By Ben
Rayner, Sound
Senior Staff Writer:
BRANFORD:
You may not
know it, but Branford is home to the very first hospice care center in the
country. Continuing in its role as a healthcare leader, Connecticut Hospice asks
residents to Stand Up to Cancer on Friday, Sept. 5 to help focus resources on
creating cures for every form of this disease.
Stand Up to
Cancer is at the Branford facility on Double
Beach Road at noon on Sept. 5. In a unique
collaboration, all three major television networks will donate one hour of
simultaneous commercial free broadcasts for the event. There will be live
music, health related demonstrations, facials, massages, and information about
helping in the fight against this nation’s leading cause of death.
Connecticut
Hospice CIO Marcel Blanchett said though it’s the organization’s goal to one
day not be needed, in the meantime every effort is made to eradicate cancer.
“There are
cures and treatments for some forms of cancer, but really there is no cure for
so many cancers,” said Blanchett. “Like Jerry Lewis says in his telethons-one
day there has to be a cure and maybe this year is the year we find it.”
According
to Blanchett, hospice believes it is impossible for any one discipline to
provide the range of services required. Through the team approach, hospice
helps patients and families attain optimum quality of life.
“The idea
is that we provide quality care for as long as life lasts. The hope here is
that one day hospice won’t be needed because we will have conquered cancer and
people can live without fear of it, but until then we are a place people can
turn to and provide comfort and care when all other options are exhausted,”
said Blanchett. “We are asking people to come out and help us crush this
dreaded disease.”
American
hospice care began with a home care program in New Haven in 1974 and, when the
needs of patients could no longer be met solely through home care, Connecticut
Hospice opened the nation’s first hospice hospital in Branford in 1980.
According
to its mission, while the control of physical pain and other physical symptoms
is the central and primary concern for caregivers, it’s not the only priority.
A patient with an irreversible illness suffers from an array of emotional,
spiritual, social, and financial problems.
Connecticut
Hospice is recognized internationally as a not-for-profit healthcare provider
that originated hospice care in America with volunteers. Hospice volunteers and
staff provide home care, inpatient care, pain management, and pediatric care.
It accepts patients regardless of their ability to pay.
Stand Up to
Cancer is at Connecticut Hospice, Double Beach Road, Branford at noon on
Friday, Sept. 5. Connecticut Hospice is always in need of volunteers and
donations. For info, visit www.hospice.com or call 203-315-7544.