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1670 JFK RoadDubuque, IA 52002

563.582.1220www.hospiceofdubuque.org

Summer 2014 Issue

Tree of Life wrap-up

Green—the color of life

Prayer—A beautiful gift

Sharing grief

Tour de Dubuque registration

Special thanks

Memorials

Volunteers

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10, 11

Summer events

August 23—Irish HooleyTicket information page 3 July 26: Big Duffer Golf Outing

August 4: Bill’s Tap Fish Fry

August 23: Tour de Dubuque

Dubuque Racing Association

Summer promises to provide another full and varied calendar for Hospice of Dubuque. Many local groups and individuals have been working to organize upcoming events to benefit their community’s nonprofit hospice. This summer’s calendar includes golf, motorcycles, bicycles, classic cars, Irish music and of course, food. There is truly something for everyone!

July 26—Big Duffer Golf OutingPlan to spend Saturday, July 26, with family and friends at Lacoma Golf Course for the “Big Duffer” Hospice Golf Outing. Cost for the day is $75 per person for 18-holes or $55 for 9-holes, which includes green fees, prizes, golf cart and a steak dinner. Not a golfer? For $25 you can join the golfers at 5 pm for dinner, drawings and prizes. This is a great time to golf in memory of someone special! To register or for more information, contact Jim Miller at 563.557.9766, Pat O’Neill at 563.582.6423 or visit our website.

August 4—Bill’s Tap Fish FryThe community-supported 16th Annual Bill’s Tap Fish Fry will be held August 4 at Bill’s Tap in Farley. Enjoy a delicious fish dinner with all the trimmings, courtesy of Randy and Annie Schroeder, their friends and hospice supporters. The cost of the meal is a donation to Hospice of Dubuque.

August 23—Tour de DubuqueDoes a leisurely ride through the tri-state countryside on a Saturday afternoon appeal to you? Make plans now for Custom Riders Inc., Tour de Dubuque. This year’s ride will be Saturday, August 23, beginning at Sandy Hook. All motorcycles, bicycles and cars are invited to join the ride. Motorcycles and cars will follow a 106-mile round route, with stops in Gratiot, New Diggings, Elizabeth and ending at Summer’s Last Blast in downtown Dubuque. Bicycles will travel 20 miles (one way) from Sandy Hook to New Diggings where they will meet with the motorcycles and cars. Pledge sheets are available on page 7 or on our website. Prizes will be awarded for the highest pledge totals. There is a $10 registration fee for each driver and passenger who has not collected $50 in pledges.

The Dubuque Racing Association has awarded Hospice of Dubuque an $11,654 grant through its 2014 Annual Grant Program. The grant will be used to purchase laptops and clinical software licenses. This generosity enables your local nonprofit hospice to move forward with necessary technology upgrades, while continuing to focus agency resources on the mission of compassionate care. Since 2001, the DRA grant program has awarded a total of $126,206.61 to Hospice of Dubuque. Thank you!

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Although the clouds were ominous, not a drop of rain fell on those gathered in Washington Park for the Annual Tree of Life Memorial Service. Beautiful music by local group, Tapestry, helped to provide a comforting atmosphere for the service. Guest speaker, Jeanne Lauritsen, shared her story on the loss of her husband, Bruce, and the special people she encountered along that difficult journey. The evening ended with lighting 1,539 lights adorning the Tree of Life display. Approximately $43,000 was raised to continue hospice services throughout the tri-state area. Thank you to the community for continuing support of the Tree of Life event and Hospice of Dubuque. A special thank you to Behr Funeral Home, for once again serving as advertising sponsor for this year’s Tree of Life. We also thank No Place Like Home for funding the remembrance cards. The Tree of Life Memorial List can be found at www.hospiceofdubuque.org.

Tree of Life

1970’s 1980’s 1990’s 2000’s

• ThefirsthospiceinAmerica,Connecticut Hospice, was founded. (1974)

• A demonstration project was launched with 26 hospices across the country participating. The goal was to assess the cost effectiveness of hospice care and the services that should be included in a potential Medicarebenefit.(1979)

• Congress enacted the legislation that created theHospiceBenefitunderMedicare Part A, with a 1986 sunset provision. (1982)

• Hospice of Dubuque was incorporatedasanon-profitorganization (1982) and volunteers began serving patients and families. (1983)

• The original Medicare Conditions of Participation for hospice providers were established. These are the regulations with which hospices must comply to become and remain Medicare-certified.(1983)

• Congress made the Medicare HospiceBenefitpermanent,states were given the option of including hospice in Medicaid programs and hospice care was allowed for residents of nursing facilities. (1986)

• Hospice of Dubuque hired its firstemployee,anExecutiveDirector. (1987)

• Hospice of Dubuque successfully completed the application process andfulfilledallregulatoryrequirements to become a Medicare/Medicaidcertifiedhospice provider. Additional staff members and volunteers were needed to provide all roles on the interdisciplinary team. (1990)

• Hospice of Dubuque began establishing contracts with area nursing homes so that hospice services could be provided to residents. (1992)

• In response to physician and patient/family requests, HospiceofDubuqueextendedits service area to Illinois (1995) and Wisconsin (1998), thus becoming a tri-state provider.

