FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FULL CONTACT INFORMATION:

Ashley Dostie, Intern
(203)-483-8063 / (203) 315-7575
ashley.dostie@uconn.edu
http://www.hospice.com
100 Double Beach Road,
Branford, CT 06405

Hospice Celebrates a Legacy of Hope, a Legacy of Love

Hundreds demonstrate why love matters

By Ashley Dostie

In celebration of the lives of patients, the Connecticut Hospice held its fourth annual Legacy of Hope event on May 15^th, 2011.

The event put to display an unveiling of new bricks which line an outdoor pathway at the water-front institution. A vivid array of multihued flowers marked the site of the new bricks as families walked the path in remembrance of loved ones.

Despite a cloudy overcast and some brief emergences of rain, over 300 families came to view the now 1,635 bricks that have been placed in the grounds of the Connecticut Hospice. The bricks, donated by the families, are inscribed with dedications and names of those patients who have passed under the care of hospice.

“The setting here is so inspiring, it really brings you a sense of peace,” said Jan Doyon, wife of the late Donald Doyon. Dressed in a black and white floor length ensemble, Doyon spoke passionately on the deep love she still has for her late husband in spite of three years of mourning. “He passed in North Carolina, he was the most remarkable person I have ever met,” she said.

The program included a time of prayer by the Reverend Bill Keane, performances by the Hospice Arts Department and a multitude of guest speakers that sought to emphasize the importance of legacy, hope and strength.

Cheever Tyler, the keynote speaker and well known lawyer in the New Haven County area, said, “Hospice makes you feel so much more comfortable with your love. At the ends it’s celebratory, and I wanted to get that point across. At the end of the day there is always a beautiful sunset and hospice creates that sunset.”

In light of the sunset, and the conclusion of a life, Anne Nugent RN, BS, MA, MBA, the director of nurses for the Connecticut Hospice and guest speaker, stressed that even though a time of mourning, one is never alone. “I hope that you feel, despite the loss of your loved one, you still have our support. Our bereavement services are available to you and there is always a nurse at the end of the phone to talk with you and support you as needed,” she said.

Initially inaugurating hospice care in America in 1974, the Connecticut Hospice has become a symbol of hope, love and benevolence. Addressing physical, spiritual, and emotional needs, a staff of medical professionals provides care of the highest quality to patients with terminal illnesses.

Today, the Connecticut Hospice continues to celebrate the legacy of patients and further place importance on their own personal motto, “Love Matters”.

 

For those who wish to participate in future events please contact Linda Laucella at the Connecticut Hospice.

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Ashley Dostie is a double major in Journalism and Public Relations. She is currently a summer intern from the University of Connecticut for the Connecticut Hospice.