Message from the President

At the age of 86, Carolyn was active and independent. She took walks, delivered meals to homebound friends, drove to town to buy groceries, played her piano, and quilted. So when she called an ambulance for herself one day and was admitted to the hospital, her family was shocked.

Their world was turned upside down when an MRI showed Carolyn had a large brain tumor. Her oncology team scheduled chemotherapy and radiation to help extend her quality of life. Carolyn’s children took turns staying with her in her home to help provide care and coordinate medical needs.

Once Carolyn completed her treatment, it soon became clear she would need constant support. The decision was made to move her in with son, Gary, and daughter-in-law, Kristin.

After the move, the family was busier than ever caring for Carolyn and managing day to day. Kristin knew they needed help and called Caring Circle.

Hospice soon transformed time spent caregiving into time for special moments.

Instead of waiting for a callback from the doctor, they could speak to a hospice nurse immediately. Instead of spending hours trying to find equipment needed to take care of her, they received deliveries right to the house. Instead of taking Carolyn by ambulance to the ED for health emergencies, nurses could care for her in the comfort of home.

Together, Carolyn and her children focused on what really mattered—being together. They baked cookies, finished one of her quilting projects, reminisced, laughed, and connected with family and friends in person and on the phone.

One of Carolyn’s final wishes was to not spend the remainder of her life going to doctors’ offices. With Caring Circle, the family had the support in place to no longer worry about that.

For 40 days until Carolyn passed away, our hospice team lifted a heavy burden from the shoulders of this family, so they could focus on making special moments together. I want to thank each and every one of you who make this kind of difference for friends and neighbors throughout our community. Thank you for caring for them so well. And thank you for transforming the precious time these families have from caregiving to memory making.

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