Of Moments and Milestones |
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Rising to the Moment
Eleanor Crescenzi,
Volunteer Coordinator
By focusing on what is important to the dying person, end-of-life caregiving is unique in requiring an often-spontaneous rising to the present moment.
Beyond the checklists and must-do’s, these moments bear no resemblance to the catheter care and bedding changes that conventional caregiving entails. Rather, they reflect the courage that caregivers, nurses, and staff have in holding a sacred space for both the beyond words complexity and the sweet simplicity that characterizes end-of-life.
While working as a night shift CNA at Celia’s House, I cared for a resident who was plagued by nightmares; Her frightened voice echoed through the house as she called for her daughter. Many moments saw me sitting at her bedside, hand in hand, hoping that my quiet touch would see her through another night.
The experiences of Wade, a caregiver at Celia’s House, reflect this quiet approach. She describes praying with residents and holding their hand as examples of “doing all of the little things that you can” during times of distress. “Often,” she says, “taking the time to be with residents during these moments can be enough.”
Maria, a CNA, is guided by her heart. She recalls a caregiving moment when the difference between her own beliefs and those of a resident became evident. Her reaction was to consider the story behind the resident’s beliefs, noting that, “We are all human and yet we all believe different things.”
Debbie, RN, expresses a similar sentiment. She describes rising to these unique moments as, “Honoring what emerges for residents as they navigate their end-of-life journey. She explains that, “Our role in doing so is to meet the residents where they are letting their needs, and not our expectations, guide the process.”
Ryan, a caregiver, appreciates the opportunity to honor residents through the end-of-life rituals that have been a part of Celia’s House since we cared for our first resident. If the resident finds it comforting, we can help create a bedside altar, as well as support family and staff during the healing pause of the Honoring Ceremony. (The Honoring Ceremony is an optional ritual for families. This is an organized departure of the person’s body once they pass.)
This is what total care at end-of-life looks like, and these moments are often as powerful and impactful for the caregiving staff as it is for our residents and their loved ones.
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A Celebration of Life:
David Markewitz Touched the Lives of Many
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David Markewitz was a key figure in the launching of Celia’s House. Board member, volunteer at the HUB, Resident Support volunteer, he was always willing to lend a hand – wherever it was needed. Famous for asking “What do you need?” On June 19, Father's Day, over 100 people came to Celia's House for a celebration of his life, and generous willing heart that held so many. |
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Celia's House Begins an Annual Remembrance
Alexandria Castelo, Development & Communication Coordinator
The famous saying “home is where heart is” comes to life when you walk through the doors of Celia’s House. The aroma of home cooked food from Kevin and Larry, Eleanor’s cheerful voice moving through the hallways, and the vast variety of experiences that live in the rooms of the House.
Every person who lives and dies at Celia’s house contributes to the extraordinary energy within the walls of the house that extends out into the gardens. This is the last home for our residents, and we honor each life.
On June 1st, we held a Remembrance Ceremony in the Reflection Garden at Celia’s House to honor those we have had the privilege of serving since 2018. One member of our staff read the names of those we cared for in 2021, and others read poetry.
A local choir group, The Heartsong Singers, performed a song, and several generous volunteers from The HUB (Hospice Unique Boutique) came together to prepare appetizers and beverages for all of the families we invited.
As we prepared for the ceremony, a theme began to clearly emerge: Home.
Every year, additions are made to our Memorial and Community bricks—engraving the names of those we cared for, as permitted by the family. The most recent were completed in May, and the bricks on behalf of those we have cared for in 2022 will be completed next spring.
Thank you to everyone who was at this year’s Remembrance. Our plan is to make this an annual event. Your attendance showed love to the families of our past residents.
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Care Fund in Numbers
Lily Herwald, Development Director
Since April 1, 2022, generous donors have contributed $97,450 toward our $200,000 goal for Celia’s House Care Fund. We are almost 50% of the way toward our goal. The match from our generous anonymous board member has been met. Thank you to everyone who has contributed.
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We received amazing news that Harry and Barbara Oliver are offering another $25,000 match! You have an opportunity to double your money. So for example, if you contribute $100 your donation is worth $200, or your $500 donation is worth $1000. Please contribute before July 31st to meet this match!
Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice
217 S Modoc Ave
Medford, OR 97504
We are so grateful for each and every gift, and your support means so much to the residents and dedicated caregivers whose lives are touched by our services.
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Halfway There
P. Dean, The HUB Store Manager
It’s crazy how fast time flies and how things progress. Not only are we halfway through this year, but The HUB continues to thrive, grow, and be an important financial component of Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice and Celia’s House.
This year alone, The HUB is responsible for raising over $550,000 in income via the store, online sales, auctions and special events. With careful planning, a dedicated army of volunteers, and a loyal and expanding customer base, The HUB has already raised more than $200,000, nearly half of our goal—and we couldn’t be happier. These funds help pay for operational expenses of Celia’s House and The HUB—from the salaries of our employees, to ensuring our spaces are not just up to code, but warm and welcoming to all people.
With each contribution of time, donation of goods, in-store and online purchase, we get closer to meeting, if not exceeding, our budgeted goals.
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1618 Ashland Street, Ashland, OR
Store Hours:
Monday – Sunday, 10:30am – 5:00pm
(541) 488-7805
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- The HUB will be closed Monday, July 4th
- The HUB accepts donations Tuesday - Saturday 10:30am - 4:30pm
- Interested in volunteering at The HUB? Contact us (541) 488-7805
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Why The Last Mile is the Most Important
Alexandria Castelo, Development & Communication Coordinator
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The Covid pandemic changed the lives and plans of almost everyone.
For a group of runners from Southern Oregon University, inspired by their fellow runner and lead pastor of Medford’s Living Hope Church, Shawn Snyder, they turned a delayed marathon training plan into a mile-by-mile fundraiser for Celia’s House Care Fund.
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Jordin, one of the runners who led the fundraiser explained, “We trained initially for a different marathon last year, and that one turned virtual due to what was happening with the pandemic. It left most of us craving more—so a few of us decided to sign up for the annual marathon in Newport, Oregon.
“It started as, ‘hey, this is a beautiful place to finally run an in-person marathon’ and then Shawn came to us and shared really powerful information about Celia’s House and what quality end-of-life care can look like. Suddenly the purpose for our effort became clear.”
The Newport Marathon and Half Marathon took place Saturday, June 4th, and each runner who helped participate in the fundraiser finished the race. Jordin, Luis, Shawn, Marc, Emily, David, Mekenzie, Zion, and Aaron decided to turn their personal milestones into a gift for Celia’s House.
“I felt that the name of the fundraiser, The Last Mile, really came together for me after running,” relayed Jordin. “The last mile of a run is the most challenging and the most important. Running not just for myself but for others really made a world of difference.”
Thank you so much to those who supported this fundraiser. Your generous donations ensure that dying individuals have access to quality care in their final days.
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Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice & Celia's House
Mailing Address: 217 S. Modoc Ave., Medford, OR 97504
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