ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 6, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Carmin Greaves was just fifty-eight
years old when she received a diagnosis no woman wants to hear:
stage four ovarian cancer. That was two years ago. This week,
as she prepares to celebrate Mother's
Day with her daughter and grandson, Greaves is filled with
gratitude for the hospice team at The Elizabeth Hospice in
Southern California that has
helped support her physically, emotionally and spiritually.
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Initially, the San Diego
resident was devastated by her diagnosis and felt overwhelmed and
afraid. She then began receiving palliative care – a specialized
type of treatment which focuses on alleviating pain, suffering and
the psychological burdens of serious illness.
Palliative care is available even while curative treatment
continues. It radically improved Greaves' ability to cope,
and continue living. Eventually, she transitioned to hospice
when more support was needed.
"Spirituality has allowed me to be the strong, vibrant woman
that I am today," says Carmin. "I want everyone to receive
unconditional love and acceptance." Chaplains at The
Elizabeth Hospice provide spiritual support, regardless of whether
the patient and family have religious beliefs or not. Spirituality
more broadly defined is that which creates meaning for us, and
hospice honors that personal meaning.
"As a chaplain, my job is to help incorporate this into the
hospice experience to further support patients and their loved ones
throughout the end of life process," says Felisa Meier, chaplain. "With Carmin, we have
spent much time reflecting on so many significant realities and
truths of life. She is truly a testament that a terminal diagnosis
does not mean life and purpose end, but that it can be yet another
opportunity to learn, grow and teach."
This 'continuum of care' is what the National Hospice and
Palliative Care Organization believes every patient deserves when
facing a serious illness. NHPCO has featured Carmin's story
with a moving video in its national public awareness campaign
"Moments of Life: Made Possible Hospice".
Carmin embodies the spirit of this campaign, and what the
hospice experience enables for millions of Americans.
"I have been able to overcome hurdles with the help of the
wonderful Elizabeth Hospice team that has helped me remain strong,"
says Carmin. "No matter how difficult and challenging life is, we
can find peace."
Carlota Durazo, an Elizabeth
Hospice counselor says, "Carmin lights up the room with her smile
and graciousness. She welcomes you with open arms and this is how
she lives her life on a daily basis. She really knows how to
live."
To learn more about how the "Moments of Life: Made Possible" by
Hospice campaign is dispelling the myths of hospice care, visit
www.momentsoflife.org.
Contact:
Anita Brikman
Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications
abrikman@nhpco.org
703-837-3154
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SOURCE National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization