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.”

We’re digging through our vault to bring back another edition of Why St. Anthony’s. Today’s post comes from August 9, 2019 and was submitted by our Lucy Smith King Care Center Administrative/Assistant/Unit Secretary, Amy Hanley.

“Caring for and loving people when they need it most has always been a part of who I am. My current position with St. Anthony’s Hospice presented itself to me in August 2017. Without hesitation, I immediately applied and prayed that this was where I was meant to be. I love to love people. I love to comfort others when there is a need. And this organization exemplifies just that and so much more. People often ask us “how do you do it everyday? How do you work around such sadness?” St. Anthony’s Hospice is about so much more than the sadness, sickness, death, and dying. To me, the answer is simple… I get to work in a place that is filled with so much compassion, selflessness, kindness, and love everyday. I leave my job everyday feeling so fulfilled, knowing that we have gone above and beyond to treat patients and their families with the same compassion and dignity that we would all want for our own loved ones and families, not because we have to, but because that’s who we are as people and an organization, and what we believe in and stand for. The best part of my job is doing what I love and loving what I do everyday. They say it’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together, and I am so blessed and thankful that it has for me.”