Hospice of New York
Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn Queens & Nassau
Volunteer Voices
Spring 2015
A note from Angela & Sandra
Although there are still traces of snow on the ground as of this writing, the calendar says it is Spring. After a
long chilly winter, with record breaking temperatures and snow ,we can look ahead to the beauty of spring.
We can look forward to the budding of tender sprouts, the chirping of little birds and the warmth of
sunshine. Let us all appreciate the joy of each new day bringing renewed energy into our lives. May this
enhance our commitment to the Dignity of Life and “To Comfort Always.”
WELCOME TO OUR NEW VOLUNTEERS !
Monique Ambrose
Hope Fried
Roxana Ochoa
Jenniffer Bonilla
Gregory House
Cassandra Paine
Clifford Cid
Paulette James
Debra Russo-Houri
Theresa Czerniak
Joanna Jacques
Juwon Suk
Nightrissa Crosby
Urszula Kopcznska
Ning Tendo
Jelyn Eustaquio
Pamela Molinaro
Christie Van Kehrberg
Sarah Dion
Joeanne Montoute
Miriam Gomez-Yee
Ronell Montoute
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
Our appreciation to John Diaz-Chermack, Asst. Administrator; Sean Casserly, RN; Walter Frendrich, LCSW,
Coordinator of Bereavement Services; Rev. Charles Udokang, Spiritual Care Coordinator; Stephania Cajuste,
LMSW, Medical Social Worker; and our Volunteers: Corinne Carlsen, Anna Duncan, Heather Figgins, Sandra
Hollingsworth and Raymond Schmidt for participating in the March Patient Care Training.
Thank you to Frances Gerard for help in editing the Volunteer Voices.
VOLUNTEERS!!!
Theresa Czerniak
4/13
Stacey James
5/4
Dalvir Bhatti
5/24
Avril Treston
4/14
Clifford Cid
5/7
Joann De Los Rios
5/27
Phyllis Gelman
4/15
Raymond Schmidt
5/9
Arthur Fettner
5/29
Sophia Protopapas
4/26
Ivania Solozzano
5/11
Eliot Parisi
5/30
Daniel Monahan
4/26
Stephen Brown
5/12
Beatrice Diggsrodruez
6/1
Roxana Ochoa
4/29
Roselyn Botkin
5/14
Mary Douglas
6/2
Corinne Carlsen
5/1
Erin Krom
5/14
Ursula Kopczynka
6/2
Veronica O’Donnell
5/3
Beth Sherdian
5/21
Alyssa Lopez
6/11
Your Brain on Curiosity
Charge up your mind with something that fascinates you. Feeling curious about something—
anything — enhances your ability to retain information later, says a new study from the University of California Davis. “Curiosity increased activity in brain circuits that use
dopamine, which helps solidify new cell connections that happen during learning,” says
study coauthor, Charan Ranganath, a psychology professor. Translation: Before you cram for
that big presentation—or anytime you want to jolt your neurons into instant data-retention
mode — read a chapter of a gripping book or listen to a riveting podcast. The only thing curiosity will kill is your forgetfulness
Equal Opportunity Brain Space — Once your interest is piqued, you’re primed to remember
any information, whether it’s related to the curiosity or not.
The most important thing is to not stop questioning .
Curiosity has its own reason for existing — Albert Einstein
All About Raymond
Raymond T. Schmidt is a patient care volunteer who has been with us for about a year. Raymond has an
extensive background in Hospice care including major fundraising with the Hospice /Palliative Care Association of
New York State. We are so happy that he decided to work with Hospice of New York. He visits with patients at Saint
Barnabas, Workman’s Circle and in the patients’ homes in the Bronx. He is well loved by the staff and the patients he
works with. He stated that volunteering has been both challenging and rewarding. Raymond always sees the blessing
in every situation. Recently, his volunteering took on a more global stance. Raymond wrote about his recent trip to
Ethiopia and I asked him if I could feature his story in Volunteer Voices.
My Trip to Ethiopia
By Raymond Schmidt
Through a confluence of ideas, connections and happenstance, my wife, Connie Raffa, and I became involved with Ethiopia's Daughters. ED’s mission is to work with Ethiopian schools and local communities to
raise the standard of living by providing clean water, medical assistance, and improve educational programs and infrastructure. Connie accepted Ethiopian Daughters as a pro bono client and their non-profit
status was obtained. This past year the non-profit began to make headway.
After an arduous two-day journey, we arrived at the Kanta Lodge, our home for the next six nights. The
next morning we set up shop at the Karat Primary Hospital, which was built with donations from abroad.
Only 25% of the space is used due to limited resources. Can you imagine the difficulty of running a hospital
that doesn’t have a steady supply of electricity, water, and the internet? The toilets are nothing more than
holes in the floor! Day two—the internet was restored after being down for two months. The hospital
staff does an amazing job under the most difficult circumstances.
Getting organized was a challenge. The Konso, like some cultures, don’t line up. My job was to keep the
corridor clear so the patients could get in and out. Especially important was the doctor’s access with each
other to consult. All our Volunteers worked really hard for the full five days. Our medical team treated
800 patients. Our eyeglass team gave out 160 pairs of glasses and ran out by mid-day Wednesday.
I was asked by our founder, Gerry Nichols, to explore the possibility of starting a hospice in the area. Well,
