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All posts tagged with “General News | Inspirational Stories.”
“It’s an homage”: Noah Wyle quietly sneaked in a tribute in one of the best episodes of ‘The Pitt’
04/23/25 at 02:00 AM“It’s an homage”: Noah Wyle quietly sneaked in a tribute in one of the best episodes of ‘The Pitt’ FandomWire; by Arian Cruz; 4/18/25 In the fourth episode of The Pitt titled 10:00 A.M., Noah Wyle’s Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch monitored Mr. Spencer during his final hours while dealing with his own thoughts about the death of his beloved mentor, Dr. Adamson. He remembers the advice he received from him and shared it with the children of the dying patient as they waited for their father to pass. The phrases ‘I love you,’ ‘Thank you,’ ‘I forgive you,’ and ‘Please forgive me’ are words that need to be heard when someone is at the end of their life. Wyle revealed that he took these lessons from palliative care physician and author Ira Byock when he was writing the screenplay. Wyle said these short phrases are profound and hold deep meanings beyond their simplicity. He made sure to weave them in on the show while taking inspiration from his own mother for the emotional scenes. He shared via USA Today: "A very similar event had played out with my mother and her brother when saying goodbye to my grandfather. After she shared this with me, I just said ‘Thank you,’ went right back to my typewriter and wrote the scene. It’s an homage to my mother, my uncle and my grandfather.Editor's and Publisher's note: And we thank you, Dr. Ira Byock, for your profound, immeasurable influence for so many of us--professionally with those we serve, and personally with our own families and friends.
[UK] I’m a palliative care nurse – here’s how I find joy
04/22/25 at 03:00 AM[UK] I’m a palliative care nurse – here’s how I find joy MSN - i Paper, United Kingdom; by Joanna Whitehead; 4/19/25 Palliative care nurse and ward manager Sophie Brew works at a Sue Ryder Hospice, supporting people with terminal illnesses to live as fully and comfortably as possible. While some may regard the role as bleak or upsetting, Ms. Brew considers her job to be deeply meaningful, and a privilege. She tells The i Paper how she finds joy in the everyday.
Lakeside stroll: Therapeutic steps as walkers honor cherished loved ones
04/22/25 at 03:00 AMLakeside stroll: Therapeutic steps as walkers honor cherished loved ones St. Lucie Voice, Port St. Lucie, FL - Community; Press Release; 2/27/25On a sunny January morning, hundreds of community members and supporters of Treasure Coast Hospice gathered for a stroll around the beautiful lake at Tradition. Together, they walked the 1.2-mile trail, one step at a time, supporting healing and remembrance. Reflecting on the loss of a loved one, ... they took another step forward in their journey of hope and healing. ... Toni Szparaga of True Crew Dance Company and her dancers loosened up the crowd with a pre-walk warm-up. Szparaga, who has been participating in the Lakeside Stroll for eight years, dedicated the dancers' performance following the walk to Treasure Coast Hospice. Szparaga, who lost both of her parents within a year, said, "With the guidance of what to expect and counseling that Treasure Coast Hospice offered, I was able to work through the anger, hurt, and sadness and realize they were not gone, they were just going back home."
One last game: student builds virtual reality experience for hospice patients
04/18/25 at 03:00 AMOne last game: student builds virtual reality experience for hospice patients Clemson News; by Sam Cannon; 4/15/25 At Clemson, a dedication to innovating health care and fostering wellness means more than just training the next generation of doctors and nurses. For Class of 2025 student Rob Martin, it has meant curating meaningful moments for members of his community. ... [Rob] joined the Tandem VR™ team, a concept invented by Olivia McAnirlin, Virtual Reality and Nature Lab co-director at Clemson, which helps people connect to past experiences and complete “bucket lists” with their loved ones. As part of this project, local hospice care patients were asked what they would want the chance to experience one more time before they pass. When the overwhelming response from patients was a Clemson football game, a research team of undergraduate and graduate students, practitioners and faculty got to work.
Most men secretly regret these life decisions once they hit 50
04/17/25 at 03:00 AMMost men secretly regret these life decisions once they hit 50 Bolde; by Natasha Lee; 4/15/25 Hitting the big 5-0 has a way of making you take stock of your life choices. It's that moment when the road behind you starts looking longer than the one ahead, and suddenly, those decisions you made in your 20s, 30s, and 40s come into sharper focus. ... I've gathered insights from countless discussions with men in their 50s and beyond to shed light on these common regrets.
