Literature Review
All posts tagged with “General News | Inspirational Stories.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
[UK] Man to sell his 4,000 books in aid of hospice
03/28/25 at 03:00 AM[UK] Man to sell his 4,000 books in aid of hospice BBC News; by Emily Coady-Stemp and Jo Burn; 3/26/25 A man has opened a shop to sell his collection of 4,000 books to raise money for the hospice where he is receiving care. Rob McCann, from the Kent village of Sutton Valence, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2023 and given just weeks to live. "Yet here I am, 18 months later, still going strong," he added. He opened Capelli's Books in his village on Tuesday to raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice. [Continue reading ...]
Saying goodbye to Dad
03/28/25 at 03:00 AMSaying goodbye to Dad MidlandsLife; by Jeff Becraft; 3/27/25 I know my last article talked about my Dad moving on to Higher Ground, but while it is still fresh on my mind, I’m going to delve into the process of saying goodbye. Perhaps it will resonate with someone who has already been down this path… or maybe someone who will be going down this path. I know that many people have been on a longer road than what I am going to describe. I won’t try to cover everything and there are some very significant things that are left out because of space; I will be simply giving my perspective on the overall experience of the last days. [Continue reading ...]Editor's note: If you have to dive into only one article today, this is the one. If you have experienced the vigil of a loved one's final days, this likely gives voice to your journey: "Each day we thought was going to be Dad’s last. It was certainly a time of changing emotions." If you have not experienced this, read to learn common rhythms and themes, dissonances harmonies, and final release into death. Thank you Jeff Becraft for your meaningful reflection.
Daughter embraces mom’s hospice journey
03/27/25 at 03:00 AMDaughter embraces mom’s hospice journey City Sun Times, Phoenix, AZ; by Lin Sue Flood; 3/25/25 As a nurse, Robin Benton is used to caring for people who are ill. But it’s different when your mother is the one who is sick. Her mom, Charlotte Brewer, a former nurse herself, has multiple myeloma, a rare type of blood cancer. In March 2024, the 80-year-old Valley resident decided to stop curative treatments in favor of comfort care with Hospice of the Valley, where she worked for over 10 years, before retiring in 2007. ... Charlotte’s Hospice of the Valley nurse, Kelly Langston, admires the way the family is living this stage of life with great intention, creating new ways to deepen their love for each other. “They came up with an idea for a hug shirt,” shared Kelly. “Everyone in the family painted their arms then took turns hugging each other — stamping an imprint of encircled arms on the shirts. It’s a way to feel each other’s hugs even when they aren’t together.” [Continue reading ...]
'They mourn just like you and me': Local nonprofit cares for animals of terminally ill owners
03/25/25 at 03:00 AM'They mourn just like you and me': Local nonprofit cares for animals of terminally ill owners The Gazette, Colorado Springs, CO; by Kelly Hayes; 3/22/25 The car ride back to the home of Randy and Linda Gearhart was near silent that February day. The husband and wife from Colorado Springs had just picked up 12-year-old Kimi, a tan, medium-sized dog, and 11-year-old Sage, a slightly larger kelpie mix. ... Sitting in the trunk of the car was all the pups had known: several cushions, their bowls, plenty of toys and a heap of blankets. But there was something — or rather, someone — missing. Their owner, who died recently. “I didn’t wash these until last week,” Linda said, pointing to their cushions. “I think having the smells, having their same beds, that familiarity, was good for them.” For nearly three decades, Safe Place for Pets has served as a new home for animals of terminally ill owners in Colorado Springs. With the help of about 50 volunteers, two part-time employees and a handful of fosters such as the Gearharts, the nonprofit shoulders a heavy responsibility: caring for beloved pets after their person dies. [Continue reading this heart-warming story ...]
Mt. Hood Hospice to present third Grief Made Visible art exhibit in April
03/25/25 at 02:15 AMMt. Hood Hospice to present third Grief Made Visible art exhibit in April Sandy Post, West Linn, OR; by Brit Allen; 3/23/25 Aside from in-home hospice services, Mt. Hood Hospice offers numerous other resources to the community, regardless of income or if they have any other ties to the organization. Among them are grief support groups that utilize art as a tool of healing. As a result of these groups, 16 artists will have the art that they created in these groups on display at AntFarm Café & Bakery, 39140 Proctor Blvd., throughout the month of April, from April 3-30, while the cafe is open. ... “This art show creates a space that normalizes talking about mental health and grief,” said Mt. Hood Hospice Bereavement Services Director Laura Lirette. “In a culture where grief is often experienced alone and behind closed doors, our hope is that this exhibit will invite conversations about grief and supporting grievers.”
