Hospice of Michigan Receives $25,000 Grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation to Support Pediatric Hospice Services

Grant to help serve pediatric patients and their families through Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children

 

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Dec. 18, 2024) – Hospice of Michigan recently received a $25,000 grant from  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation to aid Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children: Pediatric Legacy Care and Bereavement Support to continue the not-for-profit’s comprehensive grief support and counseling for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

The Pediatric Legacy Care and Bereavement Support program is dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families, helping them navigate illness and loss while preserving cherished memories and legacies. By integrating legacy-building (photography, hand molds, heartbeat recordings) with comprehensive bereavement support and education (ongoing counseling and resources for coping with grief and loss), the program aims to deliver holistic support that influences a child’s life and aids families in managing their emotional journey.

“Supporting children and families through life’s most difficult moments is at the heart of what we do,” said Roxanne Kiesling, director of philanthropy-grants at Hospice of Michigan. “Thanks to this gift from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, families now have increased access to this essential pediatric care for children during their hospice journey – improving their quality of life near the end of life.”

This program is made possible in part by a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. Their mission is to support healthcare research and innovative programs designed to improve the health of Michigan residents.

“Grieving families go through a challenging journey and the support from Hospice of Michigan is crucial,” said Audrey Harvey, executive director and chief executive officer of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. “We believe in a holistic approach to health that considers physical, mental and emotional well-being. We are proud to support Hospice of Michigan’s efforts in caring for children and families during their most difficult times.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation awards grants through a competitive application and review process. Information on these grant rounds and how to apply can be found at www.bcbsm.com/foundation/grants.

For more information about Jo Elyn Nyman Programs for Children, visit anchors4children.org. Information on Hospice of Michigan is available at hom.org.

 

About Hospice of Michigan

A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan (HOM) is the original – and largest – hospice in the state. A founding member of the NorthStar Care Community, the not-for-profit delivers the highest quality of care, raising more than $5 million each year to cover costs for the uninsured and underinsured. HOM offers a broad range of services to enhance the quality of life at the end of life. HOM also provides grief support and counseling, as well as caregiver education and support. A member of the NorthStar Care Community, HOM also provides palliative care through NorthStar Palliative Care, pediatric hospice care and compassionate support services through Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children, and education programs for physicians and health care professionals through the NorthStar Institute. The NorthStar Care Community also includes Arbor Hospice and Centrica Care Navigators. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve more than 9,800 patients annually across Michigan. For more information, call 888-247-5701 or visit www.hom.org.