From Houselessness to Healing: A Couple’s Journey Through BCN’s Comprehensive Care
Each year, Bluegrass Care Navigators provides compassionate care to thousands of seriously ill and vulnerable individuals. With philanthropic support from grantors, donors, and community partners, we connect people with the right care at the right time. One example is our Winter Weather Medical Respite Program, which supports unhoused seniors and adults with disabilities— like Janice and Herb, who had nowhere else to turn.
Janice and Herb faced serious health challenges and had lost their temporary housing, car, and savings. Unable to access emergency shelters, they faced food insecurity and isolation.
Janice and Herb were referred to BCN’s Winter Weather Medical Respite program, which quickly secured a hotel stay, delivered groceries, and began to address their medical needs. The team arranged transportation and permanent housing. Less than three weeks later, the couple moved into their new apartment—just in time to welcome home their dog, who had been fostered by a local rescue.
Though the crisis ended, our care continued. We helped the couple enroll in Bluegrass PACE Care, a program for seniors 55+ that is fully covered for those with Medicare and Medicaid or Medicaid only. It offers medical and personal care, meals, social activities, and transportation to the PACE Center and medical appointments.
“We support individuals across the continuum of care,” says Jamie Cody, Transitions Program Manager at Bluegrass Care Navigators. “We meet their initial needs and connect them to resources that honor their humanity, help them navigate healthcare, and ensure dignity throughout their lives.”
From immediate housing to long-term healthcare, we provide comprehensive, compassionate care. While hospice is our core service, we focus on empowering individuals to live with dignity, improve quality of life, and navigate health challenges with the support they deserve.
Support Can Strike Many Poses
Bluegrass PACE Care’s Shalanda Smith, LPN, facilitated a donation-based community yoga class on June 21 at Sol Fitness Lex in Lexington. All donations benefited our Bluegrass PACE Care participants.
Shalanda has been an LPN at our PACE Center for over two years now, and she is also a certified yoga instructor! Although the class has passed, you can still give to support our PACE participants: bgcarenav.org/pace-yoga or learn more about hosting your own third-party event to raise money to support patients and families by visiting: bgcarenav.org/caringcommunity
3 Meaningful Ways to Remember a Loved One
The loss of a loved one – even an expected loss – can be overwhelming. Grief is a natural response to the passing of someone dear to us, and all of us will experience it at some time. While there are commonalities in grief, each person copes in their own individual way. Below are a few suggestions from our grief team that may be helpful if you are in a season of loss.
1. Make a playlist Create a list of your loved one’s favorite songs. Listen to this when you want to think about them.
2. Utilize a journal You can use a journal to write about or draw special memories of your loved one. Add photos or mementos to make it feel special.
3. Build a memory box Use a cardboard box and decorate all the sides with markers or paint, drawing memories, messages or pictures in memory of your loved one. Place items like mementos of special times or add notes or drawings for your loved one.
Our grief services are available to anyone in the communities we serve who has experienced a loss, and offers various programs, including support groups and individual grief counseling. To connect with us, call 855.492.0812
Scan this QR code or listen on your favorite podcast platform to hear Dr. Lisa King, Bereavement Counselor, and Stephen Clatos, Director of Philanthropy, talk about how grief can affect our mental and physical health, along with resources to support you on the What’s Up Woodford? podcast.
Cheers to 10 Years:
Owen County Derby Brunch Makes a Lasting Impact
This year celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Owen County Derby Brunch and marks a decade of compassion, community, and unwavering support! Over the past decade, this event has raised more than $73,000 and we are deeply grateful to the Owen County Friends of Hospice and everyone who has made this event such a meaningful tradition. Your generosity continues to make a lasting impact on the patients and families we serve.
Bringing Smiles and Blooms: Volunteer Delivers Joy to Hospice Patients
For Cathy Betzner-Sutton, volunteering with Bluegrass Care Navigators is more than just a way to give back—it’s a calling. Having cared for her own parents and recently supported her aunt through cancer treatments, Cathy understands firsthand the importance of compassionate care and has always had a heart to help others.
