Presbyterian Communities and Services (PC&S) Foundation recently hosted the 10th annual Each Moment Matters Luncheon and honored 16 of Dallas’ own community change agents, everyday heroes, and philanthropic visionaries. The keynote speaker was Kim Campbell, who was married to country music legend Glen Campbell and acted as his caregiver before he passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2017. For patients facing a life-limiting illness, each moment is more precious than the one before, and Campbell resonates with this after losing her husband following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

All proceeds raised by the Each Moment Matters Luncheon provide financial assistance directly to the Faith Presbyterian Hospice Caring Fund. The Caring Fund supports the Faith Difference therapies (which includes several services such as music therapy, massage therapy, pet therapy and others), the Child and Family Bereavement program, and benevolent care. This year, Marnie and Kern Wildenthal will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Philanthropy. This is only the third time in the 10-year history of the luncheon that the award has been given. Previous recipients were T. Boone Pickens and the Harold Simmons Foundation.

“We enjoy recognizing true role models in the Dallas community who give back through meaningful philanthropic work,” said Tim Mallad, president and CEO of Presbyterian Communities and Services. “This year’s honorees have something important in common with our hospice programs – both are dedicated to positively impacting the lives of North Texans. Through Faith Presbyterian Hospice, we ensure that each moment matters, and we celebrate every person’s life right up until the last moment. With the help of the public, we can make a difference in even more lives.”

The PC&S Foundation called on the public to help raise money. The money raised will help the organization support children and families who are going through challenging times by adding value and meaning to their lives. Faith Presbyterian Hospice, Dallas’ premier nonprofit hospice provider, is dedicated to providing compassionate, faith-based care to those facing a life-limiting illness. Quality care is tailored to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient and family. The Faith Caring Fund also supports critically important programs such as Faithful Wishes, Faithful Paws and Faithful Presence.

“Navigating life’s final passage is a profound experience, and Faith’s goal is to help families recognize that this is a time that should be spent in comfort and peace, not confusion and pain,” said Tena Burley, executive director of the Presbyterian Communities and Services Foundation. “Choosing hospice care means focusing on comfort, enrichment, love, and living the life you have left to the fullest.”

“Being a caregiver for someone you love is challenging, unpredictable and deeply emotional,” said Campbell. “Having firsthand experience as a caregiver for my late husband, I feel I can relate to many of the people this luncheon will benefit. I am honored that the Presbyterian Communities and Services Foundation invited me to appear as its featured speaker. As the disease progressed for Glen, we lost track of days and were just happy to have time together. We focused on the small moments and making each one truly matter because we did not know how many we had left.”

Kim Campbell is the Founder of CareLiving.org. She is a member of the Patient/Caregiver Advisory Council for the Alzheimer's and Dementia Patient/Caregiver Powered Research Network (AD-PCPRN), and she sits on the board of Abe’s Garden, a memory care community dedicated to providing and elevating the quality of the full spectrum of memory care for those with Alzheimer’s in association with the Vanderbilt Center for Quality Aging (ACQA). She was married to country and pop star Glen Campbell for 34 years until his passing in August 2017. Battling Alzheimer’s was the most challenging thing Kim and her family faced during the course of Glen’s life. Once the news went public, the family produced an Academy Award-nominated documentary called “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me,” which spotlighted the family’s story.

On October 13 the Air Force did a flyover in honor of Texas’ newest Blue Star Memorial marker located at the T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center (12477 Merit Dr, Dallas, TX 75251). This is of significance, as this is the third Blue Star Memorial in Dallas. The marker was unveiled during a dedication ceremony, preceded with remarks from Tim Mallad, CEO of Presbyterian Communities and Services; and Dana Harkey, president of Designers and Diggers Garden Study Club. The dedication ceremony included an invocation and benediction, patriotic music, flag presentation by the color guard, and the playing of taps. Approximately 200 people were in attendance, and among them there was active members of the military as well as veterans and their loved ones.

“This is an incredible honor, and we are pleased to be the third site in Dallas to receive a Blue Star Memorial marker,” said Mallad. “This is a living tribute that honors all of the men and women who served, are serving or will serve in the United States armed forces. We are honored that the Designers and Diggers Garden Study Club voted to provide the funds for the Blue Star Memorial Marker, its installation and the maintenance of the garden in which the memorial will be placed. We are thankful that Harriet Gibbs, chairman of the dedication ceremony, suggested the T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center as a suitable place for the next marker in Dallas. She has a personal connection with Faith Presbyterian Hospice, as she served as a chairman in the Each Moments Matter Luncheon and learned of the opening of the new hospice center through her ties with the organization. We serve many veterans and the marker will be a meaningful tribute to them and their families.”