• The United States Postal Service issued the Hospice Care commemorative stamp. (1999)

• The American Board of Medical Specialists recognized hospice and palliative care as a medical specialty. (2006)

• Duke University published research demonstrating the cost effectiveness of hospice care. (2007)

• The Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation underwentfirstsignificantrevision in 25 years. (2008)

• A successful capital campaign allowed Hospice of Dubuque to move to its permanent location at 1670 JFK Road in Dubuque. (2010)

• Hospice of Dubuque’s Medical Directors achieved board certificationinhospiceandpalliative medicine. (2012)

• A Dartmouth Institute study identifiedDubuqueasproviding some of the most appropriate,efficientandcost-effective end-of-life care in the country. (2013)

• Hospice of Dubuque celebrated 30 years of service. (2013)

• Hospice care in America marks 40 years. (2014)

Hospice in America celebrates 40 years!

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Are you ready for a weekend filled with music, food, Irish dance and cultural exhibits? Join the fun Friday evening, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, for the 10th Annual Irish Hooley. This year’s festival will include a new “acoustic set” on Friday night at the Mississippi Moon Bar. The traditional outdoor music event will be held Saturday at the Alliant Amphitheater in the Port of Dubuque.

2014 Irish Hooley Entertainment Line-Up

Friday, August 22, Mississippi Moon Bar, 7–10 pm: “Hooley Unplugged” featuring Manran, The Screaming Orphans, Skerryvore and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Saturday, August 23, Alliant Amphitheater: 11:30 am Doors Open—The Gathering Noon–12:15 Dubuque Fire Pipes & Drums 12:15–1:30 The Lads (Dubuque) 1:30–2:00 Irish Dancers Exhibition 2:00–4:00 The Screaming Orphans 4:00–4:30 Cultural Demonstration 4:30–5:00 Salute to Armed Forces 5:00–5:30 Dubuque Symphony Orchestra 6:00–8:00 Skerryvore 8:00–8:30 Announcements 8:30–10:30 The Red Hot Chilli Pipers10:30 The Scattering—Hooley Ends

Advance Ticket Information: Tickets for Friday night are $15 in advance and $20 at the door (if not sold out). No one under 21 is allowed. Saturday tickets are $12 in advance and $17 at the gate. There is a $5 entry fee for students with a valid ID. Children 10 and under are free. There is a limited number of advance weekend passes for Friday and Saturday available for $20. Advance tickets are available at all Premier Bank locations, Shamrock Imports and Hospice of Dubuque. For more information, call 563.583.5000 or visit www.irishhooley.org.

VOLUNTEERS!Tovolunteeratthisyear’sIrishHooley,signupat www.Irishhooley.org. Be sure to identify yourself as a Hospice of Dubuque volunteer.

Medical DirectorsMark Hermann, MD, Co-Medical DirectorBrian Sullivan, MD, Co-Medical Director

Leadership TeamLavonne Noel, Executive DirectorJackie Brehm, Financial DirectorNancy Diehm, Psychosocial DirectorBonnie Hancock, Patient Care DirectorKaty Morrow, Nursing Services DirectorRenee Frith, Nursing Services DirectorJennifer Cavanagh, Compliance OfficerDiane Rambousek, Nurse Practitioner

Newsletter EditorsTiffany Brothers, Community RelationsLinda Wolf, Community Relations

Officers, Board of DirectorsSusan Bushman, ARNP, PresidentTom Anderegg, PhD, Vice PresidentFr. William Joensen, SecretaryBruce Rehmke, Treasurer

Members, Board of DirectorsGreg BirkettVicki DirksenTom Giese Amy GilliganPatrick Gordon, MDBrad HeyingDave HorstmannEileen LeMayDave LudovissyMark MandersMichelle McDonaldAllen Meurer, MDRev. Kathleen MilliganBetty TakesTroy Wright

Members, Foundation BoardDon FreymannRita HelleMike MartinBill MaiersBob MillerBruce RehmkeChuck Schrup, IIIKen Snodgrass

Green—the color of lifeLavonne Noel, Executive Director

Is there any color more beautiful than the green found throughout the tri-states in early summer? This time of year, I marvel at our local landscape—a strong, vibrant green that is also calm and soothing. Representing life itself, this color speaks to us of hope and harmony.

