Hospice of New York

Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn

Queens & Nassau

Volunteer Voices

A note from Angela and Sandra

“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August “

—Jenny Hani

Sunny skies and rising temperatures do more than make our environment a pleasant place. It also provides very significant benefits to our health and well being. Sunlight helps to regulate almost all our bodily processes as well as acting as psychological encouragement to improve our lifestyle. It is a time where we can enjoy nature, eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and we tend to drink more water. Spiritually, summer is a time to celebrate the light of conscious-ness within ourselves and others. We are so grateful to you for bringing some sunshine into the lives of our patients, who are unable to reap all the joys of summertime at this difficult time of life. With heartfelt appreciation for all you do… thank you and have a wonderful summer!!!

Welcome to our New Volunteers!!!

2017

Jannat Ara Michelle Flett Kevin Lovelady

William Belle Sophia Greer Mary McDonald

Lauren Bridgefort Christopher Hook C. Elizabeth Mojica

Daughn Brown Maheen Ilyas Anna Potempska

Kami Calvero Renee Johnson Yvonne Romero

Monica Cambi Sandeep Kaur Willa Stockton

Alexis Disrlwe Dilruba Khatoon Kristin Talbot

Ji Sun Kim

Words of Wisdom from the Ethical Death Café

Picasso once said, ”It takes a long time to become young”

There are times in life when we are committed to pursuing our passions. Every molecule in our

body is focused on doing what we love. At other times, necessity and responsibility dictate that

we put our dreams aside and do what needs to be done. It is during these moments that we may

choose to forget what it is that we love to do. There are many other reasons why we may leave

our passions behind. A hobby may lose its appeal once we’ve realize it will never turn into our

dream job. Someone important to us may keep telling us that our passions are childish and un-

suitable until we finally believe them. Life is too short to stop doing what you love, and it is

never too late to rediscover your favorite things. If you gave up playing an instrument, painting,

drawing, spending time in nature, or any other activity or interest that you once loved.

-Dr. Barbara A. Simpson, Facilitator: Ethical Death Café, 2 West 64th St., NYC

A Different View on Death

The Buddhist view is that to have a good death one must have led a good life. The knowledge

that death represents the return of the individual life to the great universal life prior to another

phenomenal manifestation is a source of splendid strength, rich with compassion and wisdom.

As one strives for self-perfection by doing good for others, the Buddhist is constantly aware that

death is a fulfilling and enriching part of life. For people who believe this, death is not defeat,

but a wonderful stimulus to live more vigorously and more meaningful.

—Ikeda

Poet’s Corner

Bringing My Mother Home

By Sandra Nielsen

As we drove through the cascade of palm trees in the town of Loiza, Puerto Rico I begin to know and understand the true spirit and soul of my mother

As the tears fall from my eyes; they are tears of sorrow and happiness simultaneously I know this is her final journey home

Mark Anthony is on the radio singing passionately ...Isla del Caribe ...Borinquén

Her beauty and elegance shine like the sun and flow in my heart like the beautiful Caribbean ocean Her quiet strength and dignity are the ocean breeze

This is a town of common people and comida típica* I remember the good she saw in all people and how our home was a haven for family and friends. Las palabras de cariño** of the people warm my heart

He sings on… Preciosa te llaman los bardos que Canta de Historia *** So much history here. Where she was born… Puerta de Tierra

Where she worked as a young woman ..EL Capitol in Old San Juan Uncle Papi and Carmen Hilda’s house in Puerto Nuevo bring back childhood memories of Abuela and Abuelo

Where she met and married my Father True soul mates in Life and Death

He sings on…

Porque ahora pues comprendo, aunque pasa lo que pasa… Yo seré Puetorriqueña..Yo seré Puertorriqueña**** Bringing my mother home… Brought me home… To my Family… To My Culture… To my Soul

Preciosa… Puerto Rico

Preciosa… Esther Ferrer Jimenenz de Nielsen I will miss you so Gracias y Adios

*Native food ** Caring words from the heart ***Precious are the towns that sing of history ****Because now I understand that whatever happens, I Am Puerto Rican

Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Food Facts to Help you Live Longer (and lose weight too!)

Nutritional All-Stars

1. Sauerkraut— “When naturally fermented and refrigerated (not pasteurized) sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt and kefir contain natural probiotics and help populate your gut with healthy bacteria that can protect you from colds and the flu.” —Justin Sonnerburg, PHD, Professor at Stanford University and author of The Good Gut. 2. Tumeric— “Many clinical trials have shown [turmeric] could play a role in preventing

or treating heart disease, osteoarthritis, and some cancers. I recommend a quarter teaspoon a day. If you do not enjoy the taste, buy capsules.” —Michael Greger, MD, who specializes in nutrition and the author of How Not to Die.