Etched in time: Hope Hospice making extra effort to recognize, appreciate New Braunfels-area veterans
03/24/25 at 03:00 AMEtched in time: Hope Hospice making extra effort to recognize, appreciate New Braunfels-area veterans New Braunfels TheHerald-Zeitung, New Braunfels, TX; by Erica Wilson; 3/20/25 ... [Photo] The Veterans Plaza on Hope Hospice's New Braunfels campus is pictured on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. ... Of Hope Hospice’s patients in the New Braunfels area, about one-fifth are typically veterans. ... [Descriptions of their "We Honor Veterans" program.] ... [In] a show of support for community veterans, Hope Hospice’s main campus in New Braunfels has a veterans plaza honoring both living and deceased veterans. Bricks engraved with veterans' names surround a flagpole on the campus. All veterans are eligible to have their names displayed in the plaza, whether or not Hope Hospice has served their families. Bricks can be purchased for $50, and funds go toward supporting Hope Hospice’s efforts to support veterans at the end of their lives.
How our partnership with LovEvolve fosters the message of compassionate care
03/21/25 at 03:00 AMHow our partnership with LovEvolve fosters the message of compassionate care Carolina Caring, Newton, NC; 3/20/25 ... Founded and designed by professional artist Sunny Goode, LovEvolve is a mission-driven organization producing scarves, blankets, and swaddles which hold creative attention to color theory and the message of love. ... LovEvolve has distributed their products across thirteen hospitals nationwide, allowing over 61,000 newborns to be wrapped in love. ... Cardinal Kids [Carolina Caring's pediatric palliative medicine and hospice program] began distributing LovEvolve blankets and swaddles to our hospice patients in December 2024. Though these items are a recent addition to our story, families have already shared that these gifts bring lasting meaning to their hospice experience. These blankets are memory makers, reminding families of the impact that their child has had on this world. Sometimes, parents use the blankets whenever they spend the night with their children at the hospice house. The blankets have also been regifted to siblings as a tangible reminder of their brother or sister. The visual cue of love has been a source of peace for many of our Pediatric nurses, as well.
[Australia] Advance care planning has brought 'comfort and peace' to Annaliese Holland
03/21/25 at 03:00 AM[Australia] Advance care planning has brought 'comfort and peace' to Annaliese Holland ABC News; by Eva Blandis and Daniel Keane; 3/19/25Young South Australian woman Annaliese Holland, who is preparing for major high-risk surgery, has spoken about the importance of advance care planning. The 25-year-old was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease and terminal illness several years ago. Ms. Holland wants young people to have more open conversations about death and end-of-life care. ... "I say my life is like walking on a field of landmines, not knowing when it will go off," she said. While it is a harrowing statement, she is harnessing her situation to help others — Ms. Holland is a strong supporter of advance care planning.
‘Dying people are incredible teachers’: Hospice nurse leans on personal loss experience to speak about end of life, write children’s books
03/21/25 at 03:00 AM‘Dying people are incredible teachers’: Hospice nurse leans on personal loss experience to speak about end of life, write children’s books Dayton Daily News, Dayton, OH; by Beth Anspach; 3/20/25 Kim Vesey has experienced more than her share of loss. Her husband, Les, passed away in 2006 of colon cancer. “He died at home with Hospice care,” Vesey said. “Having worked in this area and experiencing it myself, this took it all to a much deeper level and changed my understanding of the process of grief.” ... She was hired for her first Hospice job in 1985. “It’s taught me a lot about life and living and what is important,” she said. “Dying people are incredible teachers.” ... After losing her husband, Vesey continued her work in Hospice care. Then in 2017, her daughter Sarah, who had struggled with severe asthma her entire life, passed away after going into cardiac arrest. She was just 29 years old and left behind a 4-year-old son, Warren. She was also pregnant with her second child. “My experience of losing my daughter shined a light on the struggle for children who are grieving,” Vesey said.“ ... Today, Vesey has published four books with two additional scheduled to be published this year, including a book about losing a beloved pet. ...
