2007 Poker Run
Local Bikers Donate to Wilson Hospice, Foundation
SIDNEY—A group of 227 motorcyclists recently held an event in an effort to raise over $3,100 for Wilson Memorial Hospital Hospice Care. Kim Pflum and Walt Clark, co-owners of the 47 Bar and Grill in Port Jefferson organized the poker run, which included stops at Patrick’s Pub in McCartyville, Friend’s in Jackson Center, Brothers in Indian Lake, Desperados in Huntsville and The Pines in Quincy. The bikers also enjoyed dinner provided by Catering for You, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Wilson Hospice.
The organizers chose Wilson Hospice due to Pflum’s experiences with similar hospice programs in Indiana that have cared for members of her family. “I had two aunts and a cousin who benefited from hospice services in Indiana, and we were all treated so well,” Pflum said. “I’ve lived in Shelby County since 1990, and when we planned this event we wanted the money to go toward a good cause. Based on my experiences with hospice care, we thought Wilson’s Hospice program would be a good recipient here in our own community. And you never know, someday you just might need them.”
Wilson Hospice Care services are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week with an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers, music therapists, massage therapists, physical, speech and occupational therapists, and volunteers who provide individualized health care and comfort to the patient and family. Volunteers are also an essential part of hospice care. They provide companionship, relief for the caregivers, perform errands, assist in homemaking chores and help with transportation.
When a person is admitted to Wilson Hospice Care, the cost of medications related to the terminal diagnosis, medical equipment and hospice health care is covered under hospice benefit of Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurance companies. Wilson Hospice will never deny a patient who needs services based on an inability to pay.
“We are honored that Wilson Hospice Care was chosen to receive this gracious donation from participants in this event,” said Joann Scott, Director of Wilson Hospice Care. “It is the generous support of our community that makes it possible for us to cover all medications, provide music and massage therapy, and provide hospice service to patients without insurance or an ability to pay.”
Wilson Hospice Care reaches out not only to those who are terminally ill, but also to their families. The support of the hospice care team does not end with the death of the person. The hospice team understands the needs of the bereaved, and they continue to assist with funeral arrangements and support as well as counsel the family during a 13-month bereavement period. Scott states that this enables support through all of the “firsts” following a death (the first Christmas, first birthday, anniversary, etc.). Wilson Hospice Care also offers grief counseling and support to anyone in the community that has experienced the death of a loved one. These services are offered at no cost to the community.
A person of any age who is considered terminally ill and is no longer undergoing active, curative treatment is eligible for Wilson Hospice Care. Those who wish to remain at home need an identifiable caregiver. The patient’s physician will direct the medical management of the patient’s needs in cooperation with the hospice team. Wilson Hospice serves the residents of Shelby, Miami, Champaign, Logan, Auglaize and Darke Counties. Services are provided where ever the patient calls home, whether it be a private residence with family or friends, or in a facility such as a nursing home, assisted living, independent living or retirement center.
The Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation exists to contribute to the financial support and betterment of Wilson Memorial Hospital. In doing so, the Foundation assists in maintaining and enhancing patient care services by providing funding for the purchase of essential resources and state-of-the-art technology which only dollars can secure and maintain. For more information about Wilson Hospice Care, please call (937) 498-9335 or visit Wilson’s website at www.wilsonhospital.com.
For information about donating to the Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation, please call (937) 498-5575. Local Bikers Donate to Wilson Hospice, Foundation