The Rendina Family Foundation Gives Back

“It’s really wonderful to have an organization like Hospice of Palm Beach County available to us and to those in the community who need their help. The moments that we spent with the team made me so glad and grateful during a time when I didn’t think I could have those feelings. That’s special.” - Margi Rendina

“Most importantly, they helped me say good-bye to my dad the way that I wanted to say good-bye to him, and that was invaluable.” - Michael Rendina



Another Inspiring Tale
The Rendina Family Foundation Gives Back

Bruce Rendina revolutionized the national landscape of healthcare real estate by partnering with hospitals and physicians to develop medical facilities. He turned his initiative into a successful career, and in 1997, he created the Rendina Family Foundation in order to give back and help our community.

Years later Bruce became ill and he needed help. His wife Margi took the advice of her mother and reached out to Hospice of Palm Beach County. “I was not familiar with hospice care but my mother knew it was the best thing for us,” said Margi. “Before we contacted Hospice of Palm Beach County I was Bruce’s main caregiver; I monitored his sickness, gave him medication and checked his blood pressure. It was difficult, especially when Bruce’s condition worsened and he became seriously ill.”

When the Hospice of Palm Beach County team arrived it was a huge relief. Margi sensed right away that they would become a part of the family, meeting Bruce’s every need 24-hours a day. “They gave us an ongoing high-spirited lift,” said Margi. Yet, Bruce was a private man and not always a willing patient. One nurse in particular, Michael Belenger, understood Bruce and made a deep connection with him. “He clicked with Bruce,” explained Margi. “He went above and beyond his regular duty to make Bruce comfortable, and that was incredibly important to us. Michael was authentic. The whole Hospice of Palm Beach County team was wonderful but Michael and Bruce had a special bond.”

Michael Rendina shared his mom’s original lack of knowledge when it came to what hospice care can offer to patients and families. “Like too many people I didn’t know what hospice was or what kind of aid they could bring to a family,” said Michael. But he did know that the family could benefit from some extra support. “My dad needed more assistance and we as a family required help emotionally and physically,” he said. “We had been caring for him for around 18 months and we were drained.”

Michael immediately noticed a difference once the Hospice of Palm Beach County team went to work. They not only did the physical labor to assist Bruce, they committed themselves to the family’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing. “They guided us and taught us what to do and how to help my dad let go and be happy,” said Michael. “They told us what to say, how to comfort him and prepared us for the inevitable. Most importantly, they helped me say good-bye to my dad the way that I wanted to say good-bye to him, and that was invaluable.”

Michael’s brother, Robert, experienced many of the same feelings. “The Hospice of Palm Beach County team was always there for my dad and for us,” noted Robert. “During such a difficult time it was reassuring to see them care for my dad. They were totally committed to us and they were a guiding light and a calming force.”

Giving Back

The Rendina Family Foundation has been funding organizations, hospitals and biotechnology companies for over ten years, and they always make certain that those in the communities that their foundation is involved with are aware of the services available to them, like those provided by Hospice of Palm Beach County. This year, they are presenting sponsor of the Hospice of Palm Beach County Horizon’s Fishing Tournament. This great summer event benefits the Children’s Programs of the John J. Brogan Bereavement Center, which offers grief counseling, county-wide support programs and Camp SeaStar, a summertime weekend outing for children and teens who have received services through Hospice of Palm Beach County.

“The driving reason why we decided to support Hospice of Palm Beach County was because of the quality of care my dad received,” explained Michael. “We also want to spread the word about Hospice of Palm Beach County and shed a positive light on hospice care in general. It’s also a way of having fun and celebrating the lives of our loved ones.”

“It’s really wonderful to have an organization like Hospice of Palm Beach County available to us and to those in the community who need their help. The moments that we spent with the team made me so glad and grateful during a time when I didn’t think I could have those feelings. That’s special.” - Margi Rendina

Getting involved in Education

(l-r) Christina Dekkar with Helen Crawford, Guidance Counselor/Teacher at Seminole Ridge High School

At the recent School Board Institute event at Park Vista High School, Christina Dekkar and members of the John J. Brogan Bereavement Center were on hand to provide information to all Palm Beach County Guidance Counselors in attendance. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about our school based-bereavement programs as well as other services offered through our bereavement center. "This was a great opportunity to introduce new guidance counselors to our programs and served as a refresher to those who already know about our program."

After 75 years, love is still all it takes!

On Friday, June 12, 2009, Hospice of Palm Beach County was proud help patients, Helen and Frank Teal, celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary in style. The Teal’s, who live at Hidden Garden Assisted Living in West Palm Beach, were overjoyed with the celebration. Chaplain Gary Cason performed the vow renewal ceremony for the couple as dozens of friends looked on. “Helen is the love of my life,” said Frank. “She is the best wife, and an amazing mother to my children. I couldn’t have ever asked for a better wife.”