The power of film to change medical culture: A Q&A with a physician-filmmaker about her latest documentary
04/16/25 at 02:00 AMThe power of film to change medical culture: A Q&A with a physician-filmmaker about her latest documentary MedPage Today; by Genevieve Friedman; 4/15/25... We spoke with Jessica Zitter, MD, a critical care and palliative care physician in California, about shifting her career beyond clinical medicine and into the world of film-making. Zitter has produced three documentaries that use storytelling to inspire healthcare providers to connect to their work with purpose, community, and compassion, and in 2022, she founded the production company Reel Medicine Media. Her latest documentary, "The Chaplain & The Doctor," explores her relationship with Betty Clark, a chaplain on Zitter's palliative care team, and the value that can grow from an unlikely partnership.
One of Deserae Turner’s last wishes comes true as family, friends hold small horse show in her honor
04/15/25 at 03:00 AMOne of Deserae Turner’s last wishes comes true as family, friends hold small horse show in her honor ABC-4 KTVX, Cache Valley, UT; by Trevor Myers; 4/12/25 For six years, Deserae Turner rode horses and competed in shows alongside her siblings. In 2017, things changed after Deserae was shot in the head and began her journey of recovery. ... Deserae and her family had not been to another horse show since she was shot — that is, until Saturday, April 12. After a recent health complication, Deserae decided to enter hospice care, and one of her last wishes was to ride a horse and see a horse show again.
VNA Hospice NWI celebrates some of its most dedicated volunteers at Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
04/11/25 at 03:00 AMVNA Hospice NWI celebrates some of its most dedicated volunteers at Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast NWI.LIFE, Valparaiso, IN; by Philip Bolton; 4/7/25 On the morning of Saturday, April 5, VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. Volunteers who assist with VNA’s many services, including hospice and palliative care, the Medical Guardian help button program, the We Honor Veterans program, the Phoenix Center for Grief, and VNA Meals on Wheels of Porter County, were recognized. ... Matthew Naillieux, a VNA Hospice NWI volunteer, has proudly worked with the organization for 20 years. “Everything VNA Hospice NWI does is good for the community,” Naillieux said. ... "Usually, we’re volunteering at different locations at different times, and we aren’t able to get together like this very often." ... During the award presentation segment of the event, volunteers were recognized for milestone achievements. These included awards for achievements like 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service ... [Continue reading ...]Editor's note: Reminder that April is National Volunteer Month; April 20-26, 2025 is National Volunteer Week.
Heart & Soul: Nikki Harris
04/11/25 at 03:00 AMHeart & Soul: Nikki HarrisCharleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV; 4/8/25 Nikki Harris is a Charge Nurse on 4 West at Memorial Hospital. Harris’ coworkers say she always provides excellent care but went out of her way for one man who wasn’t even her patient. The man’s wife was near the end of life in Hospice at Memorial Hospital. He had not been able to see or visit her since his own hospitalization. Recognizing the importance of this moment, Harris went above and beyond by personally escorting him to his wife’s side. She ensured that he had the time he needed to hold her hand, express his love and say goodbye before her passing. Harris’ compassion and selflessness in providing this extraordinary gesture of care during such a difficult time was deeply appreciated. She made a meaningful difference in this patient’s life and honored the final moments of his wife’s life.
A hospice nurse made a promise—and found homes for 1,300 pets
04/10/25 at 03:15 AMA hospice nurse made a promise—and found homes for 1,300 pets Miami Herald, Miami, FL; by Jen Reeder; 4/7/25Working as a hospice nurse, Joanne Bonicelli spent years offering comfort to dying people. Then, in 1998, a request from one patient changed her life. A young woman in her 40s had a fluffy white dog named Jasper, who never left her side while she was at Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado. One day, the woman called Joanne to her bedside. “I don’t know where Jasper will end up or who will care for him when I am gone…it’s just too painful to bear,” she told Joanne as tears streamed down her face. “I can’t die in peace worrying what will happen to him…can you euthanize him in my arms as I pass?” The heart-wrenching request stunned Joanne. She asked a veterinarian about what they could do, and after meeting Jasper, the vet’s eyes welled with tears at the prospect of putting down a healthy dog. There has to be a better way, they both agreed. [Continue reading ...]