Eight years ago, Cathy found her place at BCN by volunteering to deliver flowers to hospice patients each month. To her, these visits with her “friends,” as she lovingly calls them, are not just deliveries but moments of joy, companionship and kindness.
“You never know if you might be the bright spot in someone’s day,” she said.
Her dedication to giving back runs deep in her family. Cathy’s grandfather, Theodore Betzner, was part of a case study presented before the Senate, advocating for hospice care to be covered by Medicare. Though she didn’t realize it when she started volunteering, her work now continues his legacy of ensuring that terminally ill patients receive the care and dignity they deserve.
Whether she’s delivering flowers, sewing memory pillows, or simply sitting and listening, Cathy finds immense fulfillment in her role.
“Being a volunteer makes my heart swell with warmth, and I feel like I get more out of it than my friends do,” Cathy said.
If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more information, call us at 855.492.0812
Bluegrass Care Navigators Inpatient Hospice Unit at UK HealthCare Relocates to Good Samaritan Hospital
Bluegrass Care Navigators, in partnership with UK HealthCare, relocated its inpatient hospice unit to a new home within UK HealthCare’s Good Samaritan Hospital on April 30. The move reflects a continued commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care in a space that is accessible and comfortable for patients and their loved ones.
The inpatient hospice unit, which originally opened in 2018 in the Ben F. Roach Building at the UK Markey Cancer Center, transitioned to a refreshed and newly designed space at Good Samaritan. The new location offers an increase in capacity from 10 to 11 private rooms, each designed to provide the comforts of home alongside expert symptom management.
The relocation brings several benefits for patients, families, and care teams. Family members and other visitors will now enjoy easier parking access and closer proximity to restaurants and other amenities in the downtown Lexington area. Inside the hospital, the unit is just steps away from services like the cafeteria and chapel, resources that were previously a longer walk for visitors navigating the main medical campus.
The move also strengthens a long-standing collaboration between UK HealthCare and Bluegrass Care Navigators, a partnership that brings expert hospice care to patients dealing with advanced illnesses including cancer, cardiac and pulmonary disease, renal and liver conditions, and neurological disorders.
Reimagining Care for Generations: A Night of Charcuterie & Conversations
If you’re interested in reading more about how we’re sustaining care in an uncertain healthcare landscape, scan this QR code
Any mass communication regarding donations from BCN will come from give@bgcarenav.org or bgcarenav@planmylegacy.org. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of communications you receive from us, please call 859.276.4404
Bluegrass Care Navigators welcomed donors, volunteers and community supporters for an evening of meaningful connection at our Charcuterie & Conversations event on June 10. Just like the well-crafted cheeseboards our guests enjoyed, the evening blended tradition and innovation.
Our panel of experts included, Liz Fowler, President and CEO of Bluegrass Care Navigators; David Cook, President and CEO of Hosparus Health; and Turner West, Chief Strategy Officer of Everent Health. The panel provided deeper insight into why our care is evolving, what these expansions mean, and how our donors can join us as we continue to shape the future of BCN and end-of-life care in our communities.
While hospice remains our core service line, the evening highlighted how our commitment to compassionate care reaches far beyond end-of-life support through programs like PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and Dementia Care. Donors engaged in open dialogue with leadership about the future of care in Kentucky and how Bluegrass Care Navigators is working to create sustainable solutions to serve families for generations to come.
The event was not just a thank you, but a partnership in progress. Your generosity touched more than 15,000 lives in 2024 and allows us to deliver expert, compassionate care to those in their most vulnerable moment and to build a future where no one must face serious illness or loss alone.
