At some point, most of us will need to help care for a dying loved one. By assuring each person the right to finish life in dignity, free of pain and attended by caring people, hospice care can bring comfort and compassion to this difficult, sometimes frightening process. As hospice eases the final journey, it also helps us celebrate and affirm life. It helps patients and families find meaning, reassurance and, often, reconciliation.
In Linn and Benton counties, this special form of care is provided by Samaritan Evergreen Hospice. In recent years, Evergreen has seen a dramatic increase in the number of patients served, from 150 in 2000 to more than 600 in 2008. For each of these patients, there is a group of loved ones who are also deeply touched by hospice services.
Bob Mitchell is one of these people. The entrepreneur and owner of the new Cascade Grill in Albany has had three family members receive care from Evergreen before they died. “I cannot speak highly enough of Evergreen,” Mitchell said. “It really is the most outstanding organization I’ve been involved with. Losing a loved one is extremely difficult. It’s hard for me to put into words how much it meant to have a service like Evergreen.”
Mitchell’s deep appreciation for Evergreen led him to work with the Albany General Hospital Foundation to provide 6.67 acres of land for the first inpatient hospice facility in our region. His bargain sale of the land to the foundation resulted in a significant charitable gift. The land, located on the eastern border of Albany and easily accessible from the city and Interstate 5, will allow Evergreen to expand and meet the growing need for hospice services in Linn and Benton counties. The hospice house and administrative center for the home-based program will encompass 13,700 square feet.
The cost for the land, 12-bed house and Evergreen Hospice program center, plus parking, landscaping and furnishings, is projected to be $4.25 million. The foundation also seeks to raise an endowment of $1 million to ensure that no one who needs care in the hospice house will ever been turned away. The hospice facility will welcome patients and their loved ones with a healing environment and accommodations for guests who wish to stay with patients.
The foundation launched a capital campaign for the project this year, taking advantage of the momentum caused by Mitchell’s generosity.
“I think this project is a really important step for our community,” Mitchell said. “I feel very fortunate to be able to help a little bit.”