In past years during the winter holidays, Samaritan Evergreen Hospice has hosted a celebration called Light up a Life in Lebanon, Lincoln City and Newport. This annual event brings people together to remember loved ones who have passed and to support hospice patients and their families
Last year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Light up a Life transitioned to a virtual event, which was a welcomed change with expanded participation. This year’s event will be virtual once again, going live on Friday, Nov. 19. It will be hosted at samhealth.org/LUAL2021. Viewers will be able to customize their experience by clicking through reflections from hospice chaplains, a memorial slideshow of hospice patients and a candle-lighting video. Since the event won’t be live, viewers can visit the site anytime from anywhere beginning Nov. 19 to enjoy this impactful event.
“The beauty of going online with Light up a Life is that individuals and families can view the ceremony when and where it is comfortable and convenient for them,” said Cindy Thelen, bereavement coordinator at Evergreen Hospice House in Albany. “Viewing the event can be incorporated into a Thanksgiving celebration by tuning in together. The link will be live for several months so the ceremony can be shared at other gathering times as well, such as a visit from a friend. The virtual ceremony is a moving opportunity to share communal grief, loss and love as our loved ones are remembered.”
Add a Loved One to This Year’s Remembrance
Although Light up a Life focuses on Samaritan Evergreen Hospice patients who have passed away during the previous year, it is also open to community members who wish to donate in someone’s memory. The deadline to include the name of a loved one in this event is Friday, Nov. 5. To submit a name contact:
Mid-Willamette Valley residents contact: Cindy Thelen at lualemail@samhealth.org
Coast residents contact: Deborah Smith at deborahs@samhealth.org.
Your Donations Make a Difference
Your gifts to any of the Samaritan Foundations’ Hospice Funds help provide care and comfort to patients and their families, including mental health and massage therapy, nutritional beverages and caregiver respite.
For more information, contact Samaritan Evergreen Hospice at 541-812-4662. To participate with a donation, call Samaritan Foundations at 844-768-4256.
You can experience last year’s event by samhealth.org/LUAL2020.