Diane McDonald, MA, FT In honor of Spiritual Care Week, October 20-26, we asked Angela Hospice's Director of Spiritual Care, Diane McDonald, to tell us about her work. Diane has been with Angela Hospice since 2016 as supervisor of the Spiritual Care team. What do you find most rewarding about your work? I find most rewarding the opportunity to touch people’s lives at possibly one of their weakest moments. Can you describe an especially memorable story about working at Angela Hospice? Each patient, family, and staff member are memorable but if I had to choose one it would be my witness of a healing/reconciliation between a mother and son. What inspired you to pursue work in your field? Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson has inspired me from when I was a young child all the way through my adult ministerial life. One of his quotes is: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” I want to touch people’s lives because I am an expression of God and...

From left: Christie Laster, Community Responsibility for BCBSM; Angela Hospice's telehospice team members Colleen Monfette, Karen Gugala, Kelly Kovach-Collicott; and Katie Wendel, Senior Manager of Advocacy for Area Agency on Aging 1-B. Angela Hospice's telehospice services team was proud to accept the Silver Key Coalition Tess Canja Innovation Award sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan on October 17. The award was presented at the Aging Matters Expo held at the Fellowship Chapel in Detroit. Named in honor of Tess Canja, a lifelong advocate for compassionate elder care, the Silver Key Coalition Tess Canja Innovation Award is given to agencies that work to improve health-related situations for older adults. Our Telehospice Program includes an easy to use tablet device that enables patients and caregivers to talk face to face with an Angela Hospice nurse 24/7. Angela Hospice's telehospice program, made possible through a grant from the ...

If you're planning to join us for the  Light Up a Life Auction & Gala on Friday, October 25, and you're thinking about getting into our retro theme, you might be considering how to bring that retro flair to your cocktail attire. Take a look at these vintage designs for inspiration, then get ready to "Let the Good Times Roll!" Whatever you decide to wear – from retro to up-to-the-minute modern – we're just happy to have you celebrate with us as we raise raise funds to support families in need in our community. Because remember, generosity looks good on everyone! Buy your tickets here .  (Tickets must be purchased in advance)

Cheryl Alawuru with her nurse, Darlene Mood Our patient Cheryl Alawuru recently visited Comerica Park as part of the Detroit Tigers "Dreams Come True" program. She enjoyed a sunny day at the ballpark, was able to meet some of the players, and saw her name up in lights. "I had a really nice time," Cheryl said. "It was really good to meet some of the players. The people were very, very nice to me. My favorite part was seeing my name on the big bulletin board! It said: Welcome Cheryl Alawuru." Here are some  photos from Cheryl's day with the Tigers. Photo Credit: Detroit Tigers

Debbie Vallandingham and therapy dog Piper by Debbie Vallandingham, LMSW-ACSW, Angela Hospice Bereavement Manager We all know that grief is what we experience after we suffer a loss. Although grief is experienced during all seasons, it is often felt strongly in autumn as the fall colors change. As we head towards the holiday season, here’s a short refresher course on the characteristics of grief. Forgetfulness Those suffering from grief often experience the loss of memory. They can miss appointments or forget to complete tasks. Disorganization Those suffering from grief appear to be disorganized. They may often start projects and then have an inability to complete them. They may feel disoriented and ineffective in their daily life because of that. Diminished Concentration Grieving individuals often struggle with staying focused and concentrating. For many, early mornings and late nights are the most challenging times of day. Questioning Beliefs The loss of a loved ...