Big Boy joins campaign for Hearts for Hospice endowment campaign

By: 
MEGAN LINSKI

Pictured at Tecumseh Big Boy are (l-r): Sally Whelan, Hospice volunteer; Sherri Tuckey, owner of Tecumseh Big Boy; Susan Turner, Director of Community Education and Development for Hospice of Lenawee; and Andrew Munson, Donor Relations Officer for Hospice of Lenawee. Photo by Megan Linski.

At Hospice of Lenawee, no patient is ever denied care based on their inability to pay. For patients who do not have insurance or a means to pay for hospice, the Hospice Heart Endowment Fund covers their care. The fund is supported by the Hearts for Hospice benefit, which is hosted by local and area businesses.

The fundraising campaign involves heart signs, both large and small, that individuals purchase. The small signs are $1, while large hearts can be purchased for $5. Signs are then hung at a sponsoring business. All proceeds benefit the Hospice Heart Endowment Fund.

Susan Turner, director of Community Education and Development at Hospice of Lenawee, said is critical for patients and their families.

 “The vast majority of our patients’ healthcare is covered under Medicare, Medicaid and insurance, but once in awhile someone will fall through the cracks and will not be covered,” Turner said. “Hospice of Lenawee will never turn anyone away. We take care of those patients, however it sometimes gets expensive, so we set up this fund so we can assure everyone in the future we can continue to do that.”

Since September of 2015, Hospice began a campaign to raise $500,000 for the endowment fund within the next three years. Currently, Hospice has raised $200,000 of that goal. “We not only want to support the fund, but also educate people on what it is and what Hospice is,” Turner said.

“Our families are wonderful and we never want them to worry, they’ll always be taken care of,” Turner said. “This fund provides peace of mind and shows we’re being good stewards with our resources. We will never know when we create our budget how many people we will serve without insurance, so we can’t estimate that.”

In 2014, Hospice spent $29,000 providing charity care to patients who did not have insurance and could not pay for hospice care. In 2015 that amount jumped to over $67,000. “We have to be aware and be sure we’re forward thinking, because you may never know how often we’ll need that service,” Turner said.

Currently, Hospice is serving 135 patients throughout the community in residential homes, healthcare facilities and at its location at 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy. in Adrian. “We provide care wherever a person defines home,” Turner said.

Bob Vogel, chair of the Hospice Heart Endowment Fund Drive committee, says there are many causes in the community worthy of donations, but that he believes there is no greater cause than providing a dignified, pain free and peaceful end-of-life journey for everyone in Lenawee. “The professional and loving staff of Hospice of Lenawee is committed to meet that challenge,” Vogel said. “We will turn no one down regardless of his or her ability to pay, but we need your help. Please give generously to the Heart Fund. One hundred percent of your donation will be used for this cause and is appreciated by all who receive.” 

Businesses participating in Hearts for Hospice include Tecumseh Big Boy, Main Street Stable & Tavern, Candy’s Flowers and Gifts and OSB Community Bank. More information on the program can be found by calling Hospice at 263.2323.

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