Community Connections Fall 2024 Edition : simplebooklet.com

With appreciation,Susan D. Lloyd, MSN, RN Dan McCarthyPresident & CEO Board ChairLegacy of Love...continued from cover page....This expansive collection covers vital topics such as death and dying, grieving, self-care, hospice care, world religions, prayer, and so much more. These resources will not only guide Delaware Hospice staff but will also offer comfort and understanding to the families we serve—just as Judy intended.Judy Joseph dedicated the last two decades of her life to serving others. She was an educator, author, hospice chaplain, and bereavement counselor. Known for her deep compassion, Judy touched countless lives with her gentle spirit and unwavering dedication. She saw the divine in everyone, and whether she was helping rst responders cope with trauma, offering solace to the grieving, or ofciating at weddings and funerals, Judy gave herself fully to each moment.Eventually, it was Judy’s turn to receive care. In the nal chapter of her life, she and Seymour found peace and comfort with Delaware Hospice. For a few precious days, they rested at our Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, where Judy was cared for with the same tenderness she had offered others throughout her life. Together, with their beloved cockapoo, PJ, by their side, they shared moments of quiet reection, love, and peace.“We found the center to be so welcoming,” Seymour recalls. “The staff were supportive, very kind, and the meals were beyond expectations.”Judy’s wish was to be surrounded by her loved ones, and on a sunny June day, she passed away peacefully at home, Seymour and PJ by her side. In her nal days, Judy ensured everything would go just as she envisioned—with dignity, with grace, and with the compassionate, expert care of Delaware Hospice.To honor Judy’s memory and to continue her legacy of education and compassion, she and Seymour gifted her vast personal library to Delaware Hospice. It was Judy’s hope that these books would help others—patients, caregivers, staff, and the community—learn, grow, and ﬁnd comfort in the same way she had during her time with us.“We wanted people to learn and serve others using Judy’s books,” Seymour says. “We knew Delaware Hospice was the right place to continue her legacy.”Today, Judy’s books line our shelves, offering wisdom and comfort to those who need it most. From her beloved Responding with Compassion, a guide to religious rituals for those facing illness, to the countless other volumes on grief, health, and spirituality, Judy’s spirit lives on—guiding others, just as she always had.Continued on Page 4...As the vibrant colors of Fall surround us and the spirit of Thanksgiving approaches, it is a perfect time to reect on the incredible journey shared together and to celebrate the profound impact of generosity. Each contributor plays a crucial role in our mission, providing resources and heart and soul to the cause.Giving TimeVolunteering serves as the lifeblood of the organization. The commitment of time enables an expanded reach, enhanced programs, and the creation of meaningful connections within the community. Every hour dedicated allows for the service of more families, offering support during their most challenging times. The willingness to engage and contribute skills and compassion is truly inspiring, especially as we enter this season of gratitude.Giving Monetary SupportFinancial contributions make an extraordinary difference. Each donation, regardless of size, fuels the efforts to provide vital services to those in need. Such support facilitates essentialresources, maintains quality, and fosters innovation to uplift the community. The trust placed in the organization through these donations empowers ongoing work with purpose and passion, reecting the spirit of giving that denes this time of year.Giving One’s AllPassion drives the mission forward. Countless individuals pour their hearts into championing the cause. This advocacy—whether through joining our team or sharing an impactful story of compassion—amplies the message and creates a ripple effect of kindness and support. As we approach the winter holiday season, a time of reection and connection, cultivating a culture of giving can inspire others to contribute to the mission.As the organization moves forward into this season of reection and celebration, embracing the spirit of giving in all its forms will be essential. Together, a brighter future can be created for the community—one lled with hope, compassion, and support. Gratitude is extended to all who are part of this family and believe in the power of giving, especially during this time of year when we come together to give thanks and share in the joy of the upcoming holiday season.A Letter from our leaders2 Please visit delawarehospice.org/patient-caregiver-resources for more articles. 3

