Friday, November 15 | Cause Connected, Post-Acute Care

Why Hospice Care Matters to Me: April's Story

By April McClure, Client Alignment Executive

In 2009, I received a phone call that my mother, Janet, was coughing up blood in the ER. We soon found out that mom had stage IV lung cancer, which rapidly spread to her breast, and then to her brain.

When the doctors suggested mom move into hospice care, she was almost relieved. She needed to know the next plan, the next phase – she needed hospice.

Hospice was a blessing. It allowed mom to have a voice, find peace and understand more about the process of dying. Mom continued her courageous ways and acts of kindness.

During her final days, she gathered the family and asked that we work together to provide gifts of comfort to hospice patients, making their lives feel as normal as possible, just like her experience. Out of that request, Janet’s Wish was born.

To this day, my family and I work with hospice agencies to help terminally ill individuals do what matters most to them, like renew their vows, coordinate a holiday or celebratory meal, arrange spa and beauty services, and discover what is important for them.

With every gift of comfort delivered, we hope to empower a person to feel they still have a voice. The mission of Janet’s Wish is to help a person feel valued, beautiful and connected to their loved ones, as well as the outside world, during a hard time.

April McClure is a client alignment representative at Netsmart. April has worked in the healthcare industry for the past 11 years. Since starting Janet’s Wish, she’s found a deeper connection to her work by understanding a provider’s impact on a patient’s experience and care.

April's Story