Page 37 - Outstanding Women Friendly Physicians (2)

LightBridge Hospice Community A patient wished to attend her beloved granddaughter’s wedding

but she was physically unable to shop for the special occasion. A
Foundation: a passion for funding LightBridge volunteer purchased several dresses and brought them
to the patient, allowing her to choose the dress she liked best. A
hair stylist travelled to the patient and created a beautiful hairdo for
exceptional programs her. The patient enjoyed the wedding in style! The funds for the
dress and hair appointment were provided by the Foundation.
By Judith A. Habert
A LightBridge volunteer learned that a patient wished to leave a liv-
ing legacy of his drawings. The Foundation funded the art supplies
which allowed the patient and volunteer to create a beautiful portfo-
lio of the patient’s art. The volunteer then entered the portfolio in a
LightBridge Hospice Community Foundation, was founded in 2005 program that displays it in multiple cities around the country and it
with the thoughtful support of individuals and families touched by will be permanently displayed at the Brooklyn Public Library.
the care they had received at LightBridge Hospice; people commit- Coming Soon!
The Foundation purchased a vest for new pet therapy dog
“Gracie,” a Rhodesian ridgeback who visits the Veteran’s
Our New Estate Jewelry
Home of Chula Vista weekly and provides heart-lifting
companionship to patients throughout San Diego County.
Department
LightBridge Hospice, LightBridge Hospice Community
Foundation and Coco’s Restaurants partnered to create
Located Adjacent to our
Operation Pumpkin Pie; funding Thanksgiving feasts for
Current Location.
several patients without families or the financial means
to have a special holiday gathering. The meals were
delivered by devoted volunteers to homes and facilities
throughout San Diego on Thanksgiving Day.
As LightBridge Hospice Community Foundation moves
forward, a variety of fundraisers are planned to help
further its mission to fund exceptional programs that en-
hance the end of life journey for patients and their families
throughout San Diego.
“Lights of LightBridge” is currently in development for
launch this spring. The idea behind the inaugural fund- San Diego Woman
raiser is to radiate light in honor, memory or celebration
of individuals or family members touched by LightBridge
ted to making a difference in the lives of others. The Foundation Hospice and the mission of the Foundation. In the fall, the 5th An-
has grown steadily in a little over five years and has provided a nual Remembrance Walk will take place in San Diego. Additional
wide variety of specialized programs that enhance peace of mind, events will take place in 2013 as LightBridge Hospice & Palliative 37
dignity and comfort for people facing their end of life journey. They Care celebrates its 10th Anniversary.
include Simple Gifts (grants for end of life wishes), Integrative
therapies (Music Therapy, Aromatherapy, Pet Therapy and Healing If you’d like to learn more or to make a donation to any of these
Touch™) and Jewish Hospice Program Fund.
worthwhile programs, please call (858) 458-2992, www.lbhcf.org
or email contact@lbhcf.org. Ways to make a difference include
“We attribute our growth to many remarkable people including our participating in special events, attending educational programs,
very dedicated Board of Directors,” said Jill Mendlen, Chairman of giving to patient care programs, volunteering or granting an end-of-
the Board. “They have personally witnessed the outstanding work life wish.
of our staff and volunteers at LightBridge Hospice as they have
cared for their loved ones. Their commitment to the Foundation is
a beautiful tribute to their families and a most meaningful
way to make a difference in the lives of others.”

“Most recently, we added an Advisory Council, many of
whom are volunteers at LightBridge Hospice. So they
too support the meaning of hospice care and the need
for the important programs provided by Foundation. We
feel very fortunate that our leadership believes in our work
wholeheartedly. With their expertise and dedication, we
are ensured continued growth and the gift of providing
even more programs for so many facing their end-of-life
journey.”

The money raised by the Foundation, helps fund pro-
grams that bring added peace and comfort to patients and
families. Here are just a few stories from recent LBHCF
grant recipients: