WINTER 2025
ST. FRANCIS HOSPICE FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
Honoring a Lifetime of Service: Recognizing U.S. Air Force Veteran Rodney Iwan S t. Francis Hospice had the distinct honor of celebrating
appreciation for our team, recognizing the care and support his wife, his recent companion, and now he himself have
and recognizing Mr. Rodney Iwan for his dedicated service in the U.S. Air Force during both World War II and the Korean War. Volunteer veteran
received from St. Francis Hospice.
As a Level 5 Partner with the We Honor Veterans program, we are profoundly committed to honoring those
Janice Taylor, along with our devoted St. Francis Hospice staff, had the privilege of presenting him with a veteran pinning—a small yet heartfelt gesture of gratitude for his incredible contributions to our nation. Rodney, a humble and gracious man, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and the compassionate care provided by St. Francis Hospice. As a meteorologist in the Air Force, his service opened doors to higher education, allowing him to pursue a career as an engineer. While this moment was meant to honor him, he instead turned the conversation to
who have worn the uniform in service to our country. These meaningful moments serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families, and they reinforce our mission to ensure every veteran feels valued and respected. It was truly a privilege to celebrate Mr. Iwan and express our heartfelt gratitude for his service. At St. Francis Hospice, we stand unwavering in our dedication to recognizing and honoring those who have given so much for our freedom.
ReflectionsLSC.org
Main number: (321) 269-4240 • Toll-free: (866) 269-4240
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Knights of Columbus and Community Members Give Back to St. Francis Hospice
Chef Nicolas had graciously offered to donate a portion
of the sales from the weekend , in support of
programs and initiatives at St. Francis Hospice. It is really gratifying when we are able to share our mission with others in the business community, and we all benefit from it! Whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow (he did) way up in wintery Pennsylvania, here in Brevard County, we know that spring is on its way! Next year, let’s make this celebration even better! Stay tuned! back while bringing people together? Consider hosting a third-party event benefiting St. Francis Hospice! Whether it's a golf tournament, a community festival, or a company fundraiser, your support helps provide compassionate care to those in need. Let's make a difference together—contact us to learn how you can get involved! Are you looking for a meaningful way to give
I n a heartwarming act of generosity, Richard from the Knights of Columbus recently delivered a special donation to St. Francis Hospice. The funds represented the tips that the Knights received during their annual Christmas tree sale, a cherished holiday tradition that brings the community together in the spirit of giving. Adding to the generosity, Richard’s wife, Marsha, presented a check reflecting the tips she earned while volunteering in the kitchen and assisting with BINGO
It Was a Great Day, Without a Shadow of a Doubt!
~Brian Todd Barnette
S t. Francis Hospice was honored this year by a partnership with local French café and bistro, Chez Cani, in celebrating Groundhog Day! In France, the tradition is known as Candlemas, or “la Chandeleur” and celebrates the onset of spring, and longer days. To invite good fortune, one gathers with friends, eats crepes, and maybe enjoys a glass of cider. Chef Nicolas Memes, and his wife, Carine hail from the Bordeux region of France. Having both graduated from a top culinary school, food and celebrating French cuisine is their passion. They combined their first names to create the name of the café. A specially designed, limited edition pint glass was created as a fundraiser, and offered guests a tangible souvenir of the day. It featured two happy groundhogs, dressed in a traditional Breton striped sweater, and toasting “Salut!”