Art meets history, grief, boots and landscapes at First Friday Artwalk
04/09/25 at 03:00 AMArt meets history, grief, boots and landscapes at First Friday Artwalk Steamboat Pilot & Today, Northwest Colorado; by John Componeschi; 4/3/25 April’s First Friday Artwalk will celebrate artistic diversity and storytelling, both of which form the framework of the Yampa Valley’s creative arts community. [Published 4/3/25, before Fri. 4/4/25] ... An emotionally powerful exhibit entitled “Good Grief” will open at the Depot Art Center, ... The works of Krystal Mackey will be presented in partnership with Northwest Colorado Health’s Hospice program. Mackey, who has a background in design and architecture, created the series as an emotional coping outlet. Her pastel on sanded paper and digital drawing pieces offer the viewer an honest and vulnerable exploration of grief. Selected works were displayed during “Tuesdays with Morrie” at Perry-Mansfield in March. “Grief may be scary, sad and hard to look at,” said Mackey. “But it’s worth it.” Influenced by artists Chagall, Kandinsky, Warhol and Lichtenstein, Mackey’s style combines vibrant color with feeling- and grief-based introspection. The exhibit invites viewers to reflect on whether grief has affected them and if they would benefit from talking about their experiences with it.
A dying wish: Man with terminal cancer travels to volunteer in all 50 states
04/09/25 at 03:00 AMA dying wish: Man with terminal cancer travels to volunteer in all 50 states ABC-7 News, Bay Area, CA; by 4/6/25 When Doug Ruch was told he had just 12 to 18 months to live, he didn't choose to stay home. Instead, he hit the road - on a mission to help as many people as possible while he still can. "I thought to myself, I have two choices. I can sit at home and wait to die, or I can go out and live," he told ABC7 News. [Continue reading ...] Editor's note: For more, visit Doug's website, www.dyingtoserve.com.
Most people pursue a toxic type of purpose in life—but if you do this instead, ‘there is no way to fail’
04/09/25 at 03:00 AMMost people pursue a toxic type of purpose in life—but if you do this instead, ‘there is no way to fail’ CNBC Make It; by Dr. Joran Grumet, contributor/hospice medical director; 4/4/25 It took me many years and quite a bit of emotional heartache to realize a life-changing fact: When it comes to purpose, bigger is not better. Most of our anxiety stems from what I call “big P” Purpose, which is overly focused on the outcome or destination. ... [Dr. Grumet describes what he calls "big P" Purpose vs. "little P" Purpose.] I’ve found that most people end up pursuing the former, toxic type of purpose. It’s the easiest kind to choose, because it means meeting society’s expectations and following in the footsteps of the herd. The harder decision by far is to do the internal work to discover what really lights you up — and find a way to pursue it in the world. This all takes effort, but it’s worth it. ... Little P purpose embraces an abundance mentality. There is room for everyone — I mean everyone — to pursue that which brings them inner joy and happiness. This pursuit will never rely on whether someone else is succeeding or failing. ... [Continue reading ...]
How unexpected empathy for the incarcerated inspired the Bonnie Raitt ballad she found difficult to sing
04/08/25 at 03:00 AMHow unexpected empathy for the incarcerated inspired the Bonnie Raitt ballad she found difficult to singAmerican Songwriter; by Tina Benitez-Eves; 4/3/25 Bonnie Raitt was moved to tears by a story she read in The New York Times Magazine in May of 2018. The article spotlighted a prison hospice program in Vacaville, California, where inmates work as caregivers for fellow terminal convicts. Raitt was surprised by her reaction to the intimate photographs and stories of volunteers devoting their time to those incarcerated at the end of their lives and began writing a story about some of the people who weren’t forgotten at the end of their lives, despite their crimes. [From] “Down the Hall” ...: I asked if they let family in / She said not really at the end / Truth is a lot don’t have someone, no friends or next of kin / The thought of those guys going out alone, it hit me somewhere deep / I asked could go sit with them, for some comfort and relief. [Continue reading ...]
Home hacks for geriatric dogs and cats
04/08/25 at 03:00 AMHome hacks for geriatric dogs and cats dvm360; by Tyler Carmack, DVM, CVA, CVFT, CHPV, CTPEP, CVPP; 4/4/25 As pets grow older, they encounter mobility, comfort, and overall well-being challenges that can significantly affect their quality of life. Anticipating and addressing these issues early can profoundly impact their later years. As a house call veterinarian dedicated to hospice and palliative care, the first thing I take note of when entering a new home is all the challenges that the patient faces to simply navigate their daily routine. Often, families are aware of some of these difficulties, but others often go overlooked or unnoticed. ... Here are some valuable "home hacks" to share with clients, ensuring their aging dogs and cats enjoy improved day-to-day comfort. ...
