We are thrilled to welcome Pat McDonald, longtime resident of Berlin, as Honorary Chair of our annual Spring Appeal. This is one of two solicitations that are sent out every year.
As a not-for-profit, we are driven by a mission to care for every person who needs it, regardless of ability to pay. This means that we must rely on fundraising and support from our community, and beyond, to continue to provide critical health and supportive care services to all central Vermonters.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pat as our Spring Appeal Honorary Chair,” says Kim Farnum, Director of Community Relations & Development. Pat has been deeply connected to CVHHH for many years, serving on CVHHH’s Board of Directors and as an active member of our Town Funding Planning Committee. She, and her family, have relied on CVHHH for care, and she is an advocate for all of our services and programs.”
An excerpt of a letter Pat wrote to Friends of CVHHH is below. The full text is available to read and download on our Online Donation page, where it’s also possible to make a secure online donation to the appeal.
“When my mom turned 93, she became a resident of Berlin Health & Rehab, now Genesis HealthCare. A few months into Mom’s stay there, it became clear that she needed extra support. We called CVHHH and requested hospice care, which was provided for Mom at the nursing home. A volunteer from CVHHH began visiting with Mom a few hours a night. The volunteer sat and talked to Mom and built a great rapport with her. She documented their visits in a red binder which she gave to us after Mom passed away. If you knew my mother, you know that she was not one to share her feelings too often. When my sister and I read the visit notes, we were overwhelmed by the comments Mom felt comfortable making. She talked about how she loved her life, how proud she was of us, and that she felt she’d left nothing undone, that it was time. Hospice was a true gift for Mom and for our family.”
For questions about contributing to CVHHH, please contact Kim Farnum, Director of Community Relations & Development, via email or at 224-2234.