“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.”
– Robert Byrne
It took losing Jason to find my purpose… I never imagined my nursing career would be serving those at the end-of-life. I knew I wanted to be a nurse from a young age but thought my focus would be helping children get well. That all changed when my family lost Jason.
Jason was my brother-in-law. He was a vibrant and active young man who was known for saying or doing anything to make people laugh. At the age of 19 he graduated from a local Emergency Medical Technician program and loved the excitement of going out on a call and not knowing what he was going to see. He immersed himself in his hobbies; his favorite being rebuilding a black 1966 Mustang with his father.
When he was 22, Jason started to not feel well. After a long hospital stay, we received the devastating news that he had Lupus and was in kidney failure. Although he knew his illness would change the course of his life, he tried to keep the hope that he could still do the things he enjoyed. Over a period of ten years Jason’s disease progressed slowly; our family and was always by his side. He endured dialysis multiple times a week and was a frequent visitor to the hospital. Although he knew he was losing his battle to Lupus, Jason suffered in silence never complaining to protect his family.
Community Hospice & Health Services cares for patients like Jason, providing for their medical, emotional and spiritual needs that allow them to live every moment as if it were their last.
After a ten-year fight, Jason was in the hospital again and called our family together. We did not know that this visit would be our last all together. That evening, Jason spoke to each family member individually to express his love and tell us he was okay. Finally, he shared he was ready to stop fighting and wished to go home with hospice support. We knew he knew what was best for him, and we agreed to honor Jason’s wishes and called Community Hospice & Health Services.
Three hours after calling Community Hospice & Health Services the manager of the Durable Medical Equipment division personally delivered necessary equipment that allowed Jason to come home. Within hours of arriving home Jason’s condition declined. His mother gently removed him from his hospital bed and placed him in his favorite red chair. It was in this spot he rested his head on his mother’s chest and took his last breath.
Every call to Community Hospice & Health Services is urgent. Our dedicated team of medical professionals care for more than 2,000 patients and their families each year, honoring wishes along their journey.
Community Hospice & Health Services made it possible for Jason to pass on his own terms, in his own home, without any suffering. It was Jason’s experience that led me to give back and support their mission. Jason taught me many life lessons and the most important was to find my purpose and help others, which is what I strive for everyday at Community Hospice & Health Services. At Community Hospice & Health Services I have the privilege to help honor patient wishes, like Jason’s, and assist people in living their last moments peacefully.
Your gift helps Community Hospice & Health Services, your local nonprofit of more than 40 years, answer the call when needed most!
Please consider giving a monthly donation which provides Community Hospice & Health Services with your generous support throughout the year. Your support means so much to me and my peers as it allows us to provide specialized care for anyone in our community during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
With sincere appreciation,
Danae Jordan, RN, BSN, PHN
“Honoring patient wishes, and assisting people in living their last moments peacefully.”
Help us continue this work of care by sending in your gift today!
Please consider signing up for monthly donations which offer an easy option to provide Community Hospice & Health Services with your generous support throughout the year. For the same price as a cup of coffee, you can help your friends and neighbors in our communities enjoy as many good days as possible. Visit give.hospiceheart.org to set up a recurring gift today!
Community Hospice & Health Services is the definition of philanthropy – it is our past and more importantly our future. Each year, Community Hospice & Health Services Foundation provides more than 500,000 dollars to support our patients, families, facilities and programs. Your gift matters. Supporting the Community Hospice & Health Services Foundation Annual Fund Campaign is a way to honor a loved one and show you are personally invested in our mission.
100% of your donation stays here
100% is tax deductible
100% makes a difference
Your donation is more important than ever to continue providing exceptional community programs and hospice care services.
Also, when you choose to make a monthly gift, you join a special group of people who spread their generosity throughout the year. Go to give.hospiceheart.org to set up your monthly gift or call us at 209.578.6370. A gift of just $10 a month means more patient wishes will be fulfilled.