The markers are always paired with plants so that the memorial is a living one. The hope is that it will evoke inspiration and gratitude in those who see it and stop to reflect on the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“It is a privilege for our garden club to sponsor this Blue Star Memorial at the Pickens Hospice Center today,” said Gibbs. “Veterans’ issues have been a project area for our club for many years. This setting is a perfect location to remember with gratitude and honor those men and women who have protected our country and will continue to do so in the future. We must never forget their sacrifice, the huge debt of gratitude that is owed and that we only enjoy the liberties we have because they served to protect them. Patients, families, staff and those who enjoy walking the lake path will view this marker and be reminded to honor all those who defend our freedom.”

The Blue Star Memorial Program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs adopted this program and created a Blue Star Highway system which covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. They envisioned a “ribbon of living memorial plantings traversing every state.” The first year after the program was adopted, seven states placed markers. By the end of 1949, more than 33 states were participating and more than 16,000 miles were dedicated, with large metal Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers placed at appropriate locations along the way. The Blue Star became an icon in World War II and was seen on flags and banners in homes for sons and daughters away at war, as well as in churches and businesses. It is still a symbol that people recognize to this day.

Presbyterian Village North (PVN) recently held Camp PVN, a summer camp held in partnership with Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church and NorthPark Presbyterian Church. This camp was not only a time for light-hearted intergenerational activities among children and seniors – it was also a time for learning and sharing special gifts. During Camp PVN, children and seniors spent time together during “gift hours,” where residents imparted special knowledge of hobbies, interests or activities with participating children. A group of residents at the senior living community who cleverly dub themselves the “Knit Wits,” feel that knitting and crocheting is a lost art for today’s younger generations, as they are growing up in a time of busy schedules with other forms of entertainment. As a result, members of PVN’s Knit Wits group used some of the camp’s gift hours to teach children how to do French knitting with handheld spools. This activity was meaningful to the senior residents because they learned how to knit and crochet at around the same ages as the children in the camp. Other residents and interest groups participated as well.

“My mother taught me how to knit when I was 10 years old,” said Judy Morris, a resident of PVN and member of the Knit Wits group. “I watched her do it all during my childhood, so when the day came for me to learn I was not surprised. Many other children were beginning to learn from their mothers, and we just expected that we would all acquire the skill at some point. Though today’s parents do not pass down this talent to their children the way they used to, I feel it is making a comeback with young adults who are eager to experience something new. It is extremely therapeutic and can be both stress relieving and create social opportunities. We were excited to see the joy that radiated from the children’s faces as they created something unique.”

The Knits Wits spent four days working with the children, helping them to make flowers, headbands and other creative items. After hosting this series of activities, they are contemplating hosting other tutorials down the road during school breaks and on weekends. They experienced much joy in passing down their family knowledge of knitting and crocheting. Among all 12 members, it is estimated the group has a combined 500 years of experience, as many were taught at a young age and have been doing it all their lives.

“I love making scarves for people, as it is very personalized and doesn’t take too long to complete,” said Morris. “We have discussed using our talents to make items like scarves, hats and lap blankets for people in need, such as soldiers, the homeless and hospitalized children. Our group started just a few months ago, so we are still discussing how to use knitting to help others. Overall, I enjoy being a part of it because it’s fun to keep your hands busy with these projects, and it’s a nice activity to do with other people. It’s engaging for the brain in multiple respects.”

The Knit Wits meet every Wednesday at 2:00 in the Fun and Games room to work on their own knitting and crochet projects, making a variety of items such as pot holders, dish clothes, baby hats, blankets, scarves and more. People share their patterns, yarn, advice and weekly stories during each session. All agree it is a wonderful time for catching up, relaxing and socializing.

“Camp PVN is a time for generations of families to come together and learn from each other,” said Ron Kelly, executive director of Presbyterian Village North. “Our goal is for residents to have the opportunity to share meaningful talents, hobbies and knowledge with their grandchildren and the grandchildren of other residents. They have a wealth of wisdom and stories to tell, and creating these family friendly events and programs provides opportunities for them to connect with the children. It’s equally beneficial, as the children come to love and respect residents from a different generation even more. In return, the residents are uplifted when they see the children exploring the world – taking in their advice and communicating their own fun stories and knowledge with them. We are lucky to have such enthusiastic residents who initiate and lead groups such as the Knit Wits, and then set aside time to be a positive influence on children. We are all a ministry of people serving people.”

People are deeply affected by grief when a loved one passes away. They may find it hard to find meaning in their life without their loved one there, adding to their sense of loss. Grief can be an isolating experience for many, as reactions to grief may be overwhelming and at times frightening. To help those dealing with grief find peace and take steps toward celebrating their loved one’s life, Faith Presbyterian Hospice (FPH) recently held its eighth Butterfly Release on April 24. The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, and their release represents a celebration of change, rebirth and renewal. The memorial ceremony took place on the grounds of Faith Presbyterian Hospice’s T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center (12379 Merit Drive, Dallas TX 75143). This center will be Dallas’s first stand-alone hospice center.  It is currently under construction and set to open later this year. The ceremony will be held outdoors, as nature offers a peaceful, calm background for this event.

