QUALITY, COMFORT & TRUST IN END-OF-LIFE CARE LOS ALAMOS VISITING NURSE SERVICE February 2014 One Million Pledged! Momentum is building with The Sanctuary at Canyon’s Edge capital campaign – pledges now total over $1 million! The capital campaign, which began its ‘quiet phase’ last winter, is now in the process of conducting personal solicitations with community leaders and philanthropists throughout the region. “This campaign is going to dramatically improve our care for the terminally ill,” said Dr. Keeley Power, an LAVNS board member and their Medical Director. “Los Alamos is aging faster than most communities and many of our residents don’t have family in the area. The Sanctuary at Canyon’s Edge is going to provide a much-needed option to terminally ill patients and their loved ones.” The overall campaign goal is $3 million, which will be used to build a 10,000 square foot six-room Don’t forget to order your 2014 Daffodils! inpatient hospice house and administrative office. Tax-deductible pledges are being sought from civicminded community leaders, corporations and foundations. Please call LAVNS at (505) 662-2525 to learn more about this exciting campaign! Top 5 Reasons We Need an Inpatient Hospice House Some people do not understand the importance of hospice care and/or the need for a specialized inpatient Hospice House. Hospice is more than a word; it’s a philosophy. Hospice providers believe that death should be peaceful for both the individual AND their loved ones. A speciallydesigned and staffed Hospice House helps to ensure that a person’s final days are dignified, peaceful and loving. A designated Hospice House is not only for a patient’s final days. It can also be used for temporary purposes, such as respite (when the caregiver needs ‘time off’) or when symptoms become too difficult to manage at home. The most common uses of a dedicated inpatient Hospice House include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The patient does not want to die at home The caregiver cannot provide the level of care necessary The patient does not have, or cannot afford, a caregiver The caregiver needs respite The patient and/or caregiver desire the specialized care which can only be found in a Hospice House One Year at New Home Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service (LAVNS) is proud to have marked their first anniversary at 2202 Canyon Road. “I’m grateful to live in Los Alamos and provide care for our wonderful patients and families,” said Debbie Storms, an LAVNS nurse and a Sanctuary at Canyon’s Edge capital campaign volunteer. “All of us at Visiting Nurse Service feel very fortunate to have this beautiful property for our new Hospice House.” LAVNS is utilizing the property’s one existing building, the old Boy Scout Lodge, as its temporary office until the new inpatient Hospice House and adjoining offices are built. “This is the perfect location for the Hospice House,” said Sarah Rochester, LAVNS’ Executive Director. “It was a stroke of good fortune that we learned it was available and could act quickly. It feels like this property was destined to become home to The Sanctuary at Canyon’s Edge!” Capital Campaign Leadership Emily Brownold Lauren Hull Earles Karen Easton Kirk Ellard Lynn Finnegan Allene Lindstrom Sarah Rochester Tammy Thorn Mary Venable Debbie Weber This list of civic-minded individuals will grow as the campaign grows. Please contact LAVNS if you are interested in becoming part of our team! Rochester believes there are numerous benefits, both to the community and LAVNS, associated with this property, including:     The mortgage payment is equivalent to the organization’s previous monthly rent payment The property is centrally located There is ample land for parking, building expansion (if necessary), a community labyrinth and lots of undisturbed nature! The parcel is set back from the street so it is private and quiet, which will help patients, families and loved ones find peace and solitude Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service 2202 Canyon Road, PO Box 692, Los Alamos, NM 87544 • 505.662.2525 • www.lavns.com