Jackson County nurse braves floodwaters to reach isolated hospice patient
04/07/25 at 03:00 AMJackson County nurse braves floodwaters to reach isolated hospice patient Fox 56, Jackson County, KY; by Corey Elam; 4/4/25 When deadly flooding cut off access and phone service for a Jackson County hospice patient on Friday [4/4/25], a healthcare worker teamed up with emergency management teams to care for her patient. According to Hospice Care Plus, after finding out her patient was isolated and couldn’t be reached by phone, Nurse Makale Fox worked with Jackson County Emergency Management (JCEM) to find a way to get to her. “With the support of Jackson County Emergency Management, Makale ... was able to safely navigate through the flooded area and reach her patient, ensuring they received the comfort and care they deserved,” Hospice Care Plus wrote. The hospice care nonprofit thanked Makale for her unwavering commitment, as well as JCEM for making it possible for her to get to her patient. [Continue for photos and more ...]
‘The most someone wants is to be heard’: Students foster connection, create memoirs for hospice patients
04/07/25 at 03:00 AM‘The most someone wants is to be heard’: Students foster connection, create memoirs for hospice patients The Daily Texan - University of Texas, Austin, TX; 4/3/25 ... Brought to UT in 2023, Last Writers is a service organization where student volunteers interview hospice patients over the course of several months to write a memoir that is then printed and given to the patients and their families. The process is intended to bring comfort to hospice patients and create a physical memento for the families, representing their lives once they pass. ... “It’s not often that you’re a college student and you get to meet someone who is going to pass away in the next few months,” Nguyen said. “To be with them in that very vulnerable point, it gives you a lot of perspectives. A lot of our members come out of it realizing how much they have to live for. … It makes us more grateful in life and puts our mortality into perspective.” [Continue reading ...]
How this thrift shop helps Virginia families in their time of need: 'They’re good people here'
04/03/25 at 03:00 AMHow this thrift shop helps Virginia families in their time of need: 'They’re good people here' CBS-6 News - Richmond, Petersburg, VA; by Wayne Covil; 3/31/25 The regulars who frequent Crater Community Hospice Thrift Shops were busy browsing for bargains on Monday. They know that some of the money they spend here goes back into their community. Crater Community Hospice runs the stores as a way for the nonprofit to raise much-needed funding. "The money we bring in to our stores goes directly to caring for our patients," Zach Holt, with Crater Community Hospice, said. "I don’t want to ever say no to a patient. I don’t want to ever say no to a patient’s need." Krystal Mansfield told CBS 6 there was a reason she chose to shop at Crater Community Hospice Thrift Shops. "[It] was a big part of my grandmother's end of time, and they took very good care of her in her last days," Mansfield said. ... Angie Dowdy shared a similar story. ... [Continue reading ...]
Port St. Lucie Police honor 10-year-old with badge for his birthday celebration
04/01/25 at 03:00 AMPort St. Lucie Police honor 10-year-old with badge for his birthday celebration TCPalm, Port St. Lucie, FL; by Eric Hasert; 3/29/25 William Rivero enjoys a 10th birthday with family, friends, and Port St. Lucie Police at his parent’s home on S.E. Nancy Lane on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Port St. Lucie. William Rivero has muscular dystrophy and is under hospice care, and wanted to be a police officer, so the Port St. Lucie Police got him a small uniform, along with a badge, and swearing in with Chief Leo Niemczyk.
Dad diary: A smashed snake and our first real talk about death
04/01/25 at 03:00 AMDad diary: A smashed snake and our first real talk about death Indy Parenting; by Tyler Hayden; 3/28/25 The other day, just after the rain, my three-year-old and I were making our regular walk up the street to get the mail when he suddenly stopped and looked at the ground. There on the asphalt was a young gopher snake, crushed and bloody, its insides on the outside. “What’s that?” he asked. Here we go, I thought. Our first real conversation about death. I’d always imagined ― or hoped ― his first encounter with the other side of life would be a belly-up goldfish or a bird lying still in grass. Or even our 16-year-old cat. Something like that. But here it was, in an especially gory and disorienting form, staring us in the face. ... NPR recently interviewed a hospice social worker named Rosemarie Truglio, who specializes in talking with children about the death. She compared the gradual process of helping them understand it to how a kid eats an apple, ... [Continue reading ...]
