“Life is not meant to be an obstacle course, although we deal with obstacles constantly disguised as day-to-day issues.” ~ Barbara, one of our first Parkinson’s Center Advisory Board Members.
Get to Know Barbara
After spending 45 years working as an Administrative Assistant while raising three children as a single mother, Barbara wanted to see the world. When a small college in Alaska offered free room and board in exchange for volunteerism, Barbara leaned into her belief that “limits are self-imposed,” and set out on an 8,000-mile adventure. Barbara spent the next decade traveling the country, doing volunteer work, and she published a book about her journey: “The Second Career Volunteer.” When diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in 2011, Barbara met the challenge with the same courage and determination with which she embraced her post-retirement adventures.
Enter RVNAhealth
Barbara was a fierce advocate for raising awareness of PD. In 2023, she successfully lobbied the Town of Ridgefield to proclaim March as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. When she learned about RVNAhealth’s plans to launch a Parkinson’s Center, Barbara reached out to Kate Campbell, DPT, Director of RVNAhealth’s Therapy and Parkinson’s Centers, to see how she could help. Barbara was thrilled that the program would provide much-needed education, exercise and support. Kate recalls, “She joined the first Parkinson’s Bootcamp and participated in every activity she could — floor exercises, kick boxing, even dancing. She was an inspiration to others who were just beginning their journey.”
Barbara’s mantra was to “breathe into the positives,” and that she did. As her disease progressed, she made the decision to transition to RVNAhealth’s Hospice care, with a wish to stay in her home. Her daughter, Pam, reached out to RVNAhealth and a hospice team arrived with the medical equipment she needed and caregivers in place to keep her comfortable over the next several months. True to form, Barbara still attended RVNAhealth’s Parkinson’s Center classes and bootcamp, but her new focus was on managing symptoms and enjoying time with her family.
RVNAhealth hospice volunteer, Kristy, visited Barbara weekly to offer comfort in the form of Reiki. Barbara remarked many times that during these sessions was the only time she was able to feel completely relaxed, as her tremors subsided, and she treasured the moments of peace she received. Another volunteer, Nicole, helped Barbara fulfill her dream of surprising her family with Christmas gifts – something Barbara could no longer accomplish on her own, having lost a great deal of her independence to the effects of PD. Nicole took Barbara on a shopping spree and wrapped all of the presents. Pam shared, “I’ll never forget Mom’s joy that Christmas morning.” Those moments together in their home formed priceless memories that were only possible through the care and compassion of RVNAhealth’s Hospice team.
RVNAhealth doesn’t just care FOR people, we care ABOUT them
RVNAhealth’s Hospice care is designed to meet the needs of the individual and family. Last year, 488 patients received compassionate end-of-life care from RVNAhealth, including special services like pet therapy, music therapy, and Reiki. Our volunteers provided 1,975 hours of companionship. It is our goal to support the physical, emotional, and social needs of each hospice family we are privileged to serve; however, we need your help to do this. It is only with support from people like you that we can maintain our Parkinson’s and Hospice programs and the many other healthcare services we offer for people at all stages of life.
Barbara was fond of Heather Cox Richardson’s quote, “It’s never too late to change the future.” YOU can help us change the future for those like Barbara and her family. We will always be here for you, too.
Please consider making a donation today.
You can make your tax-deductible gift to support RVNAhealth by visiting our donor page and remember, a matching gift from your employer could double your donation, furthering our mission to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed. Click here to see if your gift is match-eligible and to learn the easy steps you can take to maximize your impact!
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering in our Hospice program, please contact Stephanie Peppe at speppe@RVNAhealth.org.