“We all find comfort in knowing we are not alone in the way we think or feel, or in what we have experienced,” said Valerie Sanchez, director of bereavement and integrated therapies for Faith Presbyterian Hospice. “I have lost both my mother and father, so I can relate to others who are grieving. How we mourn and remember can be impactful in changing us at a deep personal and spiritual level. It is important to remember our loved ones, but to remember them in a meaningful way that is both therapeutic and healthy. This is where the Butterfly Release event comes in. This event is a way for families to find peace, comfort and eventually joy in their loved one’s life. The way that butterflies transform from stillness to freedom has been compared to the progression of the grieving process, shifting from intense grief to celebration of life and memories.”

The Butterfly Release event was started nearly a decade ago, when the Bereavement Department at Faith Presbyterian Hospice decided it needed to host a memorial for patients’ families and loved ones, giving them the opportunity to reunite with families they have helped over the years. Approximately 30 people attended the first event, and attendance grew significantly with each passing year. After the first event, people asked if they could bring someone they thought would benefit from attending. They were reaching out because they wanted others to feel a sense of support and community. Seeing the impact the event had on the families and loved ones of patients, the Bereavement Department decided to open it to the public so all who are grieving may attend. By doing this, Faith Presbyterian Hospice helps people cope with their grief, while remembering their loved ones with honor and a joyful heart.

“Each year I am both overwhelmed and comforted when I invite those in attendance to reach inside and remember their loved one and release the butterfly. I feel so much of my family’s presence during this event, even though they are gone,” said Sanchez. “Each release is different because of the people who come; what it feels like as a collective group and what it looks like when the butterflies are released into the sky. One lady comes every year and wears a big straw hat on which she pins a replica monarch butterfly representative of the one she releases, symbolizing each year of her transformation. One year, we had a lady call a week prior to the event and requested a last minute RSVP because her adult son had died the week before, and she was extremely grief stricken. At the end of the ceremony, she came over to hug me and said that this event came at a time when she needed it most, as she was feeling overwhelmed by her grief. These are the stories that let me know that what we are doing is making a huge impact on the emotional wellbeing of the surrounding community. In the presence of love and acceptance, a community of people empathizes with each other’s deep sorrow and supports one another in the hope of the joy that will come. We all hope that they improve over time and find themselves in a healthier place emotionally, spiritually and physically.”

A special group of donors was recently recognized for their contributions to the capital campaign for Dallas’s first stand-alone hospice center, Faith Presbyterian Hospice’s T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center. An intimate donor appreciation reception was hosted by Presbyterian Communities and Services Foundation to give thanks to those who helped the center reach its $38.6 million goal for phase one construction. The building in which the donor reception was held overlooked the construction site, which was lit for attendees to view. Godwin Dixon, President and CEO of Presbyterian Communities and Services, expressed his gratitude to the donors during a brief program.

“Our goal is to revolutionize hospice care in Dallas by developing an innovative center with meaningful programs and specialized care that will give families a place of transition and provide a comfortable, supportive place for loved ones to live while facing end-of-life illnesses,” said Dixon. “Currently, families receive hospice services at home, in the hospital or in long-term care centers without the benefit of a care center designed specifically to meet their needs. The Pickens Center will focus on families’ needs through five centers of excellence, including inpatient care, spiritual care, education and resources, outdoor reflection and child and family bereavement.”

During the ceremony Dixon also highlighted and paid tribute to a beautiful painting the late Don Hodges had commissioned for T. Boone Pickens to hang in the center. The painting has a quote from Pickens on it, and the artist, Bart Forbes, was also honored at the event. The inpatient hospice care center will serve more than 1,800 patients a year and touch the lives of countless families throughout the Dallas area. The center will be located at 12379 Merit Drive in Dallas, and it is expected to open second quarter 2016. Presbyterian Communities and Services Foundation is now focused on raising $4.6 million for start-up costs and $10 million for the endowment, which will continue to grow to support greater programming and care services. Future planning calls for fundraising for a child and family bereavement center.

The human-centered design and array of services will stand as an example to the nation and inspire others. Specialized programs and events, like Camp Faith and Faithful Hands, will help children cope with grief and remember loved ones in a special way. Faith Presbyterian Hospice, Dallas only hospice with a child life specialist available to work with children at each step of the way, will have additional specialized program available for children. Children will continue to receive long-term support services after their loved one passes away. In addition, the Hamon Resource and Education Center will be the hub of numerous educational initiatives that focus on transforming the world’s understanding and practice of hospice care, palliative care and grief support.

“Thanks to our generous donors, we will have the ability to positively impact those in need of hospice care, their families and the people who care for them. At the same time,  the center will be a destination for healthcare professionals and student interns to gain knowledge about pain and symptom management through palliative care training, as well as a place for families to learn about caring for a loved one,” said Peter Lynch, executive director of the Presbyterian Communities and Services Foundation. "This is an incredibly important mission, and this center will make a tremendous difference in the lives of many  people  in and around Dallas. We would like to extend a heartwarming thank you to everyone who has been a part of this process and made this mission possible.”

If you are interested in making a donation, please contact Peter Lynch at 214.413.1577.