3. Canned Tuna — “It’s one of the most affordable proteins in the super-markets, and it’s packed with omega-3s, vitamin D, and selenium. Snack on it with whole-grain crackers.” —Kate Gegan, MS, RD, nutritionist and author of Go Green, Get Lean

4. Seafood — “In one large study, having at least one fish meal a week was associated with 60 % reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Other studies have found that eating fish slashes your chance of dying from heart disease by about one third.” —Martha Clare Morris, SCD, Director of the Section of Nutrition and Nutri-tional Epidemiology at Rush University Medical Center.

5. Dark Chocolate (70 percent Cacao) “This treat has been shown to boost good HDL cholesterol, lower bad LDL cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, boost brain health, and enhance mood. Research also shows it curbs cravings for both sweet and salty foods.” —Cynthia Sass, MPH,RD, author of Slim Down Now; Shed Pounds with Real Food, Real Fast.

Tara looked very well when I arrived at her room at CNR. We greeted each other warmly, and I told her how

lovely it was to meet her niece and nephew as well as their family the week before. We laughed about the

funny conversations we had. Tara mentioned another niece who visited her on the Sunday before. I’m happy

to see her enjoy ample family time. Tara also had a good meeting with Hospice and CNR; she will be able to

return home on the 25th of the this month. Things are really looking up. Tara shared some homemade cake her

family made. I learned about her family nick name “T.T.”, which stands for “Tommy Turtle” because her

parents use to tease her about walking and moving slowly. We watched a TV program Tara enjoys before I

headed out. It has been a good week for Tara and a wonderful visit. —Ashley Wang

When I arrived Violette was in the facility lounge with her daughter, Karen and son-in-law, Larry. Violette

was not in good spirits. She spoke harshly and was being very difficult. Karen informed me that Violette had

been like that for the past week and that she was depressed. Karen left me with Violette for a while and she

talked with her sister, Sharon, via face time. I talked with Violette and read scripture to her. I sang hymns to

her, as she sat quietly with a frown on her face and her head hung down. As I was singing “How Great Thou

Art” she began to sing with me. Her mood miraculously changed and she started smiling and talking nicely.

Violette did not want to stop singing. Violette ‘s daughter returned and was amazed at the shift in her Mom’s

mood. Violette’s daughters (Sharon via phone) joined in and sang with us. We all prayed the “Our Father”

prayer together. After praying, Violette held on to my hand and kissed it. I gave her a hug. Her daughters

thanked me for coming and lifting Violette’s spirit. What a great and powerful meeting.

—Mary L. Martin-Sweet

I visited with Mitchell at the IPU at Saint Barnabas Hospital. He received me graciously. He invited me to sit

down and I did. He offered me some juice and chocolate cake. I told him a bit about myself and why I was

there. We had a general conversation and he shared with me about his brother and all about his condition. I

did not talk too much about his condition, but I did talk about practices and procedures for good health. He

had a very good sense of humor and stated that he was so happy to have me visit him. He stated that he loves

the place and that everyone has been so helpful and kind to him. He is Catholic, but has not been practicing his

faith. I held his hand and told him we were going to say some prayers in unison. He agreed and we said the

Lord’s prayers together. I prepared to leave and told him I would be back. He escorted me back to the front

desk. He was a real gentleman. —Mary Douglas

It was difficult getting to reach Antonio or Tony as he liked to be called. He was in a bad state , so I under-

stood the cause of the difficulty. Upon arriving, I met Nurse Sean and the aide, Alicia. I met Tony who made an

effort to talk, but could not. He would drift in and out. I sat by his side during the visit. He was my youngest

patient and fastest one to pass after my first visit. It made me think that nobody is immortal no matter how

young or strong we think we might be. I had a good talk with Alicia and we spoke on the value of maintaining

good relations with loved ones. Tony was estranged from his family and sadly there was not time to rekindle.

—Alejandro Zarate

Volunteer

Notes

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

Our appreciation to Brenda Young, Clinical Director; Walter Fendrich, Bereavement Coordinator; Sean Casserly,

RN; Joan Melito, RN; Connie Gordon, Social Worker, Marie Thermoise, Social Worker; Pat Crupi, Spiritual Care

Coordinator; Father Hycacinth, Spiritual Care Coordinator and our volunteers, Sandra Hollingsworth, Debra

Rosso-Houri, Magee Krisch, Sihua Prior, Sally Scialabba , Raymond Schmidt, Mary Martin-Sweet, Irma Warren

and Simon Nin Zhu for their dedication and participation in our Patient Care Volunteer Training.