Another wonderful shade of green is apparent in the tri-states, not just in early summer, but all year long. This green can be found on Hospice of Dubuque workers as they deliver the mission of providing compassionate care for the terminally ill and their loved ones.

Nearly five years ago Hospice of Dubuque adopted standardized green apparel. The goal was to be consistently identifiable for patients, families and care providers. Through the years feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Comments similar to these have been received:

• When we saw the green, we knew immediately that Hospice of Dubuque was here to help.• We appreciate the visible cue that Hospice of Dubuque is present in our facility.• We love our green team.

The green we see in our neighborhoods and area countryside this time of year reminds us of life. Thus, it is so appropriate that the Hospice of Dubuque staff, who help patients and families live life to the fullest during their final season, are wearing this life-affirming color. After all, hospice is about living.

Irish Hooley

Green is the beautiful grass, Luscious under our feet.

Gentle and calm, a color so sweet.With it, God painted the world until

his satisfaction was complete.- Alex Miller

Photo by General Bob Photography, Bob Felderman

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“Prayer—A beautiful gift”Rev. Penny Thomsen, MDiv, Spiritual Care Coordinator

Depending upon your faith tradition and beliefs, prayer may be defined and practiced in a variety of ways. The content, frequency, gestures and objects used during prayer may vary as well. Some prayers are read repetitively, either silently or out loud and have been used for centuries by a particular faith tradition. Other prayers are spoken extemporaneously. Gestures may accompany prayers, such as the Sign of the Cross, raising or folding hands, bowing, closing eyes, kneeling or swaying back

and forth. Prayer may be offered at specific times each day, or only during times of crisis or great need. Meaningful religious objects may also accompany prayer, such as crucifixes or palm crosses, prayer beads or ropes, incense or candles, kneelers or rugs, veils or prayer shawls and anointing oil or holy water.

Prayer is a beautiful gift and a simple gesture that may give much comfort, encouragement and hope through the challenging trials of our lives and deaths. When we experience suffering, loneliness, pain, or when we have to say goodbye to our loved ones, we may want to connect with a God who can impart to us great love, compassion, peace and comfort. Additionally, praying may bring us closer to each other and help us become more aware of God’s presence.

Hospice of Dubuque chaplains are trained to provide a variety of prayers to meet the specific needs of our patients and families. A chaplain may be requested anytime, for any patient or family member, to lead or join with you in prayer. Your other hospice team members may also be willing to pray with you or sit quietly with you while you pray. We feel privileged to share in these sacred moments of communication with a God who meets us all where we are to fulfill our deepest personal needs.

Dave Ludovissy, Board Member, on the birth of his grandchildren and Fran Amundson, Volunteer, on the birth of her great grandchildren. Triplets Taylor Marie, Brady Jeffrey and Jordyn May were born to Jeff and Stephanie Ludovissy March 21. Dave is Jeff’s father and Fran is Stephanie’s grandmother.

Congratulations to ...

Congratulations to Hospice of Dubuque Board Secretary, Fr. William Joensen, on the celebration of the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Fr. Joensen has served in many capacities throughout the Archdiocese and, since 2010, has been on the Loras College faculty where he currently serves as Dean of Campus Spiritual Life. Since 1994 he has also served on the Archdiocesan Medical-Moral Commission. Hospice of Dubuque has been honored to have Fr. Joensen on the Board of Directors since 2009.

Correction: Tempie Uthe, one of the organizers of The Floor Show Ladies

Night Out on March 26, is from Vision Health Center. Our 2014 Spring Newsletter incorrectly stated she was with

Slade Eyewear. We regret the error.

Rosie Carr and Mary Hoelscher. Both worked in the role of part-time Team Nurse for ten years providing compassionate, competent nursing care to Hospice of Dubuque’s clients. We thank Rosie and Mary for their years of service and wish them well as they transition to retirement.

Pat Reinsmoen, who has served as a part-time social worker since 2012. Pat and her husband are relocating to the Iowa City area to be closer to their children and grandchildren. We thank Pat for her service to Hospice of Dubuque’s patients and families and wish her well.

Hospice of Dubuque bids farewell to ...

A Friendship PrayerSmiles when sadness

intrudes, Rainbows to follow the clouds, Hugs when spirits sag, Sunsets to

warm your heart, Laughter to kiss your lips, Beauty

for your eyes to see, Faith so that you can believe, Friendships to brighten

your being, Confidence for when you doubt, Courage to know yourself, Patience to accept the truth, Love to

complete your life.