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For more than 20 years, the Festival of Trees has lit up the holiday season with beauty, joy, and a deeper sense of purpose. What started as a chance opportunity for our Committee Chair, Laura Robelen, in 1997 has become a passion and tradition she holds dear. “I came to the Festival by chance, but I stayed by choice,” Laura shares. “The more I learned about both the Festival and Delaware Hospice, the more I loved being part of something that brings so much magic to the community and supports such a meaningful cause.”Each year, the Festival transforms venues in Wilmington and Milford into winter wonderlands, with its dazzling trees creating a breathtaking display. For our Chair, one of the most special moments is walking through the venue before the doors open, after the trees are lit and everything is ready to go. “It’s like magic that it all comes together! But the real joy is hearing the guests’ excitement, watching them discover their favorite trees, and seeing the wonder in their eyes. That’s what keeps us coming back year after year.”The Festival is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a tradition that brings people together. It inspires moments of connection, generosity, and community spirit. “I work for the ‘wow!’” the Chair says, reecting on the satisfaction of seeing families, friends, and neighbors walk through the event and feel the joy of the season while learning about the difference Delaware Hospice makes in people’s lives.As the Festival continues to grow, its impact reaches further, spreading awareness of Delaware Hospice’s mission to serve families during their time of need. With each new year, the Chair’s vision is to welcome even more people into the celebration. Year after year, the Festival of Trees stands as a symbol of compassion, community, and hope, lighting up the lives of all who attend. Discover how you can be involved with this year’s Festival of Trees by attending, sponsoring, or volunteering by visiting https://delawarehospice.org/calendar-of-events/festival-of-trees/.Legacy of Love...continued from page 3Seymour, too, continues to ﬁnd solace in Delaware Hospice’s services. He meets regularly with Robin Murphy, a Bereavement Counselor from our Kent County ofﬁce, who offers him support as he navigates his grief. It’s an irony that brings him comfort—his wife, Judy, once served in the same capacity for others.“She was Robin,” Seymour says with a smile. “It’s comforting to hear the same words now that I used to hear from Judy.”A Legacy of GivingJudy’s legacy is a reminder that life is a continuous circle of giving and receiving. Through her generous donation, she ensures that others—patients, families, and caregivers—will continue to learn, heal, and nd peace in the face of life’s most difcult moments. You too can help continue this circle. By making a donation to Delaware Hospice, you ensure continued support and resources are available to the community. Your gift, no matter the size, can make a lasting difference.Find Comfort, Find HopeIf you’ve lost someone close or are in need of support during a serious illness, you are not alone. Delaware Hospice is here for you, just as we were for Judy and Seymour. Whether you’re seeking care for a loved one, need help connecting with resources, or simply need someone to talk to, we are with you every step of the way. Reach out to our team today at 800.838.9800—let us be your source of comfort and guidance.4 Check delawarehospice.org for up-to-date info on events and workshops. 5“The Festival is a fundraiser, ﬁrst and foremost, but also a friend-raiser. The more people who attend, sponsor, or volunteer, the more we can do for our community.” — Laura Robelen on the importance of educating the community about hospice care through eventsFestival of Trees: A Tradition of Beauty, Community, and CompassionDonor SpotlightWe are honored to shine a spotlight on the Kenny Family Foundation, a dedicated corporate supporter and longtime donor of Delaware Hospice. As the exclusive host of our Delaware Hospice at Saint Francis center’s one-year anniversary celebration, the Kenny Family Foundation generously provided delicious food and beverages for our guests, along with thoughtful welcome gifts that made the event even more special.The Kenny Family Foundation’s commitment to our mission has been unwavering over the years, and their continued support helps us provide compassionate care to patients and families in our community. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and the impact they’ve made.We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Coventry Printing for their generous donation of invitations, adding an extra touch of excellence to our celebration.Above: Kenny Family Foundation representative, Rachel (right), and Delaware Hospice Event & Outreach Coordinator, Missy, pose for a picture at our Delaware Hospice at Saint Francis center’s one-year anniversary celebration.

