Palliative Care. It’s not something people like to talk about. It gets associated with death and sickness – and as humans, we shy away. Well, I wanted to share some perspective with you and express my sincere gratitude toward Larry and Shelly Rompal for their $100,000 gift to keep improving our program.

Palliative Care Services (PCS) treats the chronically ill at various stages of life, including end-of-life care. At Community Regional Medical Center, our PCS consultation team is composed of nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers and chaplains who work together to provide compassionate care and guidance through difficult times.

While the roots of Palliative care lie in hospice, it has evolved into a service with distinct differences that many people do not realize until they need it. And thanks to the Rompal's generous gift, we can continue the valuable work we do here for patients of all ages.

I wanted to personally thank them both for their generous donation to PCS at Community Regional. Every single person on the PCS team is here because we have a passion for life. We also believe that death is a sacred time and strive to assist patients and families to experience it as such.

I often equate my “work” to walking my child to school on his very first day of kindergarten. I can hold his hand, assuage his fears and help him get across the street. I can even peak in to see his teacher, but ultimately I have to let go so that he can move forward. But I know I have helped him get there safely, knowing he is cared for and loved. For our patients who die here, we walk with them as far as we can –  bearing witness to their journey and hopefully that person has known they are cared for, loved and safe.

One of my favorite experiences is when we get to reunite patients with estranged family. For various reasons people become separated from their family for decades, often drugs and alcohol are involved. Regardless, suffering at end of life is the “great equalizer” and can be a time of forgiveness and reconciliation, a time for peace. I have personally witnessed and worked toward this on several occasions. It is a marvelous thing!

For me, this is where my purpose, passion and profession come together. Thank you so much Shelly and Larry for helping us to continue our work. It is a privilege to be here. Your gift is a heartwarming acknowledgement that our work matters. My sincere thanks!

Warm regards,

Cynthia Farley, MSW