Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat – submitted by Me!

Sept 30, 2006

Preserving the Stories of Our Lives: The Hospice of Michigan’s My Stories Program

Carol Roach

I am presenting an article I was asked to write for a psychology magazine.

What legacy can one leave their family as their last days draw near? Are all the fences mended, and have all the words been said? For those in palliative care, it may not always be the case. Sometimes the words do not come easy in a face to face encounter. Loved ones may no longer have the ability to vocalize their wishes and concerns. Sometimes because of careers, personal commitments, or relatives unable to make it in

e it to the patient as a gift. The entire life review process of recording each patient’s treasured stories typically lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour. The service is free for patients interested in recording their life stories and is funded by private donations.

In 2004, Hospice of Michigan volunteers donated more 64,000 hours of service which included over 35,000 hours of patient care. Today, they undergo 20 hours of patient care and bereavement training and receive an additional four hours instruction on the My Stories program to master the equipment and learn interview techniques.

The benefits of the program have profound effects on both the patient and family. As a writer, I wrote my life story for my young grandson. I wanted him to know me, the young girl, the wife, mother, professional, and grandmother. I wanted to share the essence of me. I was fortunate; I had the talent to write and the gift of time. However, writing may not be an option for palliative care patients who have neither writing ability, or time. My Stories program offers a viable alternative. Furthermore, as good as my book may be, my grandson will not have the opportunity to hear my voice. He will not be able to hear the sighs, the tears, the elation, and the laughter that in turn becomes the essence of me. The My Stories Program beautifully fills in that void.

Hospice of Michigan social worker Jennifer Eitniear with the Grand Rapids team states: “So many of our patients have interesting stories and a rich heritage that the younger people just don’t know about. What a gift it is to be able to leave these stories with a family.”

The Stammis family has been blessed by this wonderful program. Mike Stammis, age 44, a brain cancer patient, was able to do the interview in January, before he lost his ability to talk. According to Marilyn Reed, social worker with the Grand Rapids team, “When asked what he wanted the boys to remember, he answered ‘how proud I am of them.”

Cindy Stammis is thrilled that the Hospice of Michigan provided their family with a video-recorded interview with Mike including recollections of his childhood and messages to each of the boys – 19 year old Sean, 17 year old Corey and 14 year old Casey. She knows that Mike will pass away before the boys reach manhood.

“This video is so important to us,” Cindy said. “This is something the boys can treasure the rest of their lives and can share with their own children.”

Dottie Deremo, president and CEO of Hospice of Michigan, concludes “Our families often tell us that they wish they could hear the sound of their loved one’s voice, or their laugh. In our home we have hundreds of photos, but forget to capture the sound of someone’s voice that we loved so much, and the stories that have made them special. We think that the Hospice of Michigan My Stories audio memory book will be a great comfort to families for years to come.”

The Hospice states that you will be hearing a lot more about My Stories this fall. A series of special events, called In Their Own Words, will aim to raise $1 million to support Hospice of Michigan and the My Stories Program.

In Their Own Words will be a fundraising gala in Detroit and Grand Rapids to raise funds for the compassionate care of Hospice of Michigan and the My Stories Program, so that families and friends may share and pass on the stories of their lives.

How You Can Support My Stories Two black-tie events this fall will support the My Stories Program. Individual and corporate sponsorship packages are available:

• Crystal Rose Ball, Saturday, September 9, Detroit Opera House, contact Michelle Rau, (313)578-6259

• In Their Own Words, Thursday, November 9, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, contact Rae Anne Langenburg, (616)356-5231.

For more information, Hospice of Michigan: 1260 Ekhart NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616/356-5256 www.hom.org

Hospice of Michigan Rae Anne Langenburg 616.356.5231 rlangenb@hom.org

Media Contact: Diane M. Jones Professional Marketing 616.949.9104 dc.jones@sbcglobal.net

Carol Roach

winterose@videotron.ca

A Native of Montreal, Quebec, Carol is a graduate of Concordia, and McGill University.  She holds a bachelor in psychology and a Masters in counselling psychology.  Carol Roach is a published writer and newsletter editor.  You can purchase her book: Picking up the Pieces: A Woman's Journey at www.publishamerica.com, or www.amazon.com.  You can also go to your local bookstore and order it there as well.  Be sure to quote the isbn number: 1-4137-1921-X for local purchases:  Carol’s second book: Angels Watching Over is currently looking for a home. Stay tuned for details. 

If you are interested in other stories feel free to join her newsletter: Storytime Tapestry at: http://subs.zinester.com/98907 , or email her directly at winterose@videotron.ca and she will be glad to accommodate you.  Carol enjoys email and responds to every inquiry.