December 2008                                                                                                

Dear Friend,

There is no place like home. Home to spend holidays with family and friends. Home to smell, hear, feel and see the most pleasant surroundings. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as we were nearly 100 years ago, to provide the highest quality of care within the warmth of home for all individuals, when needed.

We appreciate your trust and confidence in our nonprofit work through your past generosity. However, today, more than ever, we need your help again. We ask that you help us strengthen our nonprofit mission of caring for all individuals. Please help us be there tomorrow for you, your family, friends and neighbors.  

Last year, VNS of Connecticut cared for nearly 8,000 patients of whom 1,676 individuals less fortunate were supported by the generosity of community friends like you. Donations helped ensure that they also were able to receive compassionate care and remain in the comfortable, familial surroundings of home. The kindness of gifts from the heart supported our care of Lucina Reyes and her family – a story of strength, love and care that we would like to share with you.

“I had no time for movies and activities with friends,” recalls Blanca. “I was only 16 years old, but I juggled going to high school and returning home everyday to help care for my mom.” Lucina Reyes’ health was deteriorating rapidly from lung cancer. Blanca’s dad, Ramon, held down two shifts to support his family, but the family had no health insurance.  Care of the home also fell on Blanca’s shoulders.

The VNS team of nurses, therapists, medical social workers and home health aides provided care for Lucina while Blanca was attending high school. Although Lucina tried to remain strong, the ravaging physical effects of Lucina’s cancer took its toll and she was in and out of the hospital for advanced treatment. VNS was there for her when she returned home.

“My mom was able to attend my high school graduation,” remembers Blanca, “and that brought her so much joy. She wanted me to have better opportunities with a good education.” Blanca soon made her mom proud again when she began college with a scholarship. As Lucina’s health further declined, the VNS team increased care for Lucina so that Blanca could finish her first year of college. Blanca added, “I was able to concentrate on completing my classes because I knew that VNS was caring for my mom.”

As Lucina’s needs for care around the clock intensified, Blanca put off college so she could devote herself as her Lucina’s primary caregiver. Blanca was only 19. “My mom’s nurse taught me techniques so I could make my mom feel as comfortable as possible,” says Blanca.

When Lucina’s breathing became increasingly difficult and she required continuous oxygen and also constant medication to control pain, her care was transitioned to the experts of the VNS Hospice at Home™ team. Lucina wanted to remain at home as her disease took over her body. She had to remain immobile most of the time. VNS wound care and IV care specialists visited daily to provide treatment in addition to Lucina’s regular nurse and home health aide.  

As though the family did not have enough on their hands, Ramon discovered that, he, too, had cancer. While he coped with his own illness, Ramon continued to work his two jobs. “Sue Henry, the VNS Social Worker, helped me and my family through some very tough times” says Blanca.

The entire team of VNS professionals was inspired by the strength and love of the family. “We stepped in to provide much emotional support to Lucina and to her husband and young daughter,” recalls Karin Speer, Hospice at Home™ Clinical Manager. “There were many times when we thought that this was going to become more than Lucina’s daughter could manage, but she was amazing to us all. We helped Blanca plan for the future in anticipation of losing her mother and possibly her father as well.”

Lucina took her last breaths in her own home, in comfort and with dignity, surrounded by the love of friends and family.

Ramon is currently managing his illness well. Blanca resumed her college studies and the family’s VNS team members continue to stay in touch with this incredible young woman and her father.

The care and comfort provided to Lucina and her family, within the warmth of their home, was supported by the generosity of community donations. It is this kind of support that makes a difference everyday in the lives of our patients and their families.

In this tough economic downturn, please consider making a gift today of as much as you can. Your gift to show that you care and want to make a difference is especially important to VNS during these uncertain times. Your donation is vital so that VNS will be able to provide comfort and care to all, like Lucina and her family, and you, your family and friends, when unexpected and needed.

We wish you a wonderful holiday season and good health always. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

William F. Sullivan, Jr.                                      
President and CEO
                                               
p.s. Please give today. Your gift of any amount to our Annual Appeal will be gratefully received.

Click on the link below to support VNS.

https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=16544

         If you wish to have your name removed from future fundraising requests to support VNS of Connecticut, please write to us at our address.