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I’m a runner. I’m one of those crazy people who voluntarily get out of bed at 5 am, six days a week, and head outside for a run. My running has taken me to many beautiful and historic parts of our country, allowing me to stop for an occasional guilt-free donut along the road. But last year my running took me to a place I will never forget. Last year my running took me to Boston.

I completed the Boston Marathon in 2013, just minutes before the bombs went off. Shuffling through the finishers chute, hearing the first, then second explosions, I had no comprehension of what had happened and was more focused on the location of the nearest Dunkin Donuts. Sirens from fire trucks and ambulances filled the air. A volunteer who had been handing out medals came running up behind me, choking out her words between sobs. I will never forget her wide-eyed stare and her shock as she described the scene on the sidewalks she had just left. I instinctively grabbed her and held her, not realizing I was among the first of a countless number of healing moments that began that day in Boston.

In April of 2014, I stood again with the people of Boston. We stood as one to take back our race. I stood among 35,000 runners, 10,000 volunteers and over a million spectators of all ages gathered to cheer us on. We ran an old race, founded in 1897, with a profound new message of rebirth. We ran with a passion, a strength and a resolve that never faltered, as each footstep reinforced an indelible foundation of pride. And after this race, I got a donut.

We stood as oneElizabeth Riffel-Altman, Hospice Nurse

From the mailbag...Hospice of Dubuque did a great job of alleviating Janet’s

fears of “Hospice” care. After meeting the nurses, she said to her daughter-in-law “You’re right. They are nice people. I think we’ll get along just fine.” Thanks for making the last

few days of her life easy by eliminating a lot of her fears. The spiritual support was exceptional!

- Tim

Professional, compassionate care was evident from the onset of hospice care for Mom. From the initial social worker interview with Nichole, who gently walked the family through the hospice process; to Jen, Mom’s primary nurse, who communicated on a regular basis Mom’s status; and with all the nurses who saw Mom to assess her changing condition, we were reassured that Mom was in good hands. Her end of life care was exemplary, supportive and comforting! For this we are grateful!

- Janet

Having Hospice of Dubuque gave Mom the independence she desired up to the very end. I knew she was in good hands, even when I wasn’t able to be there.

- Julie

It was one of my hardest decisions in

my life to say it is time for hospice. I cannot say enough

good about your whole team.

Everyone we met was compassionate

and caring. They took the time to sit and talk with mom

and our family.

- Jean

The family’s objective was to use the services to make my

mother’s last days as comfortable

as possible. Surprising, that covered a period of 13 months.

Hospice of Dubuque did a great job.

Thank you.- Eugene

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Bereavement Support GroupsIf you are interested in attending an upcoming Fall Bereavement Support Group or would like more information, contact Jessica, Bereavement Coordinator, at 563.582.1220 or finkenauerj@hospiceofdubuque.org.

Wish list

Sharing griefPat Pierce, Bereavement Support Group Facilitator

“I would say to my friends, ‘When I cannot come out from my house of grief, put your hand to the open window and I will hold on for dear life’.”

For use with families• Small CD players

Books for bereavement support• Living When a Loved One Has Died by Earl A. Grollman• Finding Your Way After Your Spouse Dies by Marta Felber• Letter to a Grieving Heart by Billy Sprague• The Gift of a Memory by Marianne Richmond• I’m Grieving as Fast as I Can: How Young Widows and Widowers

Cope and Heal by Linda Feinberg• A Handbook for Widows by Rose Rubin and Corrine Jacobson • A Handbook for Widowers by Ed Ames• Alone and Surviving by Rae Lindsay• Starting Over by Adele Rice Nudel• Grief Therapy by Karen Katafiasz• Hope When You’re Hurting by Dr. Larry Crabb and Dr. Dan Allender

“Welcome! I know how very difficult coming here for the first time can be, but you’re in a very safe place … maybe even safer than with your family and friends. Everyone is here for the same reason … to be able to share the pain of losing a loved one.”

That’s pretty much the way we start the first gathering of each six-week Bereavement Support session. The depth of the pain is still intense and tears flow easily as those attending just want someone to fix the deep loss they’re feeling. If only we could just wave a wand and the pain would be gone. That’s not the way it works. We let them know that we are not counselors or therapists, only facilitators to guide them through these six weeks; and that they, themselves, will be the greatest healers for each other. In a place where ‘what is said there, stays there,’ they slowly feel free to share their stories and realize that they aren’t alone. Are they totally healed when they leave for the last time? No, but having shared each other’s grief often lightens the weight of their own.

As one of several facilitators, I find great joy in seeing the difference that those six weeks can make. They still hurt … they still cry from time to time. However, there is some hope that each day will be better than the last. I see new friendships made and more smiles than the sadness witnessed on that first day. Though this work pulls on my heart strings, brings back memories of my own losses and causes tears to well up in my eyes as I see the pain in theirs, it is most rewarding. I am thankful that I can hopefully be a healing witness in the journey of grief.

