“Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds, will continue in others.” – Rosa Parks
Like threads in the tapestry of life, memories of those we love weave together our past, present, and future – holding fast the bonds of family and community during times of gratitude and grief. Once bound into our hearts, these memories are a source of resilience, offering hope and healing to future generations.
Since its establishment in Fairfield County in 1984, FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care has been focused on easing the pain and fear that accompanies a terminal diagnosis, helping families create lasting connections at a crucial time – the end of life.
Though these moments may be difficult, they call us to reflect on the beauty of a well-lived life, and the memories that live on. Kristin Glasure, President and CEO of FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care hopes to shine a light on these heart-felt stories as part of an upcoming event, FAIRHOPE Celebrates Life 2024.
Taking place on March 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at The Mill Event Center, proceeds from the fundraiser will be dedicated to the organization’s Memorial Fund.
“We use the Memorial Fund strictly to pay for services to our patients and families. We will never turn anybody away,” Glasure explained.
FAIRHOPE’s Pickering House, which resides on 40 serene acres, offers residential end-of-life care for terminally ill patients of all backgrounds. For those who wish to stay within their homes, the organization also offers outreach services that improve the quality of life for patients throughout Fairfield, Hocking, and Perry counties.
Encompassing a broad spectrum of physical, emotional, and spiritual health services, the holistic care empowered by the Memorial Fund includes visits from nurses, social workers and clinical aides, spiritual team support, and all the medications and equipment patients and families need during the palliative journey.
During these bittersweet days families grow closer to each other, and to the FAIRHOPE team, many of whom are treated as close friends long after a loved ones’ passing.
“This is our 40th anniversary in this community. The people who will attend our event are not just community members, they are family survivors,” shared Glasure.
This history is deeply personal for Glasure, who first joined FAIRHOPE shortly after college as a social worker. Serving in this capacity for 30 years, she also coordinated the center’s volunteer program. And while much has changed in this time, support for hospice care has only grown stronger – empowered by growing awareness of the impact of hospice and palliative care on local lives.
“Studies show that when a person chooses hospice care it can extend their life six to eight weeks, at least,” Glasure stated. This extension is often the result of quality-of-life improvements and pain management practices that enhance overall wellbeing.
Because of this transformative impact, the FAIRHOPE team urges families to consider palliative care sooner.
“People feel they need to sign on to hospice when there are just a few days left in life,” stated Glasure.Explaining that “one call can do it all,” Glasure shared that those witnessing the declining health of a loved one, or planning for future palliative services, can call FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care at 740-654-7077 for guidance and care coordination.
Yet such seamless compassion requires a devoted team and an engaged community ensuring that each palliative patient has access to the dignity they deserve at the end of life. To this end, assistance in any measure can have lasting meaning.
Information about tax-deductible donations, memorial bricks, and volunteer opportunities can be found through the nonprofit’s website, fairhopehospice.org. Additionally, fundraiser information and online auction access for FAIRHOPE Celebrates Life 2024 can be reached through the FAIRHOPE website and Facebook page.
More than just a monetary contribution, donations to FAIRHOPE pay forward the gift of time for those with loved ones at the end of life, and the blessing of memories shared within a community of support.
“Don’t wait until your loved one is at the end of their life. No one with a terminal diagnosis will ever be turned away,” she concluded.
Upcoming events
Friday, April 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. Destination Downtown Lancaster hosts the Chocolate Walk. Downtown businesses will feature chocolate treats and the outdoor refreshment area will allow guests to purchase drinks from downtown bars and restaurants to enjoy on their walk. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased for either 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. shifts. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.destinationdowntownlancaster.com/ or call 740-277-6607.
Saturday, April 6, from 7 to 10 p.m., don’t miss the Lancaster Festival Reveal Event and Fundraiser at The Eagles Event Center, located at 1936 E. Main St., in Lancaster. Tickets are $30 and offer an exciting chance to find out who the headliners will be for the Lancaster Festival’s 40th anniversary. Music by Second Gear will start at 7:00 p.m. and live and silent auctions will take place all night. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and a cash bar will be available. For more information, visit LancasterFestival.org or call 740-687-4808.
Through Sunday, April 28, the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio presents From Struggle to Strength: Inspiring Journeys of Central Ohio’s Refugee Community. Through the photography of Tariq Tarey, the exhibit will chronicle the journeys of Central Ohio residents who fled danger and uncertainty in the hope of a better life. This exhibit is funded in part by the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission, as well as by PNC Arts Alive. More information can be found by visiting http://www.decartsohio.org/.