Why aging parents make DNR choices before crisis strikes
03/19/25 at 03:00 AMWhy aging parents make DNR choices before crisis strikes Rolling Out 25; by Khalil Best; 3/17/25The conversation typically begins quietly. ... An aging parent mentions their desire for a Do Not Resuscitate order—commonly known as a DNR—and the atmosphere in the room shifts. For many adult children, this moment arrives unexpectedly, triggering complex emotions ranging from denial to grief. Yet these discussions, uncomfortable as they may be, represent one of the most meaningful exchanges families can share. Understanding why many elderly parents choose to sign DNR orders in advance illuminates not just practical healthcare concerns, but deeper values about dignity, autonomy, and what constitutes a meaningful life.
Mannford nursing home quickly evacuated seniors as wildfire neared
03/19/25 at 03:00 AMMannford nursing home quickly evacuated seniors as wildfire neared2 News Oklahoma, Mannford, OK; by Douglas Braff; 3/15/25Our crews have seen selflessness on full display in Mannford after March 14’s wildfires. ... As the wildfire was approaching nearby neighborhoods, staff at Cimarron Point Care Center in Mannford had to act quickly to get the 44 seniors living there out of harm’s way. “There are lots of things that need to be done, and it takes a lot of teamwork,” Frank Sullivan [the owner of CPCC] pointed out. ... Luckily, he said local authorities gave him an early heads up so the nursing home would have time. ... While most residents were transported by school bus, he noted, “Several had to be transported by ambulances. Some of 'em are on hospice ... and their condition is dire.”
Penny Stamps speaker Gary Tyler shares his wrongful conviction story, empowers communities through art
03/18/25 at 03:00 AMPenny Stamps speaker Gary Tyler shares his wrongful conviction story, empowers communities through artThe Michigan Daily; by Talia Varsano; 3/17/25At 5:30 p.m. in the Michigan Theater Thursday night, nearly every seat was full as the audience welcomed Gary Tyler, a falsely convicted felon of first-degree murder turned artist, performer, youth mentor and community leader. ... On October 7, 1974, Tyler was framed and wrongfully convicted by an all-white jury of first-degree murder and sentenced to death at 16 years old. ... At the event, Tyler spoke about his experience as an inmate at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola for nearly 42 years before his release in 2016. Tyler said the trajectory of his life was completely shifted by his wrongful imprisonment. ... [Tyler's story of imprisonment continues.] Tyler began quilting while incarcerated to raise money for the hospice program at Angola, which provided end-of-life care for Louisiana State Penitentiary inmates. Tyler said he was inspired by his mother and grandmother, who were also quilters, as well as the communities surrounding him. ... Tyler said. “When I do quilts, I try to pull everything around me, because I try to build, I try to put everything that I feel, that someone would identify, someone would recognize, understand, in my quilt.” ... Tyler volunteered for the Angola Prison Hospice program for more than 17 years while incarcerated.Editor's note: Pair this with Death and redemption in American prison," posted 2/19/24 about Gary's friend and fellow quilter at Angola Prison Hospice program, Stephen Garner.
Terminally ill Stanford professor teaches class about dying from cancer
03/17/25 at 03:00 AMTerminally ill Stanford professor teaches class about dying from cancerCBS News, Bay Area, CA; by Elizabeth Cook; 3/13/25 A Stanford University professor's new curriculum explores the multiple aspects and phases of a person dying of cancer, and it comes from a person with first-hand knowledge. Dr. Bryant Lin has been a professor for almost two decades. He's used to being the teacher, not the subject of his classes. But that all changed in 2024 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. ... The diagnosis was a dose of cruel irony. Lin co-founded the Center for Asian Health Research and Education. One of the priorities for the foundation is researching non-small cell adenocarcinoma, also known as "never-smoker lung cancer," the same cancer diagnosis that Lin received. ... The class is called "From diagnosis to dialogue: A doctor's real-time battle with cancer." Within minutes of being posted, the class and the waitlist were full. ... The 10-week course covers the entire spectrum of cancer as seen through the eyes of someone who is living it. ... Stanford University recorded every session of the class so that they could live on for future physicians. If you would like to watch them, they can be found on YouTube.