- Healing After Loss: Daily Meditation, Martha Whitmore Hickman

Contributions to Hospice of Dubuque support a nonprofit organization with a mission of compassionate care. Although Medicare and most insurance plans provide some coverage for hospice care, many services, including bereavement, are not reimbursed creating an additional expense for the organization. Your gift, whether monetary or in-kind, ensures that Hospice of Dubuque’s compassionate care is available to those who need, and request, hospice services. Thank you!

Hospice gifts

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Tour de Dubuque16thAnnualRidetobenefitHospiceofDubuqueonAugust23,2014

Sponsored by Custom Riders, Inc. in conjunction

with the Dubuque Bicycle Club and area car enthusiasts

By signing above, I understand that Custom Riders, Inc., an Iowa Corporation, the Dubuque Bicycle Club and Hospice of Dubuque cannot assume responsibility for any aspect of my safety. I participate in this event voluntarily and on my own assessment of skill, ability, facilities and conditions—assuming all risks. I release and hold harmless Custom Riders, Inc., the Dubuque Bicycle Club and Hospice of Dubuque for any injury or loss to my person or property which may result there from.

Name of Rider (printed)______________________________________

Signature of Rider______________________________________

Pledge Amount: _______________________

If you wish to receive a tax receipt, please fill out the information below.Address______________________________________City, State, Zipcode______________________________________Phone Number______________________________________Email______________________________________

Name / Address of Contributor Amount Nameandfulladdressmustbeprovidedifpatronswishtoreceiveataxreceipt._________________________________________________________________ $_______________

_________________________________________________________________ $_______________

_________________________________________________________________ $_______________

_________________________________________________________________ $_______________

_________________________________________________________________ $_______________

_________________________________________________________________ $_______________

_________________________________________________________________ $_______________

_________________________________________________________________ $_______________

_________________________________________________________________ $_______________

_________________________________________________________________ $_______________

TOTAL $_______________

Pledges

AllproceedsbenefitHospiceofDubuque.Donationsandpledgesaretax-deductible.

Riding in memory or honor of: _____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Passenger (printed)______________________________________

Signature of Passenger______________________________________

Pledge Amount: _______________________

Address______________________________________City, State, Zipcode______________________________________Phone Number______________________________________Email______________________________________

Use the form below to collect pledges for the 2014 Custom Riders, Inc. Tour de Dubuque

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Special thanks to ...• The organizers and supporters of the Wild Game Feed, for the

$3,800 donation.

• DuTrac Community Credit Union employees, for the $579 gift from various fundraisers held throughout the year.

• $100 from Dubuque Macaroni Kid Eeektacular event.

• Kathy’s Krystals, for the donation of $40 from a portion of jewelry sales at the Time Shop and Dubuque Farmers Market.

Sympathy to ... Hospice of Dubuque Staff ...Amy Koeller, on the death of her father-in-law, Melvin “Mel” Koeller, April 6.

Mary Greil, on the death of her father, Tom O’Rourke, May 27.

Hospice of Dubuque Volunteers ...Ken Heacock, on the death of his mother, Anna Heacock, April 18.

Karlyn Van Gelder, on the death of her uncle, Wayne Hingtgen, June 4.

Former Hospice of Dubuque Volunteers ...Martha Schrader, on the death of her husband, Thomas, May 17.

Lois Trilk, on the death of her husband, Thomas, May 19.

Alice Rhomberg, on the death of her husband, John, June 6.

Former Hospice of Dubuque Board Member ...Ann O’Brien, on the death of her husband, Patrick, June 3.

Medline Industries in Dubuque hosted their third annual 5K run on Saturday, May 17. Medline employees took advantage of a beautiful spring morning to run and raise funds for local charities. In the photo, Medline representatives Mark Simon and Mary Bradley present Executive Director, Lavonne Noel, with a check for $430 from the run. On behalf of the patients and families served by Hospice of Dubuque, we thank the Medline employees who planned for, worked at or ran in this successful event.

• In both life and gardening, there is a fair amount of dirty work. Sometimes you just have to dig in and get your hands dirty.

• A vision helps keep you moving forward. Working toward a goal makes the hard work worth it.

• It is up to you to plant the seeds and nurture the plants. It takes effort, but by putting in that effort, you are inviting new growth into your life.

• You have to have patience. You can’t force a seed to grow faster than nature intended or a tree to bear fruit on schedule. You’ve got to wait.

• You have to learn how to deal with things that are totally out of your control—weather, bugs, rabbits. Every garden, and every life, has things that are out of control.

