Bluegrass Care Navigators - Philanthropy Newsletter (Summer 2023)

SUMMER 2023

Turning Grief into Comfort for Others

In 2006, after her own experience with Bluegrass Care Navigators, Shirley Bubany took the incredibly difficult loss of her husband and chose to give back by becoming a volunteer with BCN so that she could help others going through their end-of-life journey and provide comfort and support to families during their time of grief.

Two years later, in 2008, she was approached with the idea of putting her sewing skills to use by making bereavement bears for family members who had recently lost a loved one. These hand-sewn bears are made with the clothes and fabric from the loved one who has passed away, and help to provide comfort to those grieving.

Having now made over 600 bears, Shirley continues to create these comforting keepsakes for our patients’ families, each one unique and personalized to honor the memory of a loved one. In addition to donating the materials for the bears she makes, Shirley’s dedication to this program and the families it serves is evident in the care and attention she puts into each bear. She takes the time to get to know the loved one through their clothes and hobbies to create a special, lasting memento.

“Making the bears is a way to give back to the families and support them in their grief journey. I could go buy a new purse, but I would rather buy poly-fil for the bears. My own experience caring for my husband and the support I received from BCN motivates me to continue making the bears and give back to others.”

“I decided to become a volunteer with BCN because it helped with the grieving process, relating to other people, and knowing that everyone is going through it. It is hard for me to think how my life would not have been as rewarding if I did not volunteer with BCN. It really got me out of myself.”

Shirley has heard countless stories of how the bears have brought comfort and solace to families during their time of mourning. “One of my favorite memories is while being recognized as the National Hospice and Palliative

Care Volunteer Award recipient, I was approached by a gentleman who brought the bereavement bear I had made using his wife’s robe. He explained to me that his daughters requested a bear for him because he was unable to sleep since his wife’s passing. He told me that after he received the bereavement bear, he was finally able to sleep again with it by his side.”

The program continues to grow so much that other volunteers, such as Jean Smith in Lexington, are also making the bereavement bears to help keep up with the needs of our bereaved families. “I know what it is like to lose a loved one, and to be able to provide others with something that brings comfort and lightens their load is a great feeling,” said Jean.

Shirley hopes to encourage more volunteers to help continue this program and carry on this important work to support families through grief and loss.

Thanks to volunteers like Shirley and Jean – and donations from our Caring Community – the bereavement bear program has had a profound impact on those who receive them and serves as a reminder that Bluegrass Care Navigators is here to support families even after their loved ones have passed.

The Circle as a Form of Community: Legacy

Art Circle, Cynthiana

Thanks to the generosity of our community partner, 3M, we have established a new program at our Cynthiana Regional office to help create a sense of community within BCN – we call it the Legacy Art Circle. The idea is to bring together BCN team members and volunteers to build community and expand the legacy projects we create with patients and families.

The first meeting of the Legacy Art Circle was held in March, and we were able to share a brief presentation about the goals of the program. Our art therapy intern led the group in making a textile brooch. It was inspiring to see the dedication of our team members and volunteers during this project, as well as to hear the many stories behind the beautiful brooches they created in the circle.

The Legacy Art Circle plans to meet quarterly to share ideas and inspiration, as well as learn about a variety of legacy projects and explore new creations. We are excited to choose our next project, expand resources, and celebrate the circle of connection as we build a creative community moving forward!

We greatly appreciate 3M’s support for making this innovative project possible.

Volunteer President’s Award Winner

As part of National Volunteer Week, we are thrilled to announce the recipient of the second annual Volunteer President’s Award at BCN: CLARK KIDWELL! Here is an excerpt from his nomination:

“As a combat veteran, he is a passionate advocate about serving veterans. He provides vet-to-vet visits wherever patients are and makes regular visits to nursing homes. When we started the veteran pinning program, he was instrumental in building it. He was the guiding force and our sole veteran volunteer. He came in day or night. He recruited a second veteran volunteer, and we were off and running! His guidance and feedback are utilized throughout the agency enabling BCN veteran volunteers to have a wonderful template to conduct pinning ceremonies with the utmost respect and dignity. There is rarely a dry eye during these honoring ceremonies. Often veteran patients will share stories their family have never heard. He has since trained other veteran volunteers and developed a framework of a legacy program that is growing!”

