Hospice Summer Breakfast,

A Thankful Gathering

By Dottie Evans

“It’s a tradition. The same tables keep coming back. Each year we see new faces along with the familiar ones,” said Terri Nackid, director of community relations and development for Regional Hospice.

As Ms Nackid unfolded her pink linen napkin and poured coffee for hospice volunteer Joanne Logan sitting nearby, she glanced happily around the large banquet room at The Fireside Inn, where approximately 320 Hospice supporters were enjoying a full sit-down breakfast served by their hosts, the table sponsors. Also at the head table, fundraiser co-chair Marg Studley greeted newcomers and made sure of directing them to their designated tables.

The 15th Annual Summer Breakfast put on by the Newtown Chapter of Regional Hospice took place Wednesday, June 16, and according to co-chairman Janet Hovious, it was the “most well attended ever.”

It was also the most successful in terms of raising money for Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, Inc. After the checks, table tips, and cash donations had been counted, it appeared nearly $17,000 had been donated. Last year’s breakfast earned $16,000.

Rabbi Shaul Praver, spiritual leader of Congregation Adath Israel, opened with a prayer. He recognized “the blessed work” that hospice caregivers provide for patients with serious, chronic, and life-limiting illnesses.

“Seeing a loved one pass away can be as quick and seamless as watching a strand of hair lifted off still water, or it can be as prolonged as watching the cottony fluff leave a seed pod bit by bit, blowing in the wind.

“As their faculties wane, we hope they will have dignity and freedom from pain. We want to remember the special brightness in each soul. Hospice can help,” Rabbi Praver said.

Guest speaker Judy Leko told the audience about her experience of losing her 80-year-old mother, Margaret Esser, to tonsillor cancer in February 2002. Her mother had been living in Michigan but came to Connecticut in January 2001, after her father had died, to be closer to family while she fought the disease.

“My mother was an amazing woman. She had a feeding tube in her abdomen and was able to manage both that and her pain medication herself for a time. But she was terrified of choking. We asked Hospice to come in, and the home health aide visited on a daily basis,” Ms Leko said.

“Although I had been working 20 years in the medical field, nothing prepared me for the emotional roller coaster of dealing with this.”

The continuity of care offered by Hospice was a godsend for emotional as well as medical support.

“They always had her care history file on hand when providing assistance at home, and her medications were delivered to our door. Also, the nurse would talk with my mother about things that were on her mind –– difficult topics we as a family were not able to initiate,” she added.

Finally, Ms Leko left her job to take care of her mother full time. But “Peggy’s” condition deteriorated to the point that she needed institutional care in a nursing home.

“Even then, the same caregivers visited her.”

After her mother’s death on February 26, 2002, Ms Leko recognized she needed bereavement counseling, which is also available to Hospice families.

“Everyone seemed back to normal but me. I was tearful and angry, and I had to work through it.

“I can’t say enough about the help we received from Hospice. It is a program of integrity provided by competent community professionals. We are here today because of this wonderful adventure that we have all heard about.”

Then it was time to distribute the 30 prizes offered by raffle donors. These ranged from a painting by Newtown artist Betty Christensen and a gift box from McLaughlin Vineyards to a haircut at the Sandy Hook Barber Shop or a massage at Therapeutic Bodywork. Flowers in the centerpieces were donated by Lexington Gardens, and the balloons were donated by Stop & Shop.