• Sometimes you have to let things go. Maybe it’s a favorite tree that falls down in a storm. Maybe it’s frustration over endless weeds or pesky critters. Gardening is a process of making hard decisions and letting go.

• It’s hard to do it alone. You can do it alone, but it’s so much lovelier if you can do it with others, whether it’s your family or friends. The reality is there will almost always be a time when you need someone’s help—a neighbor with a garden tiller, someone to help you eat all your extra zucchini—and it’s always better if you have people around to help out when you need it.

• It’s good to be thankful. You can be an ungrateful gardener or person going through life, but . . . why? Nature and life are miracles, and being thankful adds so much richness and love to your life that why wouldn’t you do it? Plus, it’s free!

• Eventually the growing season will end and you will have to say good-bye. In gardening, you are witness to the seasons of life. • It’s all about love. Ultimately, the rewards for gardening and living can’t be measured in time, dollars or possessions. It’s only about love.

Gardening—a metaphor for life

Based upon a blog by Maria Rodale

Kathy Steger of Kathy’s Krystals has designed a Tree of Life bracelet. The bracelet, which sells for $15 with $5 donated to Hospice of Dubuque, is available at our office.

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Honorariums Greg BirkettVicky FreibergDeb HorchFr. William Joensen

MemorialsElaine (Hird) AdamsSharon AhlersJohn ArnzenMary Jo AtchisonThomas J. BackesSusan BauschFlorence L. BearsleyGeraldine “Gerry” BeavesFr. Clarence BeckleyHelen K. BellMarilyn BentleyPaul BergCharles BertlingDr. Gerald M. BeslerWilliam BeyerGeraldine “Jerry” BinghamGermaine BirdHerman BirkelCeleste BlumJohn BradleyConstance BrehmMelvin BrimeyerRobert BrimeyerL. J. “Vern” BrombergColette BuchheitBernell BuschEd ByarsDonald CainJohn CainEdward “Ed” CawleyJudi ChandleeErma ChapmanWray F. ChildersHarlan ClaphamDr. Richard ClaussenJohn “Jack” CorbettEunice CrippesCarl CutlipEmil F. DannerMary C. DannerHelen DaughteryLenora DavisDonna DiedrichJustin DiesRobert DorothyPatricia DufresneJoel DurhamLinda EhlersGerald “Sunshine” & Rita EngelkenCarol ErrthumCharlie FieldsVincent & Mary FitzgeraldMaryLee FoxRuth FreeseKathryn FrommeltGregory M. “Greg” FrostDan GantenbeinBarb GatenaSherrie GavinMaury Germain

Dorothy GibbsLeo B. GrassGinny GrimesVernon GudenkaufTom & Mike GulickGeorge HaasRichard HafnerChristopher HagenDelores HannanLorraine HarmsJim HaudenschieldEd HawksAnna HeacockHarry G. HeroldJerome B. HesselingWayne HingtgenMarilyn HollandMadona HolmesCharlotte HoodThomas W. HoppmanNick & Helen HornungDaniel L. HoyCarolyn IrwinViola JantzMike JentelHelen JohannsenEugene JohnsonLoren JunkJames KahleWilliam KaiserLloyd “Bud” KeilKen KelchenFaith KellyRichard KiefferDiAnn KilburgJoanne Hamel KilburgAlice KirpesGene KleinGeorge KlingeKaren KlostermannMelvin KoellerImogene KohnLynn KrausmanJohn KunkelMona KupferschmidtColletta Marie LagenMerlin LangkampNancy LemireJohn & Betty LippertBonnie LoveLucille LudovissyLucy LunsfordSteve W. MakovecJanet MarshallLouise McAllisterHarold McCafferyVirginia McCauleyPeggy O’Neill McClearyTom McDermottDonna McGuireMargaret “Peggy” McMahonAllen MerkesGeorge MeyerMerlin MeyerGale MickelMargaret “Bacon” MihalakisSherill MillerMary Moriarity

Raymond “Whitey” MuellerSharon MuellerRyan MulgrewJohn “Abe” MullenMary A. NaumanGary NebelRita M. NeslerRonald NewtonBetty NicksRichard NillesAnita NorthrupPat O’BrienToby O’BrienJack & Dorothy O’NeillGordon OglesbyRobert “Bob” PhillipsLoretta PitzScott PotterLouis L. ReckerBob ReddingDavid RenoJohn RhombergFr. Thomas RhombergDoris Riekena Louise RiesShirley RisleyKenneth RitenourIvalene RobbinsRobert K. RogersDavid RohnerBob & Rita RousselDonald RueferRaymond SantelerEdora ScheffertVerna Mae ScherbringRobert SchillingRobert SchmerbachRandy SchmittAnn SchmitzCatherine SchoofsTom SchraderQuentin SchumacherGermaine SchusterThomas J. SchuteHarlan SchutteThelma Helen Stovall SedovicJeanette SlatteryKenmer SplinterJoAnn M. SteveRilla StewartShirley StonskasWilliam J. SutterBernice SwiftCletus TebbeWesley J. “Wes” Theill, Jr.John P. TheobaldRobert “Bob” ThillMary Virginia “Winnie” ThompsonDelores TiggesLeo TippeDella TrilkThomas James “Tom” TrilkMary TullyLottie UngsEdmund J. VandermillenMarlyn L. VanNattaWilliam Ward