Congratulations, Clark! Your important work touches the lives of many veteran patients and their loved ones. We also wish to celebrate the 2023 Volunteer President Award nominees from each of our regional offices and thank them for their dedication to our mission:

Aimee Cupp, Barbourville | Wilma Perkins, Cynthiana | Martha Morrison, Frankfort Cynthia Gooch, Hazard | Joan Webb, Lexington

Bluegrass Hospice Care Center at UK Healthcare Celebrates 5 years

In April, the Bluegrass Hospice Care Center (HCC) at UK Healthcare celebrated its fifth anniversary of serving patients. During these five years, the team has provided expert, compassionate care to more than 2,200 hospice patients and their families.

“We feel privileged to have partnered with an amazing organization and are grateful for the support that UK Healthcare provides,” said Dr. Natalie Houghton. “The UK HCC is a truly special place filled with extraordinary people called to serve an even more extraordinary population. The unit is ‘home’ not only for those of us who work there, but also to the many patients and families who allow us into their lives and entrust us with their care.”

Celebrating Our Animal-Assisted Therapy At BCN

Therapy Dog Volunteer: Sherry Terlau

Sherry Terlau’s warm smile and conversation, coupled with Molly’s wagging tail and gentle presence, help patients know they are not alone. At least twice a month, Terlau and therapy dog Molly, a seven-year-old Goldendoodle, visit long-term care facilities in the Northern Kentucky region. “I was interested in volunteering with Bluegrass Care Navigators because they took care of my mom,” Terlau said. “I wanted to give back to them because I wouldn’t have been able to take care of my mom otherwise and honor her wish to die at home.”

“One of the benefits of being a volunteer with a dog, is that it really has a tendency to calm the patient down,” Terlau said. She shared an encounter with a patient who was extremely agitated. Terlau and the health care team put Molly where the patient could see her. The patient started petting Molly, crying happy tears and visibly calmed.

“Dogs are able to do things that people can’t do,” Terlau said. “Having her gives me more confidence as a volunteer, so in some ways, she’s my therapy dog, too.”

Therapy Dog Handler Spreads Pawsitive Vibes

After diagnosing him with autism and cerebral palsy, Matthew Moffett’s doctors said he would never walk or talk. Through therapy, determination, prayers, hard work and positive thinking, Matthew defied the odds and today, not only walks, talks, drives, and has a job, but also is the handler for Rosie, Bluegrass Care Navigators’ inpatient therapy dog in the Lexington area. Matthew’s goal is to bring joy to everyone.

Rosie joined the Moffett family at their home in Woodford County almost three years ago when Matthew’s mom Patty, a nurse at Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN), learned about BCN’s animal-assisted therapy program. She thought it would be perfect for her son since he loves animals and helping people. Now, one evening a week, the Moffetts take Rosie to visit patients at the Bluegrass Hospice Care Center at UK Healthcare.

“The gift of getting to help people means so much, especially with my story because I can teach people that it will get better,” Matthew said. “It’s basically become my family’s mission,” Patty said. “We enjoy doing that together and it’s just neat to watch my child, who has autism and cerebral palsy, go out and minister to these families and patients of ours.”

Every visit is different, but Patty and Matthew remember one patient specifically. The patient was in respiratory distress, nonverbal and missing their dog. After entering the room, Matthew asked if he could put the patient’s hand on Rosie’s head. The patient calmed immediately, and Matthew and Patty know that being able to pet Rosie gave that person a sense of peace.

“They know that the dog is there, and it’s really hard not to get emotional,” Matthew said. “It’s neat to see the patients light up with happiness and gives them something to look forward to.”

Therapy Dog Grace Retires

HI EVERYONE! I have some bittersweet news. While I love my job as the therapy dog in the Hazard region, I’ll be retiring this summer. I want to thank my co-workers and handlers for training me and giving me the opportunity to bring comfort to our patients, families and clinicians during the pandemic. Nothing has given me a better feeling than when I see someone’s face light up with joy or share a hug with someone. I love knowing that I’ve made a difference in their lives, especially during a difficult time.

