Sometimes, the simplest things can make all the difference . . .

Carlos' greatest wish was to eat pork and have Cuban coffee with his family at Thanksgiving Dinner. Because of his congestive heart failure, it had been months since he was able to eat the traditional foods he loved at family meals and it was very frustrating for him. Even while caring for him in the comfort of his home, we were able to adjust his medication just enough, starting the day before Thanksgiving, on Thanksgiving Day and the following day. Carlos enjoyed his meal without consequences to his comfort or health, and it meant the world to him.

When spiritual support means so much . . .

Throughout their 57 years of marriage, Ralph would put on music every night at 10:00 and dance with his wife Madolyn. Eventually, at age 86 with advanced cancer, there came a time when Ralph was too weak to dance or leave their home. One of the things they really missed being able to do together was attending synagogue. So, one of our ordained rabbis began visiting them at home. "Ralph loved it when the rabbi came over. We sang songs from the services and said prayers together. It brought both of us so much comfort to share these moments and to be able to talk with him," Madolyn said.

Every day is a gift

Hospice is about living... We are here to give you comfort and help you live each day as fully as possible when you or someone you love had a life-threatening illness. Our care is based on the belief that every life has meaning and every moment of every day is a gift. As we ease pain and symptoms, and provide the emotional and spiritual comfort your family needs, you can focus more on each other and each precious day you have together.

If you've ever had the chance to experience hospice care, you may have seen our philosophy in action. Dr. Faustino Gonzalez, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, Vice President of Medical Affairs, says it best. "When we first meet with our patients and families, we ask them, 'What are your hopes? What would make you happy?' We are honored to hear their stories and support them every way we can. We're here to help people live the way they want to and do the things that are important to them." In fact, it was this quote that inspired us to share a few of the meaningful stories we so often hear from the families in our care, through News to Friends.

We make sure that every person in our care feels protected and supported. We understand what families are going through and give them whatever tools and support they need to meet their goals for living.

"When a cure is no longer likely, there is so much we can do to help people feel better," explained Dr. Gonzalez in a recent interview. "We are here to meet their needs. We are here to help them live. That is exactly what hospice is all about."