2014 Memorial Day Appeal

Together this Memorial Day, let’s remember those we love.

This Memorial Day we will celebrate Dustin’s life by remembering what we loved about him most. He was my high school sweetheart, a loving husband, dad, son, grandson and brother—a young life cut too short.

Thanks to the Ridgeview Hospice team, Dustin was able to spend his final days in peace and serenity, surrounded by those who loved him.

(Photograph courtesy of Angela Archer Photography)

Our time together meant so much, through life and death.

Dustin’s dimples were amazing. He had dark hair, blue eyes, a tall frame and a quiet nature. He had so many sweet qualities that were taken away when cancer took his life. It all started with a lump on his leg. Who knew that lump would mark the beginning of the end. He was diagnosed with alveolar soft part sarcoma, a rare cancer that spread to his liver, lungs and bones.

He suffered, gently and quietly because that was Dustin. He was surrounded by the love of our kids, Tarin and Cody, myself, and our family and friends. We wished it was all a bad dream. When radiation and chemotherapy didn’t help, reality hit. All we had was hope. We flew out of state for clinical trials, optimistic that improvement would surely come Dustin’s way. When it didn’t, we turned to his oncologist at the University of Minnesota, Ridgeview Home Health and soon after Ridgeview Hospice.

Dustin spent his last four days at the Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home, a place like no other. The peacefulness, beauty and at-home feeling were so appreciated. The hospice team that cared for Dustin and our family when we needed it the most was unforgettable. I continue to visit the staff to this day, and can not thank them enough for all they do.

Memorial Day was the day we held Dustin’s wake. The day after was his funeral. I remember when he told me the hardest thing about dying was saying good-bye. It will always be a special time of year to remember the legacy he left behind.

In memory of Dustin,

Jodi Michaelis

Honor your loved ones with a gift to Ridgeview Hospice.

You may know first hand or have heard what hospice means to families like ours. What you may not know is that hospice cannot survive without your help. There are many things Medicare fees and other insurer reimbursements will not cover, including massage, music therapy, pet therapy, prayer shawls and volunteer training—all things that make final days more comfortable.

Please join us in supporting a program that we believe in and, for Dustin’s sake, are so grateful. —Jodi, Tarin, Cody and our entire family, Glencoe, MN

Dustin Michaelis was 32 when he died of cancer. He loved to tinker on cars, restore old tractors, and spend time boating, biking and spending time with his wife, Jodi, and kids, Tarin and Cody.

Life’s events were just beginning for the Michaelis family. A young couple, growing kids. Life was busy! Jodi remembers how Dustin’s rotating work schedule of two weeks home, two weeks in Alaska not only brought them uniquely closer—but also taught them to appreciate their time together.

For more information about Ridgeview Hospice, call 952-442-6030.

490 S. Maple Street, Suite 110, Waconia, MN 55387 952-442-6010 www.ridgeviewfoundation.org Email: foundation@ridgeviewmedical.org