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This summer, our organization benetted from a series of fundraising events that united our community and provided critical nancial support to ensure our mission continues. From the green of the golf course to the display of classic cars, each event played a crucial role in generating awareness and funds to benet our community programs.Golf Outings: A Triad of Sold-Out EventsOur golf outings this year were a tremendous success, starting with the sold-out Frank and Eleanor Soltner Memorial Golf Outing, which attracted 180 golfers and raised $29,000 for Delaware Hospice. The 16th Annual Delaware Hospice Golf Outing followed, with 92 golfers raising $36,000 to support our programs and ensure that all eligible individuals receive care regardless of their ability to pay. Participants at both outings enjoyed a variety of contests, including a hole-in-one challenge and longest drive competitions, making for an exciting day of friendly competition.The season concluded with the Coastal Corvette Club Golf Outing, featuring 92 golfers and another round of successful contests. Across all three events, the support from local businesses and sponsors helped cover event costs, allowing more proceeds to benet our hospice services. These outings not only raised crucial funds but also brought together a community committed to compassionate care.Car Fest: A Day of Classic Cars and Community SpiritBeyond the greens, this summer’s Hospice Fest 2024 Car Show brought the community together in a celebration of motors and family fun. Held at the Boys and Girls Club in Milford, Hospice Fest 2024 featured 125 cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display, drawing automotive enthusiasts from all over and the day was lled with entertainment for the whole family, including live music, vendors, and a variety of activities that kept attendees engaged throughout. Hospice Fest 2024 also provided a platform for local businesses and vendors to participate, further highlighting the strength of our community’s support and raising $9,000 for Delaware Hospice.Gratitude for Our SupportersWe are incredibly grateful to all who participated in these events. The success of this summer’s fundraisers reects our community’s deep connection to our mission.Summer Fundraising Success6 Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to see how we live our mission. 7Philanthropy team members Missy Baker and Peggy Dolby work hard to ensure the success of every event.“All Lit Up” VIPreview Event for Wilmington Festival of TreesNovember 14: 6:00pm - 8:00pmBrantwyn Estate, 600 Rockland Road, WilmingtonTickets $50 per personWilmington Festival of TreesFree Daily Admission November 15: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pmNovember 16: 10:00 am – 4:00 pmNovember 17: 10:00 am – 4:00 pmBrantwyn Estate, 600 Rockland Road, WilmingtonGiving TuesdayDecember 3 — Donate online all dayhttps://www.degives.org/orgs/delaware-hospiceNew Light Theatre presentsOld Town (beneﬁting DHI)Feb 28 - Mar 9, 2025New Light TheatreTickets available online athttps://www.newlighttheatre.com/“Let’s Get Lit” VIPreview Event for Milford Festival of TreesNovember 21: 5:30pm - 7:30pmDelaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, MilfordTickets $50 per person Milford Festival of TreesFree Daily AdmissionNovember 22: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pmNovember 23: 10:00 am – 4:00 pmNovember 24: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, MilfordJazz BrunchApril 6, 2025: 11:00am-2:00pmHarry’s Savoy GrillUpcoming Events Check out our upcoming fundraising event calendar at https://delawarehospice.org/fundraising-calendar.

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Meet Our Board of TrusteesDan McCarthy, ChairpersonStephanie Smith-Christiano, TreasurerSharon Leyhow, SecretaryThomas BrownBarry CrozierRonda DouglasCarmen GiannantonioReneta L. Green-StreettTanya HarrisTom HoyerSteve LadinChuck MowllLaura RobelenJohn ShevockCindy StewartJohn WardSusan D. Lloyd, MSN, RN, President, CEOAndrew L. Himelstein, MD, Medical Director8 Check delawarehospice.org for up-to-date info on events and workshops. 92024 Board of TrusteesBarry CrozierIn the intricate tapestry of our nonprot hospice organization, the role of our dedicated and effective Board of Trustees is paramount. These individuals bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and dedication to their roles, further strengthening our organization’s ability to fulll our mission. Barry Crozier retired from the public accounting profession after an impressive 48-year career, including 39 years with Belnt, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs (BLS), where he served as Managing Director for 21 of those years. During his tenure at BLS, Barry led several transformative initiatives, including an ofce relocation, an expansion into another state, and the successful merger with a local accounting rm. BLS has grown from 20 professionals in 1978 to 90 professionals in 2023 (BLS ‘s100th anniversary). Under his leadership, the rm earned numerous community service accolades, including the prestigious Gilman Superstars in Business award from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and multiple News Journal Top Workplaces awards.Though Barry retired as director and shareholder of BLS, he remains actively involved in the business and nonprot communities. His expertise in litigation support, business valuations, tax and management issues, and corporate services for Delaware investment holding companies have made him a trusted advisor to many. Additionally, Barry has facilitated retreats for small and mid-sized accounting rms, sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of leaders. Barry is an advocate for the advancement of the accounting profession among high school and college students. He has served as an executive mentor to students from the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting (he later obtained his Master of Science in Taxation from Widener University). His personal accolades include the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s Gilman Bowl, the DSCC Director of the Year Award, the University of Delaware’s Lerner College Alumni Award of Excellence, and the Delaware Society of Certied Public Accountants’ Public Service Award. Beyond these professional achievements, Barry has been deeply committed to community service. He serves as a Trustee on Delaware Hospice’s Board of Trustees and has been a member of its Capital Campaign Committee. His contributions to the local community also include roles with the Delaware Workforce Development Board and the Mid-Atlantic UMC Foundation, among many others. Barry and his wife Joan, live in Landenberg, PA and are the proud parents of three daughters and the dotting grandparents of ve wonderful grandchildren.“We meet patients and their families at the most vulnerable time of their lives. I have been impressed by the compassion, attentiveness and responsiveness that our staff and volunteers give. The work of our staff and volunteers doing this day after day is truly God’s work.”“My service on the QAPI committee has been astonishing. In twenty years of administration, I never imagined so many people could care so much about the quality of hospice care. Serving on the Board has really completed my hospice experience.”Thomas “Tom” Hoyer dedicated three decades of his career to shaping healthcare policy for what is now known as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), starting in 1972 and continuing until his retirement in 2002. Throughout his tenure, Tom played a pivotal role in developing and implementing key policies that continue to inuence the healthcare landscape today. His experience encompasses virtually every area of Medicare and Medicaid policy, including the regulation of health and safety standards for hospitals, nursing homes, home healthThomas Hoyeragencies, and hospices. Tom was also instrumental in advancing the coverage policies that govern these institutions, and he was a signicant contributor to the development of many of the prospective payment systems still in use today. His work in policymaking has had a far-reaching impact on how healthcare is delivered and regulated in the United States, particularly in regard to the quality and safety of care provided to millions of Medicare and Medicaid beneciaries. His efforts have ensured that essential healthcare services are accessible, reliable, and safe for vulnerable populations. Tom’s academic background in English, with a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Indiana University, provided him with strong communication and analytical skills, which proved invaluable in his policy work. Additionally, his MBA from Loyola College in Baltimore, earned in 1983, bolstered his expertise in management and administration, enabling him to contribute to the nancial and operational aspects of Medicare and Medicaid systems. In addition to his extensive policy experience, Tom currently serves on the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee for Delaware Hospice, where he continues to advocate for high standards of care and improvements in service delivery.

