksBob Hughes

Rick Jett, Ex-OfficioRabbie Neal Katz

Mel LoveladyRick Rayford

Marjorie Ream – Ex-OfficioThomas Smith

Whit Riter

HOSPICE OF EAST TEXAS

2016 Leadership Team

Marjorie Ream, RN, MNPresident/CEO

Tom Beets, MDMedical Director

Christi BaggettVice President of Operations and Innovation

Myanh BuiVice President of Finance

Nancy Lamar, MSSW, CAPVice President of Community Relations

Shaune Martinez, MSHRDVice President of People

Kristy Morris, RN, BSN, CHPNVice President of Clinical Affairs

Linda Navarro, CPACompliance Officer

Christy Black, LBSW, ACHEDirector of Operations – Longview

Jennifer Brashear, RNDirector of Outpatient Care

Amy Everett, RN, BSNDirector of Access and Marketing

Vicki Harvey, BADirector of Community Outreach and Development

Jessica Henderson, LBSWDirector of Operations – Nacogdoches

Kurt Lorenz, PharmDDirector of Pharmacy

Cindy Marshall, RN, CHPNDirector of Quality Assurance /

Performance Improvement

Cassie Ransom, RN, CHPNDirector of Inpatient Care

4111 University BlvdTyler, Texas 75701

903-266-3400 | 800-777-9860

Non ProfitUS Postage

P A I DTyler, Texas

Permit No. 130

Newsletter Editor • Nancy LamarNewsletter Design • Autry Design

Contributor • Wendy Frizzell