Don WarrenRichard WeberJames H. WegmannKathy WellsArnold WelterRobert WielandHelen WillenborgHenry WillettJean WittWilliam WodrichJohn J. WoerdehoffVirginia WrightCleo C. ZaszczuryaskiCarl Zauche

Businesses, Groups and Matching GiftsAlliant Energy Foundation Matching Gifts ProgramAlliant Energy Service Anniversary ProgramCenter Grove United Methodist ChurchDuTrac Community Credit UnionGiese CompaniesIBM Employee Charitable CampaignKathy’s KrystalsLange Sign Group, Inc.Portzen Construction, Inc.Prudential Foundation Matching GiftsSisters of Charity, BVMSt. Elizabeth Mothers ClubWells Fargo Community Support Campaign

In-Kind GiftsRobert BlockKathy BrombergFr. Scott BullockThom and Katie DetermanJohn EhlersDon KiefferCheryl LopezPat MandersLarry ReganSisters of Charity, BVMBev UnsenAnn Wertz

Summer 2014 Honorariums/MemorialsWe gratefully acknowledge these monetary gifts as well as donations made to our loan closet, received from April 4 through June 24. If a name is inaccurate or missing, please call Community Relations at 563.582.1220. If you are looking for a name from the Tree of Life Service Memorial Service, the list can be found on www.hospiceofdubuque.org.

Hospice of Dubuque is committed to respecting your privacy. You have received the Hospice of Dubuque newsletter because you or a family member have used Hospice of Dubuque services, made a donation or volunteered for a fundraiser. We never disclose our mailing list. If you prefer to have your name removed or choosetoreceivethenewsletterbyemail,pleasecontactusat563.582.1220orcommunity_relations@hospiceofdubuque.org.

Did you know? Dubuque’s

Flowerama donates bouquetsofflowers

for birthdays or anniversaries of our Hospice of Dubuque

patients. This is just another way

local businesses and organizations reach out in support of our mission.Thankyou!

Thank you to all who visited the Great

Give Day website on May 6 to contribute

to Hospice of Dubuque. Through this 24-hour, online

giving program, Hospice of Dubuque received credit card gifts totaling $2,830, and was eligible for

an additional $345 in matching funds.

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My GalJulie Grutz, Hospice of Dubuque VolunteerI first met Mary Lou in September. She told me about herself and her family of origin. She couldn’t see much more than shadows, so I shouldn’t have been surprised when I said her room felt cozy and she asked, “Why?” I liked that question and described some of the decorations that prompted my comment. I was struck not only by her beautiful smile and warm voice as she held my hand and talked to me but also by her sense of humor and intelligence. At the end of our first meeting she told me she wanted me to read Robert Ludlum to her.

When I showed up a few days later, I had the Ludlum book, The Bourne Identity, in hand. My first question was “Are you sure?” as it was 600 pages, action-packed and slightly violent. She was sure. I can admit that I filtered something on almost every page, partly because I wasn’t going to swear and partly because if I had, I think they may have banished me from the Clare House.

I read and visited each week and sometimes when she was too tired I would sit and hold her hand while she slept. When the season for caramel apples at the local candy store was upon us, I learned that she had never tried one. She agreed to an apple if I shared it with her. If she didn’t already have my heart, she captured it then. She loved every bite the first time and the next time.

To others, I would call her “my gal,” to keep confidentiality and because I did come to see her that way. Sometimes people will ask, “How can you volunteer at Hospice, isn’t it sad?” My reply is that this is an opportunity to be giving the love I have inside to people at a time they need it and I want to be contributing. Stepping back doesn’t make the path of life go any differently.

I’m reading a book called Beginning Mindfulness. It’s about learning to breathe and being present in the moment. After my gal died, I realized that’s what she and I were doing together for those nine months, whether I was helping her get warm, enjoying the first bites of our caramel apple, reading the “edited version” of our book, putting lotion on her arms or just sitting there holding hands. We were breathing and present in our moments together. I am thankful for this lesson.

