Whatcom Hospice Connect March 2024

A life-affirming gift, a lasting legacy

Darrell Darnell and his cherished partner of 46 years loved to travel. First, they bought a motor home and hit the road to create countless, beautiful memories journeying across the U.S. and Canada. Then the two expanded their sights and started traveling the world. “We visited about 60 countries. It was a good life,” shares Darrell.

Three years ago, when Darrell and his loved one found out that she had brain cancer, they turned to Whatcom Hospice. “It went so fast. But the compassionate folks at Whatcom Hospice came in quickly to make the transition from the hospital to Hospice House as easy and comfortable as possible,” says Darrell. “They were great about keeping me informed. And the wonderful care she received gave her much comfort, and for me, too. Their humanity is amazing.”

Because of this life-affirming experience, Darrell felt inspired to give back. And that led to an incredible act of generosity — including Whatcom Hospice in his will. “I’m glad Whatcom Hospice is here. It’s critical. I’ve long believed in what hospice caregivers do for people. And when the time came, they were there just like I knew they would be.”

Thank you Darrell, and all of our gracious supporters, for bringing comfort, dignity and peace to our patients facing the end of life and their families in Whatcom County.

The blessings of giving

Planned gifts, whether bequests through wills, gifts of retirement assets, appreciated stocks or various other options, offer a great way for donors to ensure a legacy of life-affirming generosity for hospice patients far into the future. At the same time, planned giving comes with significant tax advantages. For more information, please contact Shawn Fincher, Executive Director, Whatcom Hospice Foundation at (360) 788-6623 or Sfincher2@peacehealth.org. You can also visit whatcomhospice.org.

Uplifting the lives of the youngest among us

On the beautiful North shore of Lake Samish, 36 inaugural campers, ranging from ages 6 to 13, gathered together last August at Camp Lutherwood to begin a journey of hope and healing after suffering profound loss. This experience marked the advent of Whatcom Hospice’s annual 3-day overnight grief camp, Camp Kaleidoscope, created for children who have experienced the death of a close family member.

Upon arrival, our campers were welcomed by a team of 60 trained volunteers and staff. They were guided through registration, received badges and bandanas representing their assigned cabins — and were then given art supplies to make a special picture frame for the cherished photo they brought of their loved one who died. All pictures were placed on a memory board for display throughout the camp weekend.

Over the course of three days, our campers found comfort, connection and community with other young people who shared the same struggles, realizing they were not alone. In an atmosphere of compassion and caring support, campers engaged in a number of bereavement activities... from carving special memories on tiny tiles and taking grief walks together, to releasing luminaries in Lake Samish as a symbol of their lost loved one and participating in a coping-skills scavenger hunt to discover healthy ways of expressing

“The tools you gave our daughter really helped. She came back from camp a different child — and seems to be more at peace. Thank you.”

emotions. There were also many playful moments like swimming in the lake, cuddling with support animals and enjoying ice cream parties, campfires and s’mores. We even held a Glow in the Dark dance party!

When asked to offer some thoughts about the impact of Camp Kaleidoscope, one mom had this to say: “Before camp, my son didn’t want anything to do with the death of his daddy. Now he is better, and can even look at pictures. He is also happier. Before he was a miserable little kid.” Another parent shared: “The tools you gave our daughter really helped. She came back from camp a different child — and seems to be more at peace. Thank you.”

We extend this gratitude to you. Because generous gifts from wonderful donors like you make Camp Kaleidoscope possible, and all at no charge to campers and families in enormous times of need.

2nd Annual Camp Kaleidoscope

June 7-9, 2024

We are accepting camp applications at whatcomhospice.org/camp

Words from grateful families and loved ones

“You helped me through the toughest life experience — the death of a loved one. But even more important, you gave comfort, dignity and compassionate care to my father while he was still living. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Everyone involved at Whatcom Hospice is professional, extremely supportive and kind beyond belief. Bless you all!”

“Your caregivers are more than wonderful. And the beautiful Hospice House made all the difference for our Michael. No words can capture how much you’ve meant to our family.”

These heartfelt testimonies are a constant reminder of how your support of Whatcom Hospice helps to ease the way for patients facing the end of life and their families. Thank you.

Second record-breaking year!

We’re delighted to report that last November’s annual gala auction — Light the Night Under the New York Skyline — was yet another incredible success. Thanks to an outpouring of community support from loyal friends and donors like you, we celebrated a second record-breaking year! Together, we raised nearly $608,000 to elevate compassionate, end-of-life care for patients and their families in Whatcom County when help is needed the most.

It’s amazing what our collective generosity makes possible — spanning everything from room and board assistance at our beautiful Hospice House, to complimentary comfort therapies like acupuncture and massage, to specialized bereavement services and caregiver training.

From the bottom of our hearts, we can’t thank you enough for your life-affirming support that brings tender, loving care to patients in their final days, and builds a kinder community for us all.

BOARD/STAFF LIST

Board of Directors

David Yorkston

President

Trisha McIntee

Vice President

Erika Buse

Secretary

Paul Twedt

Treasurer

Lynda Erickson

Past President

Erin Baumgart

Auction Co-Chair

SAVE THE DATE

Our 24th annual gala auction “Light The Night Through The Looking Glass” will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Four Points by Sheraton in Bellingham.

For more information or to explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact Renee Reynolds, Philanthropy Events Specialist, at rreynolds2@peacehealth.org or (360) 788-6823

Board Emertius

Pattie Washburn

Board Development Chair

Mike McCallum

Facilities Chair

Robert Belka Katherine Deets

Linda Diebert Lesa Ferguson

Lindsie Fratus-Thomas Carol Garguile

George

Pedlow

Rothenbuhler

Steve Swan Bob Tull

Bradburn Sylvia Holmstrom Doug Wight

Williams Staff

Fincher, MBA

Director Amber Asbjornsen Chief Philanthropy Officer Tony Stopperan Director of Philanthropy Karen Haggen, FCEP Philanthropy Officer

Our Executive Director, Shawn Fincher

2901 Squalicum Parkway

Bellingham, WA 98225

Feedback from our families

To gain a better understanding of our patient families’ views on the specialized care Whatcom Hospice delivers every day, we recently invited them to participate in the Family Caregiver National Survey. We’re pleased to share their responses in a few key areas, and proud to say that Whatcom Hospice ranked higher than the national average in each:

94%

Giving the right amount of emotional, spiritual and religious support 93%

Treating patients with dignity and respect 92%

Definitely willing to recommend Whatcom Hospice to others 84%

Listening carefully and keeping the patient’s family informed

We couldn’t provide this outstanding level of hospice care without our generous donors. Thank you for your giving heart.

Jane Q Sampleperson 1234 Main Street

Opening Soon!

We’re thrilled to announce that the new parking garage located at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center will open Summer 2024. This means more than 500 parking spaces will be conveniently located near the Whatcom Hospice Foundation offices, offering easier access for those visiting us at 3001 Squalicum Parkway.

To make a life-affirming difference, please contact: Shawn Fincher, Executive Director, Whatcom Hospice Foundation Sfincher2@peacehealth.org | 360-788-6623