BCN Flower Program Celebrates Youngest Volunteers
Our Northern Kentucky flower program volunteers, mostly from the Boone County Garden Club, meet once per month to arrange flowers donated by local businesses for our patients. The group puts together 60-70 arrangements each month. Some of our youngest volunteers, including Lizzie Cain (pictured), make handmade greeting cards to deliver with the flowers.
Scan the QR code see how some of our youngest volunteers are making an impact.
Honoring a Life of Service through the Eileen TeKrony Nursing Scholarship Endowed Fund
pursue careers in medicine. During her tenure, she held a variety of roles, including as a clinical nurse, floor nurse, elementary school nurse, and public health nurse. After Dennis and Eileen moved to Kentucky in 1969, she taught at the College of Nursing at the University of Kentucky for two
years and as a Clinical Nursing Instructor at Midway University for ten years.
In 1984, she accepted a position at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at UK, where she developed and taught courses for home care aides and family caregivers. She then became a Research Nurse Coordinator for Alzheimer’s Disease at Sanders Brown until she retired in 2001. Even in retirement, she continued to care for others. She worked part-time for nine years for the Margaret T. Stoeckinger Foundation to develop a Parish Nurse Program for 64 churches in the Catholic Diocese of Lexington.
Prior to her passing on December 26, 2024, Eileen received hospice care from the BCN team.
“The nurses, aids, chaplains and social workers—everyone was so kind,” Dennis said. “They helped our family be able to celebrate one last Christmas together with Eileen.”
Through this endowed scholarship fund, Dennis hopes to inspire future nurses who embody Eileen’s values and help continue BCN’s commitment to provide expert, compassionate care. Anyone who is passionate about educating the next generation of nurses may contribute by contacting Cassi Kline at 859.276.4404 or ckline@bgcarenav.org
“This scholarship is a wonderful way to keep Eileen’s spirit alive, and each new nurse that graduates carries on her legacy by doing the work that she loved,” Dennis said. “I know she is smiling.”
Make Compassionate Care Part of Your Legacy
Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful ways to ensure your values live on. In as little as one sentence, you can complete your gift.
In August we celebrate National Make Your Will Month, and we want to encourage you to take the important step of creating or updating your will. When you do, we hope you’ll consider including a gift to Bluegrass Care Navigators. A planned gift in your will or living trust costs you nothing today, but ensures compassionate care continues for generations to come. Whether it’s a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after other wishes are fulfilled, your gift will help provide expert, compassionate care for years to come.
To learn how you can make a lasting difference, visit plannedgiving.bgcarenav.org/bequest-language or scan the QR code. You can also contact Laura Klumb, VP of Philanthropy, at lklumb@bgcarenav.org or 859.296.6865.
Pins, Purpose, and Plenty of Fun: Yellin’ Helen Bowl-A-Thon is
a Striking Success
At this year’s Yellin’ Helen Bowl-A-Thon on March 29, teams knocked down pins for a purpose! This isn’t just any bowling tournament—it’s a high-energy fundraiser that supports Bluegrass Care Navigators patients and families and honors the life and legacy of Helen Wichmann. Helen spent her final days at home, pain-free and surrounded by family, thanks to the compassionate care from Bluegrass Care Navigators. Now, her family honors her legacy by helping others facing the loss of a loved one through this event, ensuring that those in need of end-of-life care receive the same comfort Helen did. Thank you to the Wichmann family for supporting our mission to provide the right care at the right time again this year.
Radio Day Re-Cap: Thank you, Pikeville and Hazard!
We’re so grateful to our listeners, donors, radio partners, and Pikeville Radio Day
Challenge Sponsor, Community Trust Bank, Inc., for making this year’s BCN Radio Days a success. Special thanks to Q95 FM Prestonsburg and 101.1 WSGS Hazard—your support helps us raise critical awareness and funds for patients and families in need.
Next up: London on November 4!
Join us on 96.7 FM WANV for our annual BCN Radio Day in London, generously sponsored by Forcht Group. Don’t miss it!
