Record Attendance at Annual 5K and Memory Walk

test

Record Attendance at Annual 5K and Memory Walk

On Saturday, June 22, 271 runners and walkers laced up their sneakers for the 5th Annual Homeland Hospice 5K at City Island in Harrisburg, This is the highest attended race in the event’s history. Homeland Hospice is a hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Anne Phillips and her family

Anne Phillips and her family.

A new feature at this year’s event was a memory walk, which guided participants through hands-on activities focused on sharing memories of loved ones. The concept came from Ann Phillips, a volunteer with Homeland Hospice, who organized her friends and family to participate last year in remembrance of her husband Bob who died in 2015. The group wore “Team Bob” buttons with his photo on their t-shirts.

“Memories help sustain us through grief,” says Brian Medkeff-Rose, M.Div., M.A., Bereavement Counselor at Homeland Hospice. “Incorporating remembrance into the event was an opportunity to bring meaning and comfort to our participants.”

As the Porter family completed the memory walk, they spoke to each other about the death of their friend Psilocin Hatter, who died two months ago at age 17. The activity stations helped the younger Porter children talk about their grief and the things they miss most about their friend.

For the Anderson family, the day was an opportunity to honor Todd Anderson, a beloved husband, father and friend. Todd’s funeral was held the day before Homeland’s 5K. His family and friends decided to participate in the event as a chance to share uplifting memories of Todd and spend time with each other.

Brian Medkeff-Rose and Myra Badorf

Brian Medkeff-Rose
and Myra Badorf

“It feels good to be here with my family,” Erin Anderson says. “Today’s a day for happy memories of my father.”

Homeland’s 5K raised more than $25,000 from corporate sponsorships and individual donations. All proceeds benefit Homeland’s benevolent care program, which includes supportive services like massage, music and pet therapy and additional in-home relief hours. More than $3 million in free services was provided last year so patients and families could make the most of every moment together.

“We’re grateful for the outstanding support of this year’s event,” says Myra Badorf, Assistant Director of Development at Homeland Hospice. “The dedication, hard work and passion of our staff and volunteers made this year’s event the best one yet.”

Homeland Hospice provides bereavement support through phone calls, mailings, one-on-one consultations and support groups up to 13 months after the death of a loved one. Support groups offer self-awareness, healing, helping others, a sense of community and coping skills.

Homeland bereavement support program is available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief.

To learn more, please contact Brian Medkeff-Rose at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

Cathy and Carol: Friends in All Seasons of Life

test

Cathy and Carol

In good times, friends share laughter, create memories and plan for the future. They celebrate special occasions and inside jokes. In challenging times, they listen to each other’s heartache and provide stability and guidance. Cathy Paul and Carol Wood are such friends. Their lives are forever intertwined by the joys and challenges of life.

Cathy and Carol met through their church and quickly became friends. Their husbands also became friends and the couples began spending time together. Over the years, the group shared many happy moments and milestones.

In March 2017, Cathy’s husband died. During the last two weeks of his life, he received services from Homeland Hospice to help him manage his pain and remain at home. Homeland Hospice is a hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

The following March, Carol’s husband died. He also received hospice services from Homeland.

Cathy and Carol found themselves navigating a new reality, which had come far too early in life for these women. They have found comfort and strength in their friendship and support from Homeland Hospice.

“Cathy has taken me under her wing,” Carol says. “I don’t know how I would have gotten through the first year without her support.”

Both Cathy and Carol participated in Homeland’s six-week bereavement support group and attend the women’s luncheon series each month, which is led by Brian Medkeff-Rose, M.Div., M.A., Bereavement Counselor at Homeland Hospice.

Homeland Hospice provides bereavement support through phone calls, mailings, one-on-one consultations and support groups up to 13 months after the death of a loved one. Support groups offer self-awareness, healing, helping others, a sense of community and coping skills.

The monthly luncheons provide a safe space for women to share their grief and learn from the journey of others.

“It’s important to let others know what you are going through,” Cathy says. “I share my experiences so I can help other women in their time of grief.”

Last fall, Cathy and Carol set out on their first cruise together. They intended to visit Bermuda, but Hurricane Florence impacted their plans and they were redirected to the Bahamas.

“We set out on an adventure and got one,” Carol jokes. “Despite the weather, we had a great time and will try again to reach Bermuda this fall.”

Through each step, Cathy and Carol re-calibrate their expectations and plans to find happiness and purpose.

“Brian tells us not to think of the future as difficult, but different,” Cathy says. “I keep this in mind every day.”

The Women’s Soup and Salad Luncheons are held the third Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Isaac’s Grill at the West Shore Plaza.

Homeland Hospice’s bereavement support program is available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief.

To learn more, please contact Brian Medkeff-Rose or Noelle Valentine at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890

Families Share Treasured Memories at Annual Event

test

 

We all have them. Special memories of time spent with a loved one. With perfect clarity, we remember the sounds, scents and feelings of the moment. Sometimes the collection of these moments play like a slideshow in our mind. After the death of a loved one, these memories sustain us. They connect us to the past and give us strength to move forward in our grief.

