Doing The Good Work

First fundraising even held at the Dogwood's Black Box, 2016.

NC Compassion Home continues their mission, deserves support

By Ken DeLaat, Publisher, Near North Now

“We believe care of the dying to be an act of mercy that our community will embrace and support as a worthy endeavor.”- Ann LaPres-Hindes at first NCCH event
 
Five and a half years ago and just a couple weeks after we launched Near North Now I received  a call from Amy Drilling, a nurse at Gerber Memorial, about running a story in our fledgling journalistic endeavor about an initiative she was part of. It seems a group of nurses were discussing the idea of establishing a cost-free volunteer-staffed home to provide care for those who are facing the end of life stages.

After meeting with her I began the article thusly:
I have known a lot of nurses in my time. I’ve worked with them, sat on boards and committees with several, been friends with many and have had the privilege of being married to one for over 4 decades (a nurse, mind you whose Mother and Aunt were nurses before her so the creed is steeped in family tradition).
While never claiming to know more than a smattering of what creates these wonderful folks, there are some things that are just understood. For instance,  when there is a problem that needs solving, a puzzle to be unraveled, a gap in service that needs to be addressed or other pressing issue, if it is put in the hands of nurses who have decided on a course of action it will most certainly be done.

In our meeting Ms. Drilling spoke to how the initiative got started.
“Ann (LaPres-Hindes) read about the Mother Teresa Home in Lansing and we decided to go visit.
“We came away just amazed and excited  at what they were doing, the level of compassion and care given to all who entered their doors,”  

Sharing their enthusiasm with others who had been part of the discussion, the group got rolling and formed a nonprofit organization called the Newaygo County Compassion Home for the Terminally Ill.

Since that time N3 has run numerous articles on this organization and watched their growth from those early roots to the highly regarded program it is today as they continue to carry out their mission.
I have had the privilege of speaking to folks who have had the experience of having a loved one receive care at the Compassion Home and each has been beyond impressed with the workings of the facility. This is truly a program that has made a tremendous impact on our community by their dignified and devoted approach to those who are nearing the end of life.

When considering the passion with which these palliative paladins pursued their vision I finished the story on their first shindig with:
“The event proved successful in helping the organization gain some traction in their quest and now the group will be looking at the next step toward achieving their goal.
And achieve their goal, they will.
After all, these are nurses.
So I certainly wouldn’t bet against them.
Smart no bet, I’d say.

Consider attending their event On October 29th at the Dogwood Center in Fremont. 
https://www.nearnorthnow.com/living-well/event-to-support-compassion-home
And while you’re there munching on a few hors d'oeuvres, participate in the silent auction and then  listen to the words from the folks who describe their contact with Compassion House.

However, if you cannot attend, consider supporting their mission with either your dollars or your time.
They are truly doing the good work.
And they deserve our support.

L-R Diane Rudholm, Mary Henry, Julie Imarah, Brandee Chase, Ann Hindes, Amy Drilling at 2016 event

Group shot at 2016 Event