THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 14, 1995 TAG: 9508130032
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
My aunt died peacefully after a long battle against cancer. Our family was able to cope with the wonderful support of the Sentara hospice program.
Hospice is a program to which terminally ill patients can be referred by their physicians. This allows them the option of dying at home surrounded by friends and loved ones rater than in a hospital which can often dictate visiting times and number of visitors.
My aunt was able to live the last few months of her life showered with love and attention. We laughed and we cried. We got angry at the injustice of it all. Throughout it all we were consoled and helped by the Sentara hospice-program volunteers and personnel.
If we needed something, whether a hospital bed, oxygen, medicine or just an answer to a question, every person we came in contact with was caring, compassionate and concerned.
My aunt was a loving, caring person who in her last months was treated with dignity and love. My family is grateful.
BETTIE McMORAN
Virginia Beach, July 29, 1995 by CNB