Layla Simpson with her mom, Amanda, while  Layla  was  a patient of Angela Hospice’s My  Nest  is Best Pediatric Program .  This  donor-supported  program helps children  to receive expert care  for terminal illnesses,  while remaining in the  comfort of home, with  family and loved ones  to support them. by Dana Casadei If Layla Simpson cries and it sounds different than usual, her mom, Amanda, wonders if Layla will be alive the next day. “I know that sounds dramatic but it’s kind of where we are at,” Amanda said. After you learn about Layla, who was born with a very rare birth defect called an encephalocele and is an Angela Hospice patient, it doesn’t sound so dramatic anymore. The 20-week ultrasound is where the Simpsons’ emotional roller-coaster began. That ultrasound, also known as the anatomy scan, is where many parents often get the first glimpse of their child, and photos of their pro...

Communication is a good thing. But what happens if you become unable to express your own wishes and beliefs? Making your end-of-life preferences known in advance can help ensure your wishes are heard even if your voice isn’t. And it’s simpler than you may think. Join us for a free, three-part series. Through expert insight, you’ll learn what to consider, how to plan ahead and make your wishes known, and come away with a legal document you can share with your family and healthcare providers. Presenters include the region's leading experts in ethics, senior care, home care, palliative care and hospice. As You Wish: Personalizing Advance Care Planning Wednesdays, April 26 through May 10 7 to 8:30 p.m. At St. Mary Mercy Livonia North Auditorium 36475 Five Mile Road, Livonia 48154 Register for this free series here For more information, call (734) 655-8943.

Jodi Eiseman’s boyfriend told her he’d bring her bike inside the house when she got too sick to ride it. It’s a favorite napping spot now for Jodi’s cat, Love Potion. See more photos at the end of this article. Jodi Eiseman has some things she wants to get off her chest. She’s about to turn 49, and she knows she won’t see 50. So she wants to tell her story. It’s one of faith, perseverance, and love – with a dose of humor too. FAITH Faith has always been what helped Jodi through. Before she was even old enough for kindergarten, as a scared little girl she saw a statue of the Blessed Mother start to glow. Mary brought Jodi comfort, and had a message of peace for her – even if it was a little lost on a mesmerized child. “At that age, you’re looking at Mary and going, ‘But you’re glowing. I hope you know that,’” Jodi remembered. But that has been the story of her life ever since: when she was scared, when she felt unloved or unsupported, and even now as cancer tries to take over...