Hospicare & Palliative Care Services and the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes (CRCFL) both share a common goal to be accessible to diverse populations throughout our community. CRCFL supports people living with and affected by cancer and Hospicare provides end-of-life care and grief support. Both are nonprofits serving several counties in central New…
(A Women Swimmin’ Participant Profile) by Erica Steinhagen “I swim in meditation to those I and others have lost.” I had decided not to bring my neoprene sleeves. It seemed so warm to me. Even at 8am, it was getting humid, and I didn’t even deign to look at the Cayuga Lake temperature abstract that…
By Casey Carr We brought my 95-year-old mother home to live with us at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic so we could safely give her the loving care that she deserved. Although the first nine months were filled with lovely meals together, fun family card games, holiday celebrations and bonding time with my two sons; my mother’s health began to rapidly decline after she suffered a fall. This decline necessitated a hospital bed, Hoyer lift, and…
By Jen Gabriel It was a sunny spring afternoon and an unassuming envelope arrived in Hospicare’s mailbox. Inside, a generous check and a single piece of paper. “To whom it may concern,” the letter began. “Enclosed please find my final donation. I have a terminal illness and will not be further donating to any organizations. Sincerely, Joyce McAlllister.” Joyce’s friend and caregiver,…
At Hospicare we provide palliative care, hospice and grief support to all residents of Cortland and Tompkins counties. Illuminations, our annual community memorial, is a part of the fabric of our community, allowing us to honor and remember loved ones who have died. Every year, we offer this memorial service as a way for the…
Sometimes, we might not have the words right in the moment, but through contemplation and the creative practice of writing, the depth of understanding comes. Here a son reflects on the gifts his mother gave him in a letter he wrote to her after her death. Writing a letter to a loved one (even if…
What is a Death Binder? A death binder is a place to gather necessary information and documents that detail how we want our wishes carried out, our belongings dispersed, our finances dealt with, etc. Why make a death binder? Reasons include: It’s a gift to our loved ones: reduces the stress for our families when confronted with difficult medical decisions…
Each year a local artist creates a custom design for the event t-shirts for Women Swimmin’ for Hospicare. We are incredibly pleased with the amazing work that Lisa Cowden did for the 2021 event. The design is a paper cut out and really captures the spirit of our Go the Distance event. Read more about…
by Mara Alper We are all faced with the question of whether or not to forgive many times in our lives. Each time it is challenging. Yet there are ways of seeing it that simplify the question. Forgiveness is a choice that allows us to heal on our own, without the offender apologizing or even…
By Chantelle Daniel I love books. I not only escape into them, but I learn from them, about life, cultures, love, loss. I don’t always know why I’m reading a book until after I’m done with it and even then, it can be some time before I am able to gain a full understanding of…