BCN
Asks: What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
“Volunteering with hospice is so rewarding. I currently deliver birthday gifts to our patients. I feel so blessed to be able to bring a smile to so many people.”
—Lynn Gosnell 22 years of service Florence, KY
“My favorite thing about being a BCN volunteer is helping others, giving back and meeting new people. I have served in various roles as a BCN volunteer which have included 11th hour, respite, making deliveries, office work and more. I enjoy all the opportunities to serve patients and
—Darlene Stivers 25 years of service Frankfort, KY
“I became a BCN volunteer after the death of my father. The care we received was fantastic, and I was so surprised when I received a card in the mail a year later remembering the anniversary of his passing. It was so special to me that they continued to care a year later. Now, I volunteer regularly writing cards, hoping to make another family smile just as someone did for me.”
—Paula Skidmore 7 years of service Barbourville, KY
Celebrating the 2025 Volunteer President’s Award Winner
Congratulations to Lexington volunteer, Kate Fresca, for winning the Bluegrass Care Navigators 2025 Volunteer President’s Award!
Kate has been volunteering with Bluegrass Care Navigators since 1999. In 2024, she made 101 patient visits and served 383 total hours. She is a go-to for respite requests, giving caregivers a desperately needed break. One of Kate’s current major projects is facilitating writing a book of a patient’s life story. She and the patient recently finished this project and logged more than 130 hours of work together! This book gives the patient purpose and fulfills a final wish to pass their story on to the patient’s family.
Lexington Volunteer Liaison’s Jennifer Curtis and Melanie Hagan shared, “Beyond the many patients she sees for respite, companionship, and 11th hour, she is a dedicated care caller. Kate is often the last to leave, making calls with warmth and compassion. In 2024 she made 1,133 care calls! She feels deeply that caregivers need someone to talk to. You can hear her concern and laughter during calls. She has a compassionate listening ear, quick wit, and a gift for making connections. She truly embodies BCN’s core value of excellence. Kate Fresca makes an enormous impact on the patients and families she serves.”
Pikeville Office Awarded Gold
for “Best Hospice Care” by Mountain Top Media
Bluegrass Care Navigators’ Pikeville office has been awarded gold for “Best Hospice Care” by Mountain Top Media! We are grateful to the Pikeville community for your continued trust and for allowing us to care for you and your loved ones during life’s most challenging moments.
Because of Your Support, Kids at Camp Hope Know They’re Not Alone
This summer 26 children gathered at Camp Hope sessions in central and southeast Kentucky for a day of fun, healing, connection and a safe place to express grief and feel supported. Throughout the day, campers ages 6-17 engage in a variety of activities that are tied to a grief support objective, such as learning healthy coping strategies, developing communication skills to share their feelings and understanding the importance of remembering loved ones.
“I learned that it is okay to grieve over a loss and it’s okay to feel a lot of emotions because that’s normal,” one camper said. “If we lose someone that is close to us, or they cared about us and we cared about them, it impacts our lives a lot.”
Camp Hope is possible thanks to the generosity of donors, including Berea College Appalachian Fund, CHI Saint Joseph Health, Hearst Foundations, Kentucky Horse Park and LFUCG Department of Social Services who support the program.
You’re cordially invited to the 2025 BCN Bash!
Shhh! This year’s BASH is a secret party in Hazard, Ky., and we’re bringing back the Roaring 20’s with this year’s theme! Join us for an evening of dinner, dancing, a costume contest and more in a speakeasy theme.
Proceeds benefit patients and families in the Hazard region.
Presented by Laura Feltner State Farm Insurance & Fugate Family Chiropractic
Saturday, October 4 | 7–11 p.m.
Top Secret Location in Hazard, KY (revealed closer to event)
Dress to impress in your finest 1920s attire!
Questions? Contact us at 606.277.2165 or cprice@bgcarenav.org
Dinner and drinks provided. Guests must be 21+
Purchase tickets at bgcarenav.org/bcnbash.