we now have a plan. Gezahan Kitano is a nurse at the hospital has agreed to help part-time. He will make
visits on his motorcycle. Girma, the Director of the hospital, will allow us the use of the office, and part of
the hospital for patients with no family. Girma really impressed me when we discussed the role of
chaplains. He stated that he could arrange clergy from different faiths.
The mission has been a life-changing experience. To be associated with such a wonderful group of
dedicated professionals is an honor.
Sandra: Raymond, it is an honor to work with you Thank you for all the good work you do!
Being Mortal
by Atul Gawande
What struck me most after reading "Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande
was the unique and personal way he approached a universal problem;
namely, what goes into the decisions made by the elderly and the terminally ill. This book deals with the many diverse and difficult topics facing such patients. As I was reading, it became apparent that these real
life issues could happen to anyone, regardless of age or current state of
health. It left me thinking: what would I do if I were faced with a similar
situation in my own life?
I believe that Dr. Gawande's book is an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to know more
about the decision making process for end of life care. Not only does it focus on the terminal
situation of its patients, but also touches on other aspects of aging such as Nursing Homes,
Assisted Living Facilities, Living at Home, Hospice Care and even Assisted Suicide. In his book,
Dr. Gawande gives us many stories of individuals in various phases of life and illness, following
them up until their passing. Each example the book covers the unique challenges and hard
decisions these people face, allowing the reader to enter into the painful process.
Surprisingly, Dr. Gawande's perspective is different from other medical professionals. He seems
to feel that insuring the survival of a person at all costs is not the only criteria that should be used
in treating them. Rather, each patient should be looked at as a unique individual with the quality
of their lives weighed against the number of years they are realistically expected to live. Hence,
the title of his book, "Being Mortal", reflects the fact that doctors are reluctant to concede that
there is only so much medical help any doctor is able to give.
Quite naturally, I was very interested in what Dr. Gawande had to say about Hospice care and
how he viewed its overall mission. Many people have the misconception that the sole purpose of
Hospice is to hasten the end of life. The true goal of Hospice, according to Dr. Gawande, is that
people need to feel their best on any given day and live their lives as best they can. Many times
people in Hospice care continue to do things they love, which improves their outlook on life for
whatever time they have left.
In summary, I found this book to be a highly informative and compassionate guide to end of life
care. It will benefit Hospice staff members as well as volunteers by giving them insights into a
patient's final struggle, enabling them to bring more comfort and care when it is needed most.
This book is highly recommended reading for all.
Submitted by: Judy DeVito, Patient Care Volunteer
Almost nothing else represents the emergence of spring as
the beloved yellow daffodil, happy and bright after a long
winters nap. —William Wordsworth
Some things on this earth look as if they are designed to bring happiness to the hearts of
humans. The daffodil, with its bright yellow coloring and green stem, is one such creation. The
daffodil makes its appearance in the spring, abundant and inexpensive, bringing gladness as sure
as sunshine itself to whoever is lucky enough to receive a single stem, or a bunch of these delicate
yellow miracles. It is as if the sun has shed a layer of skin and fashioned a flower out of it.
Color psychologists suggest that too much yellow can be too stimulating, but in small doses
it inspires hope and good cheer. The daffodil is a perfect-sized package of yellow for anyone
feeling glum or energetically low. It can spur us to action or simply imbue us with a feeling of
optimism as it vibrantly glows in our homes or on our desks at work. The daffodil’s presence is
ideal in any region where sunshine is scarce as it seems to carry the sun in the soft flesh of its
petals. The bulbs are not expensive, and the flowers give so much that you may decide to plant a
few in your yard or in a window box. Then again, you may simply wait until they arrive in neat
little bundles in the grocery store or flower shop. You can afford to spoil yourself, and those you
love and care for, with a large bouquet.
Source : Barbara Simpson of the Ethical Death Café – inspired by William Wordsworth
Please help us recruit new volunteers
Patient Care Volunteers—Provide support to patients, caregivers and families in your own
Communities, at home, in the nursing homes or in the in-patient setting.
Administrative Volunteers—Assist office personnel in our Long Island City office in our
Volunteer Department, Medical Records, Human Resources, and Bereavement Department.
In Manhattan, Bronx and Brooklyn
In Nassau County /Queens
Contact: Sandra Nielsen @ 347-226-4821
Contact: Angela Purpura @ 347-226-4801
[email protected]
[email protected]
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination “—Nelson Mandela
Volunteers’
Life Lights

