The Quality of Life Campaign:
Read more about our new, state-of-the-art Hospice Care and Community Center on our existing lakeside property.
Hospice Care Inspires Legacy Gift
When Bill Stigelman retired, he had some free time and was looking for meaningful ways to spend it. With his background as a former pharmacist and a military veteran, a fellow Hospice of the Western Reserve board member thought he could add a useful perspective and expertise. He had no idea that his own wife, Jude, would need HWR’s services in just a few short years.
When Jude was diagnosed with terminal metastatic lung cancer, she embarked on an intensive treatment regimen that included radiation, chemotherapy and palliative care. Once active treatment had run its course, Jude and Bill turned to Hospice of the Western Reserve.
The morning of Jude’s first full day at David Simpson Hospice House, Bill arrived to stay with Jude, only to find her bed gone and her room empty. After a few seconds of dark thoughts, he realized she was outside on her own personal patio soaking up the sun! Her nurse had asked if she would like to go outside.
“From the first moment Jude set foot in David Simpson Hospice House, she couldn’t have received more tender, loving care,” Bill said. “To this day, I marvel that not once during Jude’s six-plus weeks there did she, her sister Molly or I ever experience anything but the best care and support.”
Since Jude’s death, Bill has been a dedicated member of the Hospice of the Western Reserve Board of Directors. His contributions range from lending clinical expertise, to leading the annual Walk to Remember fundraiser as a committee member and “Team Jude” organizer, to serving on the planned giving committee. “I made the decision to honor Jude’s memory by making meaningful contributions, including a legacy gift designation in my will,” said Bill.