Paint and sip event held to honor watercolorist Paul St. Denis
03/31/25 at 03:20 AMPaint and sip event held to honor watercolorist Paul St. Denis The Gazette, Medina, OH; by Sara Crawford; 3/292/25 Easels, paint palettes and paintbrushes lined the activity room tables at the Echelon of Medina on Thursday as family, friends and staff members gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of watercolorist Paul St. Denis. St. Denis received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Cleveland Institute of Art and a Master of Arts from Kent State University. He then taught at the Cleveland Institute of Art for 27 years while also teaching at other schools. Now, St. Denis lives in the Spencer House Memory Care Neighborhood at the Echelon of Medina, where he also is cared for by Turas Hospice. Jessica Hine, Echelon’s activity director and Turas’ volunteer coordinator, said Turas Hospice held Thursday’s event with its sole focus on St. Denis and his watercoloring career. “Turas Hospice wants to stand out as a hospice company and do more special things for the hospice patients,” Hine said. [Continue reading ...]
Foster Funeral Home helps Friends of Hospice provide children’ grief coping books to Hannibal, Mexico libraries
03/31/25 at 03:15 AMFoster Funeral Home helps Friends of Hospice provide children’ grief coping books to Hannibal, Mexico libraries Oswego County Today, Fulton, NY; 3/28/25 Foster Funeral Home has partnered with the Friends of Hospice in Oswego County (FOHOC) , to expand their program of offering books at local libraries to help children coping with grief and loss, said Klara Stellingwerf, manager, Foster Funeral Home. FOHOC launched the program in January by donating these books to the Oswego, Fulton and Pulaski public libraries, said Elena Twiss, FOHOC executive director. “Foster Funeral Home has helped us expand this program by donating these books to Hannibal public library and FOHOC donated them to the Mexico public library. ... There are book options for ages zero to eighteen-plus, and one of the books is even for adults to help assist parents in talking to their children about loss.”
When medicine meets theater
03/31/25 at 03:00 AMWhen medicine meets theater The Ticker; by Craig Manning; 3/30/25 Munson Healthcare’s newest partner is going to surprise you. Last year, a pair of physicians at Munson set out to help their colleagues improve at one of the most stubbornly difficult parts of the healthcare profession: delivering bad news to patients. That goal led Munson to strike up a partnership with Old Town Playhouse, melding medicine and theater for an innovative course that gives doctors a chance to practice difficult conversations. The doctors play themselves, informing patients about challenging or terminal diagnoses. The Playhouse actors play the patients, reacting differently depending on how their physician approaches the conversation.
Honoring a young girl’s love of nature on her final day
03/31/25 at 03:00 AMHonoring a young girl’s love of nature on her final dayMayo Clinic News Network; by Mayo Clinic Staff; 3/27/25 On a Saturday evening in September of 2024, Mae Helgeson arrived at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, her small body reeling from the trauma of a life-threatening accident. Although she was intubated and sedated, it didn't take long for the care team to learn what made this little girl special. ... "I often ask parents to tell me about their child. Is there anything you think is important or that I should know about your family?" says Paige Dighton, one of the Child Life specialists who partnered with Mae's family. "This allows them to share the special things — those unique qualities that make them a family. You learn more than just what's in their chart." ... It was only a couple of days later that Mae's family was faced with the devastating decision they'd hoped to avoid. ... The question shifted from "Can we save her?" to "How do we say goodbye?" Following their lead, the team began focusing on end-of-life care. "Dr. Schiltz gave us the space to think and process our emotions — it didn't feel rushed," says Matt.
Hospital workers share 26 deathbed regrets they’ve heard that changed their lives
03/31/25 at 02:00 AMHospital workers share 26 deathbed regrets they’ve heard that changed their lives Boredpanda; by Ruta Zumbrickaite; 3/28/25 While painful, regret can also be a motivator for learning and growth, encouraging us to avoid repeating past mistakes and make better decisions in the future. We guess that’s why self-help author Debbie Ford once said, “Pain can be our greatest teacher.” Someone on the web asked hospital workers, “What regrets do you hear from dying patients?”, and folks who’ve been there in people’s last moments shared the words that hit them the hardest. Here’s a list of some of their most profound responses.