We’re adding another installment of “Why St. Anthony’s” to our website! Taylor Vernam has kindly shared the story of her grandmother, Priscilla Vernam and her grandmother’s sister, Linda Abell; both who passed away with St. Anthony’s care.
“Why St. Anthony’s?” is unfortunately one of the easiest questions for our family to answer. I had always heard great things about St. Anthony’s Hospice and the Lucy Smith King Care Center but never thought I would experience it firsthand with loved ones… twice… in the same year. February 9, 2018 began our first of two experiences at the Lucy Smith King Care Center with my grandmother, Priscilla. After being diagnosed with cancer, only 9 days prior to being admitted, the next 9 days became the longest. My mom and I were told the worst news we had ever heard on February 18, at 3:52 a.m. “I’m sorry ladies, but she has passed.” Fast forwarding to July 2, Linda, my grandmother’s sister, became a patient in the care center after also being diagnosed with cancer. After being there in February and having a great experience with the staff, we as a family were at ease knowing that another family member was going to be well taken care of. At this point we knew the staff, the rooms, and the family room all too well; they even remembered all of us as we entered the unit. July 5 at 1:05 a.m., it became a nightmare that none of us could believe was happening again. Two nurses and two aide’s stood around us as we heard the terrible news again. I can distinctly remember everything about those two early mornings, but that isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when I speak of our loved ones’ time under the care of St. Anthony’s. What I think about is the heartfelt care and compassion that each staff member had for my grandmother, aunt, myself and our family. From the referral process to the memorial leaf hanging in the care center, every nurse, aide, volunteer, etc., has been nothing short of wonderful and concerned for our grieving. I truly cannot thank St. Anthony’s Hospice enough for what they have done for our family.”