While I have so many wonderful memories, one that sticks out to me is when my Hazard teammates, Kelli Callihan and Amy Gabbard, took me to the Hazard Appalachian Regional Hospital to support staff during the pandemic. Everyone got excited when they saw me, and I enjoyed all the pats and smiles. One nurse ran up to me, got on her knees and hugged me. Sometimes there are no words, so I just snuggled her while she cried and tried to carry some of her sadness by licking the tears off her face. Kelli told me on the drive home that she was in awe of me. I’m not sure what that means, but since she gave me a treat, I know she was proud.

One family in our Hospice Care Center told me that I had given their mom her only smile since her husband passed away. It warms my heart to know I’ve lightened someone’s load and made their day a little bit better.

Whitney Clay, my integrative medicine program coordinator, offered me these sweet retirement wishes: “Thank you for bringing such a kind, gentle spirit to us over a really difficult time. You were a rockstar in puppy training, and you are a teacher and an amazing therapist. Thank you for the lives that you touched, including my own, and for all that you taught us. I hope that the rest of your days are spent with folks loving on you and giving you as much care as you have given to all of us.”

Hearing those kind words is even better than peanut butter and bacon! (Well, almost!) I will miss everyone, but I’m looking forward to catching up on my sleep, taking long walks and playing outside.

Cynthiana Therapy Dog and Volunteer Bring Joy

As an oncology patient, Vicky Thomason saw first-hand the gift of joy and healing that therapy dogs brought to patients. As she recovered, she wanted to give that gift to others. So, three years ago, she and Sola, her seven-year-old Doberman Pinscher, went through the certification process with Love on a Leash. Now, as BCN volunteers, they put their paws together to provide comfort, conversation and emotional support to patients and families in the Cynthiana region.

Recently, Thomason and Sola visited Terri Wiedemer at Edgemont Healthcare. Prior to the visit, Wiedemer hadn’t seen a dog in 10 years and never stopped petting Sola during the hour-long visit.

“Sola is the best Bluegrass Care Navigator,” Wiedemer said. “She made my day!” Sola’s presence held space for Wiedemer to reflect on her family and grandmother’s Doberman, Carl. Wiedemer fondly recalled how she would lay on or next to Carl as a child, and he never minded. During the visit, Wiedemer and Thomason talked about grandchildren, favorite pets, and life events.

“I think our visit really benefited her,” Thomason said. “Terri said that she was having a rough day, but this brightened her day, so hopefully the rest of the day will be better for her.”

Navigating Through the Journey of Grief with Bluegrass Grief Care

Did you know that Bluegrass Grief Care is not limited to hospice patient families? With the support of donors like you, our Grief Care services are available to anyone in the community who has experienced the loss of a loved one.

Like Milo, who attended our Camp Hope at 13 years old after he lost his father to a sudden heart attack in 2017. For Milo and his mother, Yanya, our Grief Care services gave them a sense of belonging as they dealt with their grief in a compassionate and supportive setting. Since his time at Camp Hope, Milo found a way to give back to Bluegrass Care Navigators by donating gifts for other kids who are grieving the loss of their loved one.

Now, a freshman at Stanford University, Milo continues his mission to instill hope and confidence to children in need through his charity efforts and support for Bluegrass Care Navigators. “Despite the demands of college, I am committed to this cause and believe that everyone can make a difference in their own way,” Milo says.

Thanks to the support of donors like Milo and our Caring Community, our trained and caring staff is available to help surviving family and friends cope with their grief. Support groups and short-term individual counseling services are available to children and adults, as they navigate through their journey of grief.

Losing a loved one is often overwhelming.

So, when someone needs additional support, Bluegrass Grief Care can provide a continuation of our expert, compassionate care by helping individuals navigate their journey with grief as they learn to cope with their loss. It’s never too early to discuss how the expertise and compassion of Bluegrass Grief Care might help you or someone you know.

8.29.23

For more information, visit: bgcarenav.org/grief-care.

Bluegrass Care Navigators Memorial Trees and Garden Dedication

Please plan to Join us on the evening of August 29 at 5:30 p.m. as we dedicate our newly installed memorial tree sculptures located in the Bluegrass Care Navigators Memorial Garden at our Lexington Headquarters campus. These whimsical metal trees were custom designed and created by Kentucky artists Matthew and Karine Maynard of Maynard Studios. Each leaf, bird and animal on the trees is inscribed with a tribute message from the memorial bricks that were located at our previous headquarters location. The trees are “growing” in our Memorial Garden, beautifully designed by Jon Carloftis Fine Gardens. We invite you to come meet the artists and walk through our gardens. We will have light refreshments available. We also will have a map available so that guests who purchased bricks in prior years can locate their inscription on our new trees.

Two Locations for Camp Hope this Year!

This year we are expanding our reach by offering two locations for Camp Hope, one in Southeast Kentucky and one in Central Kentucky.

Southeast Kentucky Camp Hope: Saturday, September 16, 2023

Central Kentucky Camp Hope: Saturday, October 21, 2023

For more information, visit: bgcarenav.org/camp-hope.

CAMP HOPE IS A FREE, ONE-DAY CHILDREN’S BEREAVEMENT CAMP for children ages 6 –17 and their caregivers who have experienced the death of a loved one in the last two years. The camp provides an opportunity for participants to express their grief and develop effective coping strategies in a fun, safe and supportive environment. This camp is possible thanks to generosity of donors like you! A special thanks to Berea College Appalachian Fund and WellCare for helping underwrite Camp Hope 2023. Also, we thank the Lexington Police Department for transportation to Camp Hope.

LISTEN IN ON A RECENT PODCAST CONVERSATION with the team members behind Camp Hope – Dr. Lisa King, Holly Bender, Pam Dixon, and Susan Houston – as they discuss how Camp Hope provides an opportunity for participants to express their grief and develop effective coping strategies in a fun, safe and supportive environment.

Endow Kentucky Tax Credit Program

With tax season behind us, you may be thinking about how you can best position yourself to lessen your tax burden for next year or future years. If you live in Kentucky, you have a great opportunity to reduce your State Income Tax while supporting Bluegrass Care Navigators by making a gift through the Endow Kentucky Tax Credit Program. This Kentucky Department of Revenue program offers tax credits that may be taken against individual income tax, corporate income tax and limited liability entity tax.

Owen County Derby Brunch

Our Owen County Friends of Hospice Committee organized their 8th Annual Derby Day Brunch to raise money for hospice and grief care in Owen County. Beautiful hats and elaborate table decorations were on full display. Special thanks to all who attended to support this great cause.

What may make this program even more appealing for you is that your gift can be funded through life-insurance policies, appreciated securities, real-estate, or IRA qualified charitable distributions, many of which could further reduce your taxable income.

THESE CREDITS GO FAST! Now is the time to consider a gift to BCN’s Endowment Fund through the Endow Kentucky Tax Credit Program. There is a short window to apply, between July 1 and July 7, that guarantees a prorated portion of the credit pool. Contact our VP of Philanthropy Laura Klumb today at 859.296.6865 or lklumb@bgcarenav.org to discuss how this program works and how you can take advantage of this opportunity!

Serving Kentucky since 1978

New Transportation for PACE Program Participants

We are delighted to share that BCN was awarded an American Rescue Plan Act grant from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for the purchase of a new passenger van for our PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) participants. This momentous support will enable us to extend even more comprehensive transportation services to our valued PACE participants, catering to their diverse needs – from crucial medical appointments to basic errands. Our unique and high-quality door-to-door service, staffed by drivers proficiently trained in supporting our client’s daily living, will be more accessible than ever.

As an organization that strives to provide the right service at the right time, this grant is a vital stepping-stone in our journey to ensure that elderly members of our community can remain and flourish in their homes. The trust and belief that the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government has shown in us is deeply encouraging, and we are grateful for their unwavering commitment to serving the participants in our PACE program.