A year in review

by Andrea Powell, HPCCR Electronic Communications Manager

I can’t believe we are watching 2012 dance its way out the door. As far as I’m concerned, the year simply flew by. And what a year it was for Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region!

We started off 2012 with another successful (and extremely tasty) Soup on Sunday. We were absolutely tickled that we had almost 800 folks in attendance and raised over $50,000 to provide hospice care to our community.

In March, we celebrated our physicians. With over 15 docs on staff, we are blessed with an unheralded amount of unique experience and expertise!

In May, we had an absolutely fantastic Lake Norman Hospice Regatta Party, raising a record amount in support of Hospice & Palliative Care Lake Norman. Not only was the food amazing, but the auction items were so great that epic (and friendly, of course) battles were fought to take some of the merchandise home! We also honored the nurses who work for our organization – they truly keep us afloat.

Speaking of floating, in June, we hosted the Lake Norman Hospice Regatta — the actual sailing event. The weather could not have been more perfect, and we got some great stories out of it. Namely, the awesome contribution by little Jackson Jones, the young donor who warmed our hearts. We also celebrated our nursing assistants. Where would we be without them??

In July, we had a heartbreaking and wonderful staff meeting that left us emotionally spent and proud to work for this top-notch organization.

In August, we passed an extremely important milestone — TEN (count ‘em!), ten years of providing palliative care to our community.

In September, we had another flurry of events: Hit the Brixx, Taste of Birkdale, and Pedal the Park. Man, we were busy! We were worried that Nancy Cole, Director of Special Events, would lose her mind with all of the organization required. But she pulled it off, as she always does, with grace and style. Not to mention success.

We kicked off October by recognizing our pharmacist, Mike Bolewitz as well as two special HPCCR clinicians. Dr. Philip Hess and RN Martha Gilbert were awarded Physician of the Year and Nurse of the Year (respectively) by the Charlotte Business Journal. A few days later, our Compassionate Soles once again walked in the Komen Race for the Cure. And then we held our very first Corks & Karats, an extremely well-attended and outrageously fun wine and fine food tasting event. We finished off the month with another incredible weekend in Lake Wylie, hosting our annual Chameleon’s Journey Grief Camp.

In November, we celebrated National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. We also got the opportunity to be proud of two HPCCR volunteers who received Star Volunteer Awards from the Metrolina Association of Volunteer Administrators.

In December, we held eight Light Up A Life Interfaith Memorial Services. We sold lots of Commemorative Bells and Lights to honor the many patients and families who have been under our care. And (drum roll please!) we accepted our very first patients at our brand spanking new Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster.

Whew! What a year, right?? It was non-stop. But let me say that without the support of all of you — the people who care about Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region — none of these things would have happened. Thank you for being our champion. Thank you for recommending us, sharing stories about us, and letting us care for your family members.

So here’s to another frantic, crazy, fun, meaningful, and successful year. May 2013 be blessed for all of us!

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Tags: 2012, 2013, HPCCR, year in review

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