According to Visiting Nurse Association President/CEO Katherine Krause,
“Thank you, My Sweet Charity, for granting area nonprofits “one wish for the holidays.” At VNA my wish is simple: I want every senior in Dallas to be fed and I want VNA to provide quality hospice care to anyone who needs it.
“Every day I think about the seniors in our community who are hungry and alone. VNA Meals on Wheels delivers over 4,000 hot, nutritious meals every weekday, along with a friendly smile, but the waiting list for eligible individuals to receive meals is over 3,000! And the list is growing.
“Thousands of seniors go without food in Dallas County. Our Meals on Wheels kitchen has the capacity to prepare enough meals to meet the need but a lack of resources prohibits us from doing so. You can help us change that. It costs $1,500 to feed a senior for one year. How wonderful it would be to feed more seniors’ spirits as well as their bodies.
“VNA’s bottom line – for 80 years – is patient care in the home. VNA Hospice Care is the oldest, most experienced and trusted hospice provider in Texas. When someone is facing a terminal illness, our dedicated professionals help guide patients and their loved ones so they can make the most of the time they have together.
“Qualifying for hospice care isn’t difficult if you are 65 or older or you have insurance. But we receive 3 – 5 requests every day to provide hospice care for those who have no resources. These are individuals who are uninsured, or under the age of 65, or simply have no means. Many are parents with young children. They worked until they became sick then lost their health insurance. To provide hospice care for an unfunded patient costs, on average, $5,000 a month. No one should face a terminal illness alone and families should not be left without help.
“The Dallas community can help make my wish come true – that no senior is ever hungry and that hospice care is provided to anyone who is facing the end of life.
“For additional information, please contact Anne Leary at 214.689.2601.”
-Katherine Krause, President/CEO
* Photo provided by Visiting Nurse Association