Tony Wan has been accepted to Medical School at Stony Brook University.

Jennifer Kim has been accepted to Nursing School in Rochester.

Jennifier Ray has been accepted to Nursing School at Columbia University.

Dalvir Bhatti and Courtney Louis have been accepted into the Thomas Hunter Honor
Society at Hunter College.
If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way. Please be confident that
the higher your flame of altruistic action burns, the more it’s light will suffuse your life with
happiness. Those who possess an altruistic spirit are the happiest people of all.
—Nichiren Daisohnin
THANKS
This past week, I read an article in the daily Metro paper. It is about a volunteer in
Brooklyn and her perspective on volunteering in New York. I thought I would share a
section of it with you. The volunteer stated:
“There is happiness in being a contributing member of the greater human family. In New
York, we all get really stuck in our routines. But volunteering,” she continued, “broadens
your vista and gets you out of your bubble like nothing else in the world.”
Volunteer Notes

When I got to the house this morning, the living room was full of family and Elsie’s chair was empty, her blanket draped over the back. In the rear bedroom, Elsie was lying on her back in bed, eyes closed, oxygen hooked
up. In one week her condition changed so much. The body breathing heavily on the bed was so far from the upbeat women that I knew. But I know whatever comes next she is ready for it. She told me she was ready when
it is her time, and I believe it. The gracefulness with which she lived and which I know she will die has been inspiring to me. She had no regrets, only gratitude and so much love. I feel so lucky to have gotten to know her
and her family. — Miriam Lakes

I spent a part of my visit with John in the dining room, while he enjoyed his supper. Before I left, I spent time
reading and updating him on current events. — Anna Duncan

Selma had her hair done. I complimented her and then I noticed balloons and a card she was holding in her
hand. It was her birthday. It is my birthday too! We are 49 years apart. She’s turning 94. Her daughter
arrived soon after. Her family had arranged a party for her. All the kids, grandchildren and great grand
children were there. The children had gifts for her. Selma is in good spirits today and has a clear mind.
—Sihua Prior