I visited with Ada today. We had a great conversation about our families. She showed me pictures of her family

on face book. I in turn, showed her pictures of my daughter. Her hands were very dry, so I put some lotion on

them. The doctor and the Hospice nurse came in, so I stepped out of the room. When I returned to the room, Ada

had been crying. She requested prayer, so we prayed together. She appears to be getting weaker. Overall, it was

a very friendly meeting. We enjoyed each other so much. I told her I would be back next week.

—Irma Warren.

Lola was pretty much the same as two days ago. Her eyes were opened and focused on me as I spoke to her about

a variety of subjects. She did try to speak once. Although she is non-communicative verbally, her eyes are focused

and she appears to be listening. I have called her son and introduced myself. He as very open and welcomed my

call.—Magee Krisch

Today marks the end of my service for Netta. It was such a pleasure caring for her. The children embraced me

like a sister. They told me I can drop by any time. I would like to. It made me very happy. Netta is still hanging in

there. Her condition is the same. I am going to miss them —Anna Duncan

I met June in her room and she showed me around. We went downstairs for the music program. A piano players

entertained us. We played the tambourine and sang. Both of us had great fun. She was sad when I had to leave

—Susan Scialabba

Today Ernestina was very alert, happy, looking around and in very good spirits. She was elated to see me and

called me her “Bonita Bebe” with a pleasant facial expression. She was in pain and her husband asked me to in-

form the nurse. The nurse gave her medication for the pain and she got some relief. Ernestina’s husband ex-

pressed his heartfelt appreciation for my kindness and caring heart towards his wife. All in all, today was the

best I’ve seen the patient since I first started to visit with her. Ernestina was speaking in her native language

while her husband interpreted for me in English. We all enjoyed the visit. I look forward to more awesome days

with her. —Knyla Harris-Popilevsky

Expression of thanks for the Blanket/Knitting Program I want the wonderful ladies who make blankets to know that the blankets are a real source of comfort. I know that by the way

the patient snuggles in to it. The blankets are the last bit of warmth and security the patient feels while on this earth. I can’t

thank them enough. —Joan Melito, Hospice Nurse

Last week I delivered a full size (and may I say beautiful) blanket to a primarily Spanish speaking patient at Schulman and

Schachne. There was a CNA in his room when I arrived and I handed it to her. She took it out of the plastic bag, opened it and

described it to him as she placed it on the bed, covering him. She originally placed it mid-chest. It was fascinating to see his re-

sponse. After a few seconds, he reached for the blanket moving it up a little higher; and he eventually moved it up to his chin,

holding it there with his hands. His face looked so very pleased. There was joy there. So, thank you and your volunteers for ena-

bling this patient to have this practical, treasured and beautiful gift. Clearly, he will treasure it. Much appreciated!!!

—Flavia Goldson , Hospice Social Worker

“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination “—Nelson Mandela

Please Help Us Recruit New Volunteers!

Patient Care Volunteers—Provide support to patients, caregivers and families in your own

communities, at home, in nursing homes or in-patient setting.

Administrative Volunteers—Assist office personnel in our Long Island City office in the Volunteer Department,

Medical Records, Human Resources, Finance , and Bereavement .

Please contact:

In Manhattan, Bronx and Brooklyn In Nassau County /Queens

Contact: Sandra Nielsen@347-226-4821 Contact: Angela Purpura @347-226-4801

sandra.nielsen@hospiceny.com angela.purpura@hospiceny.com

Volunteer Voices is written by Sandra Nielsen and Angela Purpura

Graphic Design by Sandra Nielsen

Volunteers !!!! The best in Mind, Body and Spirit

Dorothy Bush 6/2 Irma Warren 7/31 Graciela Busto 8/8

Mary Douglas 6/2 Sally Scialabba 8/2 Gurprit Kaur 8/9

Renee McCoy 6/2 Marilyn Taylor 8/3 Janette Parkins 8/13

Renee Johnson 6/12 Lauren Bridgeford 8/4 Debra Russo-Houri 8/19

Felipa Isales 7/3 Fred Skepner 8/4 Knyla Harris-Popilevsky 8/19

Weaver Ross 8/5

To all the Volunteers with Spring Birthdays, we did not forget you.

Happy Belated Birthday !!!

( We did not have a Spring issue this year)