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Hospice Care of the Lowcountry holds “Light Up the Links” fundraiser to celebrate and recognize the efforts of caregivers
For many, the end of life decision is one that’s nearly impossible to make. No matter how dire the prognosis, the act of saying goodbye can seem too hard, too final. The grief can be overpowering.
The thing about grief is that it always ends with acceptance. Some brave part of the human spirit is always able to look their fnal destiny square in the eye and know their race is run. When that acceptance has been reached, it’s a natural progression that the emphasis of one’s treatment should shift from curing the illness to caring for the patient. That’s what hospice care offers: a chance to spend those final days in comfort.
“Several studies have show that those who get hospice care live an average of 29 days longer,” said Lynn Brooks, executive director for Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. “An individual with illness could have uncontrollable pain due to their symptoms. Our nurses address that physical pain, allowing the patient to get comfortable.”
For many facing a terminal illness, hospice care can be the best way to face their final days with dignity and with some measure of comfort. By treating the pain and embracing their fate, patients are given the opportunity to spend their remaining time on their terms. The chance for some measure of closure means the world to these patients.
But hospice care does not stop with the patient. Their pain is great, but so is the pain of those the patient leaves behind. Caring for family and loved ones is another aspect of hospice care.
Christi Pinckney, director of operations for Agape Hospice of the Lowcountry, said, “Through our treatment of the patient, we become an extended part of that family and care for the family as much as the patient. We make ourselves available to the family for 13 months following the end, sending out cards for special events such as birthdays. And we’re always available to the family for grief counseling.”
That holistic approach to an entire family’s grief shows the unique nature of hospice care.
In honor of the eforts of hospice caregivers across the country, November has been named National Hospice/Palliative Care Month. Throughout the month, expect to hear more about the many ways hospice touches people’s lives as proclamations are made and memorial services are held for those lost.
“ We just want to give special recognition to the physicians that have supported us and to the volunteers and caregivers to show our appreciation of them as well,” said Pinckney.
In addition to events celebrating these remarkable caregivers, November will also see one of Hospice Care of the Lowcountry’s most unique fundraisers, the Light up the Links golf event.
On Nov. 7, Spanish Wells will host this nighttime golf event, featuring barbecue from Kevin Lawless and Bill Fishburn, music from the Hi-Fi Station, and a one-of-a-kind chance to shoot a few rounds of glowing golf.
“Light up the Links started last year,” said Brooks. “We wanted to make this a golf event, not a tournament. There are numerous tournaments in the community and we wanted to be diferent, more family-oriented.”
That family-oriented fun will take place alongside the golf, with prizes and games for the kids, including the tailgate classic that’s sweeping the Lowcountry, cornhole.
But worry not, dufers. Those who come for the golf will be well-served, with a unique four-hole round that will let you try your night game using special glowing golf balls.
“This is one of our major fundraisers and that’s what we rely on to provide such great care,” said Brooks. “ We actually got rained out last year, and it was still a successful fundraiser.”
The funds raised help support Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, which has been providing care to our community for nearly three decades.
“We were built by this community 28 years ago,” said Brooks. “ We were originally volunteer-based, and we now we have a paid staf as well as 150 volunteers. Through all those years, the community has continued to support us.”
Light Up the Links
When/where: 6 p.m., with tee time starting at 7 p.m. , Nov. 7, Spanish Wells
The scoop: All proceeds from the event benefit patient care programs of Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. Cost is $75 (includes golf, dinner and party) or $40 (includes dinner and party).
For more information or to register: 843-706-2296 or visit www.hospicecarelc.org
National Hospice Month
Hospice Care of America has several locations throughout the Lowcountry, and will be holding several events in honor of National Hospice Month.
- Nov. 3: Pastoral care breakfast co-hosted with Palm Meadows Village of Hilton Head Island and Right at Home, In Home Care and Assistance.
- Nov. 7: Candlelighting ceremony at 11 a.m. at Grace Coastal Community Church to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed. A reception will follow.
- Nov. 11: Reception to honor home health aid who work tirelessly on behalf of patients and families.
- Nov. 16: Special breakfast for staff and volunteers
In addition, all month Hospice Care of America will raise awareness of hospice by distributing burgundy ribbons throughout the community.