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For nearly 12 years, Karol Brand has been a compassionate and dedicated presence at Delaware Hospice. Since joining us in December 2012, she has made a profound impact, especially in her role at the Delaware Hospice Center.“I love greeting our patients’ families when they arrive,” Karol says. “I’m blessed that so many feel comfortable enough to share their personal stories with me. Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen—and I’m always happy to be that person.”Karol’s deep appreciation for our mission took on new meaning in 2019 when her own father became a Delaware Hospice patient. As his primary caregiver, Karol experienced our services from a different perspective.“Seeing the care we provide through the eyes of a family member was truly eye-opening. I always knew we did great work, but living it rsthand was a powerful reminder. I’m grateful to work alongside what I can only describe as angels.”We’re fortunate to have someone like Karol, who not only serves with heart but understands the impact of hospice care on a deeply personal level. If you share that same passion for helping others and want to be part of a team that makes a difference every day, we’d love to hear from you. Visit delawarehospice.org/careers to explore opportunities and apply today.For the past decade, Dorothy “Dottie” Urick, RN, has been a friendly and familiar face at both the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford and our Dover ofce. Whether you’ve visited as a patient, family member, or staff member, you may have been greeted by Dottie’s warm smile and kind presence.“I was drawn to Delaware Hospice after I retired,” Dottie reects. “I was part of the very rst team in Dover when Delaware Hospice was just getting started, and it felt natural to come back and volunteer.”Dottie’s passion for connecting with patients and staff shines through in her work. She continues to make an incredible difference by offering comfort, care, and companionship to those who need it most.Explore diverse opportunities matching your skills and interests. Contact our team at 800.838.9800 to start your journey as a Delaware Hospice volunteer.Stellar Staff SpotlightVital VolunteersConnect with Us Online@Delaware Hospice @Delaware Hospice, Inc.Since 1984, Delaware Hospice has been committed to providing compassionate hospice and palliative care to individuals facing serious illness. Our mission is to support patients, their families, and caregivers through some of life’s most challenging times. As the needs of our community continue to grow, we rely on the generosity of donors and supporters who believe in our mission to help us expand our services.Delaware Hospice continually seeks grants to fund specic projects that will enhance the quality of care we provide. One such initiative is improving transportation services for our patients. Currently, we depend on external vendors for non-urgent Basic Life Support (BLS) transportation to and from our inpatient facilities. These third-party providers are limited in availability, expensive, and often inefcient. To address this issue, we are pursuing grants to acquire dedicated BLS transportation vans. This will enable us to offer more reliable and timely transport for patients, reducing costs and improving the overall patient experience.While grants fund large-scale projects like transportation, there are many ways you can contribute directly to other essential areas of care:Direct Donations: Your gift can support daily patient hospice care, family bereavement services, or our pediatric palliative program.Planned Giving: Leave a lasting impact by including Delaware Hospice in your estate plans, ensuring future generations receive the same compassionate, expert care.Corporate Sponsorships: Partner with us to sponsor events like our annual golf outing or the Festival of Trees, where your business can make a signicant difference in the community.Volunteer: Offer your time and talents by joining our dedicated team of volunteers who help us deliver care and support in meaningful ways.With your support, we can continue to grow and meet the needs of those facing serious illness in our community. For more information on how to give, please visit https://www.delawarehospice.org/donate.Ways to give: Supporting our mission to serve the community10 11Dottie (right) was nominated by her peers for the Delaware Quality-of-Life Coallition 2023 Award of Excellence.Team members enjoying our 80’s themed employee appreciation event.

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Community Connections Fall 2024 Edition

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