When I was studying French, one of my professors shared a saying that has stuck with me. “In France, one eats first with the eyes. ” It reiterates the importance of a nice setting to enjoy one’s meal. And of course, every meal is made better when it is shared with loved ones. Two of my longtime friends drove from Orlando to share a meal, and enjoy this first of its kind celebration with me. We shared a cider to toast to
throughout Brevard County. The Knights of Columbus and devoted individuals like Richard and Marsha continue to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that comfort, dignity, and support remain at the heart of hospice and palliative care services.
the kindness of those who contributed highlight the power of community-driven philanthropy. These donations directly support the compassionate care and programs that St. Francis Hospice provides to patients and families
alongside the Knights. Her selfless efforts and
3 In this Issue... It Was a Great Day, Without a Shadow of a Doubt! Make a Lasting Impact: Leave a Legacy of Love and Compassion Become a Hospice Volunteer and Make a Difference Successful Lifestage Care Planning Event Sets the Stage for More in April .Uniting Hearts and Missions: A Community’s Collective Impact Guiding NorthStars: Ensuring No Child Grieves Alone 4 5 7 6 St. Francis Hospice extends its deepest gratitude to Richard, Marsha, and the entire Knights of Columbus for their unwavering commitment to making a difference. Their generosity is a testament to the kindness that defines our community.
the coming spring, and to friendship.
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St. Francis Hospice Foundation
WINTER 2025
Make a Lasting Impact: Leave a Legacy of Love and Compassion
I magine a world where no one faces life’s final journey alone—where every person is surrounded by comfort, dignity, and love. You have the power to make that vision a reality. Through planned giving, you can ensure that compassionate hospice care remains available for generations to come. Hospice is not about giving up—it’s about embracing life, cherishing every moment , and providing peace for those we love. By including St. Francis Hospice in your estate plans, you become a part of something greater: a legacy of kindness, dignity, and Your planned gift—whether through a bequest, charitable trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy—can transform lives. It extends beyond medical care, funding programs that honor veterans, support grieving families, and bring moments of joy to patients in their final days. It’s a gift that speaks of love, compassion, and a deep commitment to others. unwavering support for families when they need it most.
L ooking for a way to give back to your community? Volunteering with St. Francis Hospice offers a meaningful opportunity to make a real impact. We’re seeking compassionate, empathetic individuals ready to help in various roles. Become a Hospice Volunteer and Make a Difference Why Volunteer for Hospice? • Personal Fulfillment: Volunteering provides a deep sense of purpose, knowing you’ve made a positive difference in someone’s life during a challenging time. • Flexible Schedule: Whether you have a few hours or more to give, our programs offer flexible hours to suit your availability. You can serve as much or as little as your time allows. • Training and Support: No experience is needed. We offer comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure you feel confident and prepared in your role. What Can You Do as a Volunteer? • Offer Comfort: Your presence can bring peace to patients during difficult moments. A simple conversation, reading a book, or offering a hand to hold can make all the difference. • Support Families: Give caregivers a much-needed break to ease their stress. • Other Roles: Assist with pet or music therapy, grief support, spiritual support, and Veteran to Veteran fellowship. • Behind-the-Scenes: Help with office tasks, greeting visitors, or support Community Outreach events. Who Can Volunteer? Anyone with a caring heart can contribute, regardless of experience or background. How to Get Involved? Contact us at 321-269-4240 or email VolunteerServices@Reflectionslsc.org. You can also visit our website for more information at ReflectionsLSC.org
meaningful naming opportunities. Whether you choose to name a patient room, a garden space, or another area within our care facilities, your legacy will serve as a lasting tribute to your dedication to
our community faces their journey alone. You give the gift of comfort, the gift of time, the gift of love. To learn how you can leave a lasting impact and explore naming opportunities, contact Angie Dunn at adunn@reflectionslsc.org or 321.360.3456 today. Your legacy of compassion starts now.
compassionate end-of-life care.
What will your legacy be? By making a planned gift, you ensure that no one in
The love, care and concern for patients and their families starts at the top of the organization down to the newest" -Cheryl Parker
Additionally, your generosity can be recognized through
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St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care
WINTER 2025
Uniting Hearts and Missions: A Community’s Collective Impact
Successful Lifestage Care Planning Event Sets the Stage for More in April T he recent Lifestage Care Planning event was a resounding success, bringing together community members to learn about the importance of preparing for the future. Hosted by St. Francis Hospice, the event provided attendees with invaluable information on advance care planning, healthcare directives, and the resources available to support individuals and families as they navigate life’s transitions. Kaori Fischer, CFP®, Financial Advisor, spoke about financially preparing for the future, offering expert advice on managing assets and securing long-term financial stability. Dedra (Dee) Sibley, Esq., Estate Planning/ Probate Attorney, shared insights into getting legal affairs in order, including the critical differences between wills and trusts. Additionally, Debbie Shepherd, MSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW, Social Worker,
work they do. The saddles became the centerpiece of our photo area, sparking laughter and joy among the team.