I am also mighty thankful for the time I got to spend with my gal. I will never forget her smile, how she would say “God bless you” every time I left or how she would take my hand and say “If I’m sleeping when you get here, make sure you wake me up.” I will never forget laughs shared and lessons learned. Rest in peace Mary Lou.

After an experience with hospice, many families will ask if there is some way they can contribute or give back. One of Hospice of Dubuque’s most valuable resources is our volunteer program. In addition to volunteers who provide hands-on support to patients and their families, volunteers are needed for many non-patient-related activities, such as serving as a board member, fundraising, bereavement support, office duties or just being available to lend a helping hand.

Community Relations thanks the group of volunteers for their assistance with the recent Tree of Life mailing. This group was helpful in scaling down the cost of the mailing and genuinely enjoyed each other’s company as they worked together for a cause. Also, thank you to Dave Unsen and Lyle Cardy for lending their expertise with stringing and removing the 1,500 lights on the Tree of Life display. A special thanks to Paul Koerperich of Mi-T-M for constructing the metal flower for the tree display. You are all invaluable to Hospice of Dubuque!

Many hands really do make light work!

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!

- Helen Keller

Above: Lyle and Dave put the

finishingtoucheson the Tree of Life display.

Below: Volunteers are busy with

our Tree of Life mailing.

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Webster’s dictionary defines a comforter as: One that comforts; A quilted bed cover.

“Comforter” is an old fashioned word which, by its very definition, has a personal, a spiritual and a practical dimension. All have to do with the provision of warmth or care. The work of hospice has been compared to a patchwork quilt or comforter, carefully stitched together with skill and vision, hard work, and loving hands. It is a fitting analogy. On a chilly night it is the mere presence of the comforter which makes all the difference. When patients and/or significant others shiver in the face of death or grief, or caregiver stress, it is the sheer power of a warming persona, often without words, that fends off the penetrating frost.

In a patchwork comforter some patches more readily catch the eye; some come to the foreground; some may appear more vital or more important to the integrity of the fabric than others. In reality, the absence of any patch—no matter how brilliant or retiring—allows the cold to rush in.

To those who walk through the dark night of the soul, human comfort is the buffer, the cushion of warmth against the elements of fear, loneliness, despair and grief. The mission of hospice care is to blanket the community with a patchwork comforter with no holes.

When I think of the hospice comforter, I like to imagine that every piece of work is a patch and every patch represents a story of physical, emotional and spiritual need being validated, addressed, enfolded, covered and tucked in.

The presence of the comforter will not forever drive away the cold or defeat the darkness or keep at bay the frightening shadows we all will face.

But says the comforter:I will be with you,I will lend you warmth,I will not leave you comfortless.

Nancy Knipper (left) is presented

with the door prize at the Soup and Salad Supper

The comforterKarl Netting, M.Div. (Abridged version) Please do not use or cite without permission of the author

2014 Volunteer In-Service CalendarSeptember 25

Ann Scott, Hospice of Dubuque DietitianTheisenEducationCenter,6pm

Have a great summer!

Hospice of Dubuque volunteers gathered in April to celebrate National Volunteer Week with a Soup and Salad Supper. We had a great time with a wonderful turnout. The evening included a tribute video, door prizes and plenty of delicious food for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to all who attended and congratulations to Nancy Knipper, the winner of the door prize, a lovely quilt made and donated by Melissa Radtke.

Volunteer classes scheduled

Hospice of Dubuque is offering classes for anyone interested in becoming a patient volunteer. Classes meet once a week for eight consecutive Mondays, September 8 to October 27, from 3–5 pm at Hospice of Dubuque. The classes will cover the Hospice philosophy and caring for the medical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the terminally ill and their families. Volunteers play an important role working with the professional staff to provide support and care to patients and their families. Space is limited so please call early. Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Debbie Horch at 563.582.1220.

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NonprofitOrgUS Postage

PAIDDubuque, IowaPermit No. 477

RETURNSERVICEREQUESTED

A quarterly publication of Hospice of Dubuque Volume 27, Number 2Summer 2014

Our MissionProviding compassionate care for the terminally ill and their loved ones

563.582.1220www.hospiceofdubuque.org

1670 JFK Road, Dubuque IA, 52002

Mark Your Calendar!

July 26, 2014 - Big Duffer Hospice Golf Outing

August 4 2014 - Bill’s Tap Fish Fry

August 23, 2014 - Tour de Dubuque

August 23, 2014 - Irish Hooley

For more information on events please visit www.hospiceofdubuque.org, call 563.582.1220

or contact community_relations@hospiceofdubuque.org

“We only die once and Sheila

died with the best care possible in

the comforting hands of hospice.

Your organization is compassion

across the board.”

Pat F.