JC Payne, a patient under the care of VITAS in Florida's Treasure Coast, had not been able to spend quality time with his wife for over two years due to his illness. As he neared the end of his life, he wished to create a lasting happy memory for her.
A recent feature in the Martin County HUGS DEMENTIA magazine highlights the journey of Sharon Cook Jankowski, an artist and teacher who faced Alzheimer's disease with grace and support from her community. Known for her dedication to teaching and volunteer work, Sharon's life was marked by her service to others, as described by her sister Gail Winsor.
After retiring from her career as a surgical nurse, Astrida Shepard joined VITAS in 2015 as a seamstress volunteer. Shepard found purpose in her new role, stating, "I really love it. It’s my ministry." Her initial doubts about the impact of her work were dispelled after receiving gratitude from a social worker who had lost his wife.
VITAS Healthcare is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive hospice care tailored to the needs of Jewish patients. The care respects Jewish teachings, beliefs, rituals, and traditions, with a focus on offering hope and honoring core principles.
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When Robert Vaughan, a VITAS patient and US Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, approached the end of his life, he and his wife Victoria faced challenges attending Veterans Affairs (VA) appointments due to mobility issues. Victoria, who uses a wheelchair, was caring for Robert but needed assistance with VA entitlement paperwork to secure benefits before his passing.
When Nicholas Black, a 16-year-old hospice patient with VITAS in Volusia County, Florida, expressed his wish to attend a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) match in Tampa, his care team fulfilled it. Nicholas was diagnosed with Arnold-Chiari Malformation without spina bifida or hydrocephalus, conditions that left him wheelchair-bound and unable to speak or use his hands and arms. Despite these challenges, wrestling remained his favorite pastime.
On a recent Sunday afternoon, 265 family members gathered at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, Illinois, to release butterflies in memory of their loved ones. The event was organized by VITAS team members from northwest Chicago, including music therapists, social workers, bereavement specialists, volunteers, chaplains, hospice team managers, and executives.
The Bradley Utilities Department has provided a guide for accessing utilities accounts online. The process can be completed through the billing portal by selecting "Utility Billing Payments" on the left-hand side of the screen.
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