Since 1983, the Eagles have donated a total of $178,000 to the Medical Center. This year's funding will aid terminally ill patients and their families in Allen, Auglaize and Putnam Counties. Representatives of St. Rita's Hospice will be on hand for the check presentation.

Without the help of organizations like the Eagles, St. Rita's would not be able to provide quality end-of-life care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Because of that ongoing kindness, the Hospice staff is able to help terminally ill patients and their families live life to its fullest. They are dedicated to providing physical, emotional, social and spiritual support to patients and families and to ensuring a patient's final days are lived in dignity and as pain free as possible.

Donations also help St. Rita's Hospice provide additional support to families after a loved one has passed on. For example, Trails is a day camp offered to school aged children who have suffered a loss. This innovative program is a place where children can feel safe expressing their feelings, make new friends, participate in exciting hands-on activities and simply, be a child . The Young Widow-Widowers Support Group provides emotional support for people near the age of 49 who have lost a spouse and Grief Journeys is a five-week support group for any adult who has recently lost someone they love.

Since the inception of St. Rita's Hospice program, more than 3,600 patients and families have been touched and comforted by our compassionate staff.

For more information contact Brenda Burgy-Schweizer at (419) 226-9802.