At its Annual Remembrance Event, Homeland Hospice staff and volunteers welcomed family members who have lost a loved one during the past year. Homeland Hospice is a hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Families Share Treasured Memories at Annual EventEach family member was given an opportunity to share a cherished memory about his or her loved one. Afterwards, attendees selected a decorated memory rock to keep in honor of their loved one.

“I will always remember my husband’s phone calls,” remarked a widow at the event. “He would call me several times a day just to say I love you.”

When we can no longer go to our loved ones for advice, memories can serve as our compass and guide our actions.

“My mother taught me to stand tall in times of adversity,” recalled a daughter speaking about her mother. “She was pure courage under fire.”

For Amanda Thorson, a CNA with Homeland Hospice, this year’s event held added significance. Amanda’s father Joe died in February. Joe received in-home relief services through Homeland Hospice during his end-of-life journey.

“As a professional, I understood the severity of his illness,” Amanda said, “As a daughter, I was heartbroken.”

Amanda brought her family to the event to help her children in the grieving process. Recently, Amanda and her family have begun bereavement counseling through Homeland.

“Joe was my grandfather and best friend,” remarked Amanda’s daughter. “He was the glue that held our family together.”

Homeland Hospice provides bereavement support through phone calls, mailings, one-on-one consultations and support groups up to 13 months after the death of a loved one. Support groups offer self-awareness, healing, helping others, a sense of community and coping skills.

At the close of the event, Brian Medkeff-Rose, M.Div., M.A., Bereavement Counselor at Homeland Hospice reminded attendees that we have all been changed because of the people we knew and loved.

“Trust in the hope and promise of life,” Brian says. “Know that you are never alone.”

Homeland Hospice’s bereavement support program is available to the bereaved of Homeland’s patients as well as anyone in the community who is experiencing grief.

To learn more, please contact Brian Medkeff-Rose or Noelle Valentine at Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

A Journey from Hops to Beer: The Grief Path

test

A Journey from Hops to Beer: The Grief Path

“Creating our collection of farmhouse style beers is an exercise in patience,“ says Matt Miller, co-owner of Mellow Mink Brewing in Mechanicsburg. “We combine the ingredients in barrels and give beer time to develop its unique characteristics. The process can’t be rushed.”

The journey of grief, like the process of making beer, takes time and patience. While each individual’s journey is unique, everyone experiences transitions from recognizing loss to forming a new way of life.

At its recent event, “A Journey from Hops to Beer: The Grief Path” Homeland Hospice discussed the grieving process with individuals who have experience the death of a loved one. Homeland Hospice is a hospice program that serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.

For friends Cathy and Carol, the event was a chance to connect with others who understand the unique heartache of losing a loved one and navigating a new life. Cathy’s husband died two years ago and Carol’s husband died last year. Both families received services from Homeland Hospice.

“I’m here to support Carol because I know how difficult it can be to socialize during grief,” Cathy says. “I’ll support her as long as she needs me.”

Cathy and Carol both attend Homeland’s Women’s Luncheon Series, which provides an opportunity for women to navigate their grief journey in a safe and supportive space. No topic is off limits and everyone has an opportunity to share. They have found the luncheons to be source of strength and value new friendships made in the group.

Recently, the ladies took their first cruise together to the Bahamas. They are planning another cruise to Bermuda later this year.

“I couldn’t have made it through the past year without Cathy,” Carol says. “She’s both a mentor and friend.”

At the end of the evening, attendees sampled flights of beer from Mellow Mink and talked about their personal paths through grief. Individuals who were strangers when the night began offered each other support and encouragement.

“I know the journey is difficult, but it’s worth it,” says Brian Medkeff-Rose, M.Div., M.A., Bereavement Counselor at Homeland Hospice. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

Homeland Hospice provides bereavement support through phone calls, mailings, one-on-one consultations and support groups up to 13 months after the death of a loved one. Support groups offer self-awareness, healing, helping others, a sense of community and coping skills.

The Women’s Soup and Salad Luncheons are held the third Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Isaac’s Grill at the West Shore Plaza.

To learn more, please contact Homeland Hospice at (717) 221-7890.

An Uplifting Experience

test
Andrew, Dann, & Mark

L to R: Andrew Wenger,
Dann Caldwell, Mark Harris

Having a background in children and youth spiritual services, Andrew Wenger, did not know what to expect when he walked into his Homeland Hospice internship in September 2018. Andrew has spent the last seven months shadowing Dann Caldwell and Mark Harris. They taught him to listen more than speak, based on the needs of the patient and their family.

The value of silent observation was a helpful tool in “getting the full picture,” and “meeting the patient or family member where they are.” Andrew says that he was also given the opportunity to work with bereaved children and was able to familiarize himself with the process of preparing ahead of time, meeting them in the moment of loss, and continuing to counsel after all sets in.

Working with Hospice patients and their families has given Andrew a lot to consider in his future career of church service. Andrew says he will take the lessons he has learned and apply them to his work with church congregants, so that all are given a safe space to come and have someone who will reach out them in a moment of need. Good luck, Andrew! Thank you for all you did during your time with us!