Hospice: Help When You Need It Most

  • By Denice Rovira Hazlett
  • February 8, 2012
  • 328
                        
The Have a Heart for Hospice Gala, presented by Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County, is aimed at raising both funds and awareness. Until seven years ago, Pattie Plumer of Seville didn't know much about Hospice. But then her father, Charles Campbell, began struggling with emphysema and heart problems, making it difficult for his family to care for him. Someone suggested Hospice. Plumer knew it was what her father needed, but when she presented the idea to her mother, Wanda Campbell, she was met with resistance. "My mom was against it," Plumer said, "because the perception is that, once you enter into Hospice, you're going to die in a few days." Because the care for her dad became so overwhelming, it wasn't long before her mother relented. Hospice workers were welcomed into their home to assist Charles Campbell with the regular tasks that had become so difficult. "My dad was 6'2" and my mom is 5', so bathing was hard. It was wearing her out," Plumer said. "Hospice furnished an aid to come in twice a week to help him. It took a huge burden off of all of us." For six months, Hospice workers were there whenever the family needed them. "It was a wonderful experience," Plumer said. "I don't know what we would have done without them." When Campbell was nearing the end of his life, Hospice prepared the family for what to expect. "My biggest fear was that he would die in the hospital alone," Plumer said. "But Hospice made it possible for him to be at home with all of his children and grandchildren when he passed. It was very calming for everyone." Several years later, when Plumer's mother, then 90, suffered from congestive heart failure and constant bouts of pneumonia, the doctors said Wanda Campbell had only six weeks to live. They recommended Hospice. Pattie Plumer wasn't sure how her mother would react. "I told her it was time," Plumer said. "She knew how much they helped with Dad," said Plumer, "and she was okay with it." That was three years ago, and, in spite of her six-week prognosis, Wanda Campbell is still using Hospice services today. When she sees her doctors, she's sure to tell them, "I'm still here!" She no longer believes that Hospice is only for those whose death is imminent. "Now," said Plumer, "she thinks it's fabulous." All of Campbell's disease-related medicines are covered by Hospice. This, alone, relieves what would otherwise be a large financial burden. "We pay for nothing," Plumer said. "They pay for all care and medications related to her disease." That's because Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, most insurance companies, managed care plans, and the Veteran's Administration. This, in addition to other funds and donations, including Friendtique, the only self-sustaining Hospice store nationwide, allows Hopsice to provide excellent care, regardless of ability to pay. After her father's death, Plumer began volunteering, helping with everything from fundraisers to stuffing envelopes. Before long, Hospice asked Plumer to join the board, and now she is serving as board president. One of her major focuses has been the Have a Heart for Hospice Gala to be held on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Greenbriar Conference and Party Center in Wooster. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres, wine, and appetizers followed at 7 p.m. by dinner and the closing of the silent auctions. Tammy Cruise, community relations coordinator for Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County, said the Have a Heart for Hospice Gala not only raises money for their organization, but also awareness. Cruise said there are 90-100 silent and more than a dozen live auctions during the evening, with items including signed sports memorabilia and tickets, vacation packages, and four field-level Indians box seats as well as raffles for HDTVs, Kindles, and Nooks. One donation Cruise is especially thrilled about is the diamond and gold-pendant jewelry custom-designed for Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County by Christian Silva of de Silva Collections in Wooster, each featuring HPC's logo. "Christian and Kelly go above and beyond when it comes to donating to our fundraiser," Cruise said. "We're really fortunate to be in a community that's so supportive." Tickets for the event are $50 per person, which includes dinner, hors d'oeuvres, and dessert. A full cash bar is also available. Pattie Plumer is excited to help with this year's event. HPC has been there for her family, she said, and she's glad to help ensure its availability for others. "You don't realize how necessary it is," Plumer said, "until you really need it." For more information on Hospice, or reservations for the event, call 330-264-4899.


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