But the true highlight of the day came when
Steve and Dorothy joined us. Standing together , I shared the story of these saddles and the connection they had already created. Dorothy spoke about her work with veterans, and Steve shared the mission of CITA. It was a beautiful moment of unity—three organizations bridging their missions for a shared purpose. At the end of the event, the saddles were gifted to Dorothy, where they will continue their journey, offering comfort and healing to female veterans. This simple act of collaboration reflects the heart of our community: when we come together, the impact is immeasurable. From a thrift store shelf to an equine therapy program, these saddles now carry a story of hope, generosity, and the transformative power of partnership—all inspired by the mission of the Te-Kisha Legacy Fund to meet the unmet needs of our hospice patients.
Due to the overwhelmingly positive response, St. Francis Hospice is excited to announce additional Lifestage Care Planning events in April. These upcoming sessions will continue to provide guidance and resources for individuals and families looking to take proactive steps in managing their healthcare journey. Additionally, recognizing the diverse needs of our community, one of the upcoming events will be conducted entirely in Spanish to ensure accessibility for Spanish-speaking residents. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details on dates, times, and locations for the April events. Whether you are just beginning to think about care planning or looking to refine your existing plans, these sessions
S ometimes, the simplest of moments carry the greatest meaning. While visiting CITA Mission to fulfill a request through the Te-Kisha Legacy Fund—a program funded by donations to St. Francis Hospice that helps hospice patients with needs they cannot afford—I spotted two saddles for sale in their store. They caught my eye, and an idea sparked. Our upcoming employee BBQ had a country theme, and these saddles would make the perfect photo props. I approached Kurt, the store associate, and asked if we could borrow them for the event. His response took my breath away: "That is an answer to a prayer." He said he knew that the manager Steve would agree and he graciously offered them with one condition: that they be passed along to someone who could truly use them, as a gift from CITA Mission. Immediately, I thought of Dorothy Walsh and Their Voices of Hope, an organization dedicated to supporting female veterans through equine therapy. I shared their incredible mission with Kurt, and his eyes lit up with agreement—this was where the saddles belonged. Our BBQ was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and compassion during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Held at a local park, the event honored our staff and the profound
provided essential information about caring for caregivers, emphasizing the importance of self-care and support networks.
will offer vital information to support you and your loved ones. For more information on Lifestage Care Planning or to RSVP for an upcoming event, please contact St. Francis Hospice Foundation at Foundation@ReflectionsLSC. org or 321.360.3456.
C hildren experience the world in a way that is vastly different from adults. Simple moments can feel overwhelming, and their sense of security can quickly unravel, leaving them feeling lost and alone. But no child should have to navigate grief by themselves. At NorthStar, we are here for them—and for the community. Our highly trained facilitators welcome families with open arms, providing compassionate grief support tailored to children’s unique needs. What does grief support look like for children? It’s a safe space where they can express their feelings through creativity and play. Our upcoming programs include movie nights, outdoor adventures, dance, innovative art and music activities, and lively family game nights. Plus, therapy dogs will be there to provide extra comfort and companionship. Guiding NorthStars: Ensuring No Child Grieves Alone “After more than a decade of working with grieving children, I’ve learned one thing: I will always be a child at heart. Ensuring that no child grieves alone is not just my mission—it’s my passion. It is a privilege to serve this community as NorthStar’s new coordinator.” Adrianne Ellis, LCSW
Adrianne and Luna
Adrianne and her daughter Aria
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. SEE WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION #: CH46905.
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