While we are committed to protecting the privacy of our patients and families, we are pleased to share excerpts from some of the letters we have received from our customers around the state:

Ken Weide, Alpena
In 1999, after working 32 years working for Decorative Panels International, Ken Weide was diagnosed with a fatal form of scleroderma. Ken's doctor recommended Hospice of Michigan's services to help relieve the soreness he was experiencing. Over the course of his scleroderma, Ken has lost all of his fingers and toes and most recently both of his legs, but never his sense of gratitude for Hospice of Michigan. "I couldn't ask for better people than Hospice of Michigan, they take care of all my medications, they check me weekly from head-to-toe, and the nurse has become one of the family. Nobody should ever turn down the opportunity to have Hospice of Michigan come in and care for them or a loved one. Their care is something you'll never forget; they are just wonderful."

Trisha Ulrich, Big Rapids
Trisha Ulrich was getting sick all the time, and her pain was becoming more intense when the doctor recommended Hospice of Michigan. "Going on Hospice of Michigan's program was the toughest decision we have ever made, but the best." Julie Ulrich, Trisha's mother, said. "My Dad had hospice care too, so we knew it was a good thing, but we were afraid it meant that we were giving up. We thought it was the end, when really it was just the beginning. I think the thing that amazes me the most is how they are always there when I need them," said Julie. "I have called them when Trisha was really having a problem, and they were here within 15 minutes. I have called them in the middle of the night and they are here. Sharon, Trisha's nurse, will even call on her days off to just check on us. They have been wonderful."

Tom and Pat Straight, Cadillac
Tom Straight has been a Hospice volunteer since 1983. Since that time, he has helped countless patients and families by driving them to doctor's appointments and other errands, and even performing yard and house work. In 2005, Tom found out first-hand how helpful Hospice of Michigan can be. Tom and his wife Pat were getting ready for their annual flu shot appointments when Pat complained of not feeling well. Tom drove her to the doctor, and after testing, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. After 4 days in the hospital, Tom called Hospice of Michigan and asked them for help. "I knew I needed help caring for Pat, and I knew Hospice of Michigan would help me." "It's wonderful how the world has changed. When I first started volunteering for Hospice of Michigan people would ask me what hospice was. Now, when I tell people I volunteer, they tell me stories about how they were helped by Hospice of Michigan and what a wonderful experience it was."

Bob and Mildred Tell, Farmington Hills
In 1997, Robert Tell, a retired hospital administrator and author of Dementia Diary (dementia-diary.com) , moved his mother Mildred, a widow suffering from dementia, to Michigan to be closer to family. For a number of years, Mildred lived in a private care facility. After eight years, Robert found that he was not able to afford private care and was not sure where to turn for help. At a friend's suggestion, Bob contacted Hospice of Michigan. Bob feels very comfortable knowing Hospice of Michigan is helping provide his mother with the care that she needs from home. Mrs. Tell celebrated her 93rd birthday this past September and sees her son frequently. "I feel comfortable, knowing Mom is safe and that Hospice of Michigan is watching her and helping her out."

Beverly Robison and Pauline Kassuba, Gaylord
When Pauline Kassuba was diagnosed with a terminal illness, her daughter, Beverly Robison, wasn't sure what Hospice of Michigan could do for her mom that she could not. Beverly was surprised by how much Hospice of Michigan was able to help. Pauline and her Hospice of Michigan caregivers developed a close relationship during the course of Pauline's care, and she would tell the nurses and social worker lots of stories when they came each day. Beverly says, "My husband died 11 years ago and I can only wish he had been able to have the type of care Hospice of Michigan provided for my mom. With Hospice of Michigan employees, you feel like it's not just a job they go to everyday. They really care. Some people worry about calling hospice, because they think it means they have been defeated. I worry more about people not calling. I wish everyone knew how great Hospice of Michigan is."