YOUR GIFT IN ACTION

Yolanda’s Story – Building Memories

Our  hospice team first met Yolanda, a 44-year old mother of 11, after her kidney cancer had metastasized. At the time, Yolanda –who was a free spirit- elected to remain in a shelter, knowing her children were safe living with others.

When the pain became too severe, and her symptoms too complex to manage, Yolanda moved to our Hospice Residence in the Bronx.While living at the residence, Yolanda was provided with round-the-clock care. She bonded with our hospice physician and looked forward to their conversations.

Yolanda and her children were also able to benefit from our music and art therapy program and from regular visits from a volunteer. But most of all, Yolanda cherished being able to spend quality time with her family, particularly with her daughter Latifa — now a woman with a daughter of her own.

One day, our hospice care team surprised the family with an opportunity to build a special memory: A night away from illness, worry and sadness. It was a trip to a Brooklyn Nets game, complete with transportation, food and the opportunity to meet a star player.

The evening gave Yolanda the opportunity create stronger bonds with her family, and build memories that her family will cherish for a lifetime. Several months later, Yolanda died peacefully at our hospice residence.

Special hospice programs like Build a Memory rely on the generosity of donors. Thanks to people like you, Yolanda was able to just be a mom for a night, her daughter got a break from caregiving and the youngest children had a chance to giggle without a care in the world.

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MORE STORIES ABOUT HOW YOUR GIFTS HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE

Honoring Jerry’s Legacy

After Jerry passed away, Judy decided to honor his legacy and give back to MJHS by creating a memorial fund that would support the MJHS Golden Family STAR Program.

Honoring Our Clinicians

In honor of National Nurses Month, we're highlighting the Circle of Caring program at MJHS . Since its inception in 2021, grateful families have honored over 115 MJHS clinicians - nurses, doctors, pastoral care, therapists, social workers, and staff, who have dedicated their lives to helping others.

“Every single day I thank MJHS doctors, nurses, social workers, as well as the chaplain and music therapist for their compassion, care and being our life saver.”

— Carmen Abruzzo