“So Men of TEN, I too have a story of survivorship”
End of life educator Lorraine Hall's career is personal
Interview by Walter Pritchard, TEN Media
Lorraine Hall, the longest tenured member of The Empowerment Network Board of Directors, has a heart for people, a heart that beats life into those who are experiencing the sunset in their lives, those who are venturing through health challenges like the prostate cancer that took the life of the man she loved and had planned to marry.
Long before the Covid-19 pandemic turned the world upside down and inflicted mankind with pain, suffering and death, Lorraine’s heart had to beat not just for others, but for her: she lived through a severe stroke on December 15, 2015 that required her to spend Christmas Day and New Year's Day of that year hospitalized. She was in rehab for three long months.
“I continue to struggle with some things; my faith in God for what He has done for me lifts me up and reinvigorates me daily,” Lorraine says. “So Men of TEN, I too have a story of survivorship.”
Below, Lorraine shares her story in her own words.
How did you get involved with TEN? How did you meet Mellve?
I was at a community fair more than 12 years ago, that’s where I met Mellve. He was speaking. I told him my story of the man I loved had died of prostate cancer. Mellve spoke so passionately. My heart hurt all over again and I knew I had to get involved in honor of my friend. Mellve asked me to come to a survivors meeting. I was so moved with the sharing of support for each other from so many men that I joined the Board of Directors. I’ve sat on many boards but TEN is the most meaningful and fulfilling one for me; I often tell the guys they do more for me than I could ever do for them. It’s truly an honor to serve the “MEN of TEN”.
Describe your career in palliative care.
I work as an End of Life Care educator for BJC Hospice. My title is Palliative Care Specialist. I work with patients and families diagnosed with a life limiting illnesses, whose prognosis's are six months or less. The goal is to focus on quality of life and not death. Life is a journey and there are so many stages of our journey. Hospice care is often the final stage of your journey. The hospice care provides the patient and family support during the journey and 13 months after the loved one has transitioned. Many of my hospice families have taught me so much about living life minute to minute and being grateful.
How has the pandemic impacted the heartfelt work you do?
The pandemic has presented many challenges. Many of our patients coming from nursing homes have not seen their loved ones for months. Some patients are dying alone. However, during a hospice stay while at the hospital, families are allowed limited visitation. The pandemic has also forced us to reassess our lives, prioritizing what’s important, making sure the days of past are just that—the past. How will tomorrow look for you? What change will you make?
You had a stroke at such as young age. How has that changed your life?
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately. Five years ago this holiday season I was hospitalized. I spent Christmas and New Year’s Day not sitting with my family at my mother’s dining room table, but lying in a hospital bed because of my stroke on December 15th.
As I think about my recovery, I realize how blessed I am. I remember asking God to restore my health and if He did I would spend the rest of my life doing His work. I am always ready to share my story with others, offering words of encouragement.
Oftentimes SSM Healthcare will call me to speak at their Day Institute where I rehabbed for over three months. I continue to struggle with some things, but my faith in God for what He has done for me reinvigorates me. So Men of TEN, I too have a story of survivorship.
What is the guiding light in your life that makes you want to get up every morning?
God has blessed me with this gift and I will forever do HIS work. To follow my career is to understand who I am and whose I am. GOD first, family second, life itself and the Mighty Men of TEN!!!!!!!!!