Daughter asks US Marine to honor her dying war hero dad. She broke down when she answered the door next day
03/14/25 at 03:00 AMDaughter asks US Marine to honor her dying war hero dad. She broke down when she answered the door next dayScoop Up Worthy; by Abhishek Bhatia; 3/13/25 The Korean War veteran's daughter, who was seen standing beside him in the footage, wanted her dad to be remembered as a national hero in his final moments. At the daughter's request, Tim visited her dad and thanked him for his service to the country. "Marine on deck. Good afternoon, Sir. Sergeant Chambers, reporting his order. You ever run across that horse in Korea that was running artillery rounds in evacuating wounded?" he asked the veteran, referring to Sergeant Reckless, a famous horse that served with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. ...
PBS documentary, Going Your Way, premieres nationally March 31
03/12/25 at 03:00 AMPBS documentary, Going Your Way, premieres nationally March 31 Nine PBS, St. Louis, MO; by Sarah Brandt; 3/11/25 A new documentary produced in St. Louis by Nine PBS, Going Your Way, will get a national premiere on PBS stations across the country on Monday, March 31. It will air locally at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Central, following the network’s popular series Antiques Roadshow. The documentary debuted locally on Nine PBS in October 2024. Going Your Way focuses on the personal, medical and spiritual issues surrounding end-of-life care, the options available, and steps that can be taken to put those wishes to practical use. The documentary’s title highlights the active role many people are now taking to ensure their death goes according to their own plans and wishes. The film was produced with expert consultation from the Oasis Institute and features insights from health professionals in St. Louis, ... [and] personal stories of families dealing with these decisions and issues ...
104-year-old WWII veteran honored for his service while in hospice
03/12/25 at 03:00 AM104-year-old WWII veteran honored for his service while in hospice WCCO via CNN Newsource, Cottage Grove, MN; by Reg Chapman; 3/9/25 A World War II veteran in Minnesota has the honor of being the oldest resident in his town. Even at his remarkable age, Don Tietz has not lost his wit or his humor. After he was drafted during World War II, Tietz found himself a long way from his hometown farm. Tietz served as a truck driver, hauling ammunition across America’s campaign into Europe. ... “We spearheaded across France,” he said. ... He also faced the true grim realities of war. ... “There was 212, only 12 of us came back,” he said. ... Tietz now represents a different era of grit and perseverance. Surrounded by friends and family, the Allina Health Hospice Team showed their gratitude to Tietz for his service by giving him a heartfelt ceremony, where he was awarded a pin and certificate. Most importantly, Tietz was given an opportunity to reflect on all of those years.Editor's note: Click here for the We Honor Veterans Program developed by NHPCO (now the National Alliance for Care at Home) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
My Stories program preserves cherished memories of patients in hospice
03/12/25 at 03:00 AMMy Stories program preserves cherished memories of patients in hospice The Alpena News, Alpena, MI; by Reagan Voetberg; 3/8/25 The Hospice of Michigan in Alpena preserves the stories of patients, not in a book or photo album, but on a flashdrive. It’s called the My Stories program. Patients in hospice are given the opportunity to video record their stories and memories for their loved ones to hear once they’ve passed. Patients do not have to pay a dime to record their life stories. Alpena’s Hospice of Michigan Volunteer Program Coordinator Kristie Lukes talked about how meaningful the My Stories project is to patients and their families. Lukes coordinates volunteers to help patients with their recordings. Lukes explained further what My Stories is. “It’s a recording of the patient’s life and the stories that they want to share with family and patients,” she said. “So it becomes kind of a legacy project.”
East End Hospice building saved in Long Island fires: 'Angels watching over us'
03/11/25 at 03:00 AMEast End Hospice building Saved in LI fires: 'Angels watching over us' Patch, Westhampton-Hampton Bays, NY; by Lisa Finn; 3/10/25 From the ashes of the raging brush fires in the Westhampton area this weekend, a miracle emerged: Despite just being located feet from the spot where charred trees bear testament to the blaze, a structure still stands — the East End Hospice building survived the fire. "Here is our headquarters," East End Hospice President and CEO Mary Crosby wrote on social media. "... inside this building we coordinate the care of hundreds of patients each day. We answer more than 1,000 phone calls a week from families, hospitals, physicians and field staff. Without the dedicated people who work here, there would be no East End Hospice." On Sunday [3/9], she wrote: "Just 24 hours ago, flames roared around this building, damaging our storage structure and spilling into the parking lot. People have said it’s a miracle the building didn’t burn. We know the truth. It was the dedication and skill of our local fire departments that kept our headquarters standing. In the early hours of the fire. We received very little information until a text came through from a firefighter on the ground: 'We saved Hospice.'"