I visited with Bob today at Saint Barnabas. I told him that it was Black History Month and I was going to be his
soul sister. He said that was alright with him. We had a big laugh and shook hands. He received me warmly and
we had a great conversation. He stated that he loved the Hospice Unit and the care he was getting. We talked
about our southern upbringing . He has a very pleasant personality. He was so happy to have a visitor. I told
him I would be back next week and he stated he would be looking for me. —Mary Douglas

Jocelyn is in an advanced state of Alzheimer's, and I saw her briefly during my visit. The majority of the visit
was spent with her husband, who is in fairly good health and is mentally very sharp. We got along well and I
plan to visit again on Saturday — Heather Figgins

Lena said she was happy to see me. I pulled a chair up to the side of the bed and she put her hand out to hold
mine. I warned her that my hands were cold from being outside and she stated that was fine. Lena shifted in
and out of sleep many times throughout our visit. Her daughter told me later that she sleeps much more now.
— Eva Peck

Madalyn was her usual friendly. smiling and cheerful self I brought her a collage of various stickers with flowers, vases, music, butterflies & one that says “you are the best.” Madalyn liked the vase and the butterflies . I
went to the lounge with her and played a tune on the piano. She laughed and smiled and giggled in her chair.
She was a delight! She held on to the card with the stickers and kept pointing to the “you are the best.” I enjoyed singing and dancing with her—just her arms of course. She was shaking her body to the rhythm. I felt she
had a good time. We also talked about her daughter and she smiled a lot. — Sharda Geer

Today I found Jane reclining in her chair in the dining room. She was neatly dressed and appeared
clean. She was awake and responded appropriately several times. At one point she started to cry for no
apparent reason, but was easily consoled. I sang to her. She held my hand. It was a nice visit and she
was more alert than on the last few visits. — Robin Cohen

Patient was in bed when I got there. Her daughter Ivonne was there as well. We spoke in our native
language (Spanish). She spoke about her culture and the saints she believes in and then she became
very emotional. I comforted her and held her hand. I will read the rosary with her when I come back
per her request. She was not in pain, but is given her medication if she feels discomfort. She says she
is blessed to be around great people, that take good care of her. — Ivania Solorzano

I sat with Robert and held his hand . He really was not responsive and would fall asleep most of the
time. I feel like my presence made him feel comfortable. There was no one visiting him and the nurse
told me that he has no family. I was really happy that I was able to provide some service to a veteran
who had served in the United States Air Force. I also spent time interacting with some other families
who were visiting other hospice patients. — Balpreer Kaur

Although Tim was very interactive, I could see that he was uncomfortable. I was holding his hand and
asked if he was not having a good day. He finally told me that yesterday was a bad pain day. The nurse
has increased his pain meds, so today he was a little better. He is opening up a bit as he gets to know
me. He thanked me for caring and said he enjoyed the visits. He is such an inspiring man. I am humbled to be part of the team taking care of him. Once again proof that you really you get more than you
give. — Judy DeVito

When I arrived at Meadowbrook I was sitting in my car talking with a friend and I saw Father
Hyacinth. When I got inside I contacted the Father by phone. He came to Bob’s room and he suggested
that we say some prayers and do some readings from the Bible in Latin. Bob had been an altar boy and
loved Latin. Father Hyacinth let me read a psalm to Bob from the Bible. He then started to read to Bob
in Latin and you could see Bob trying to move his lips. My visit with Bob ended about an hour after
the Father left. That would be my last visit with my friend Bob. He passed away about six hours later.
— Daniel Monahan
Giving is a miracle that can transform
the heaviest hearts
— Kent Nerburn, Simple Truths
Volunteer Voices is written and edited by Sandra Nielsen and Angela Purpura.
Graphic design by Sandra Nielsen.
Contact information: [email protected]/347-226-4821 and
[email protected]/347-226-4801.