Hospice Month

During National Hospice Month each year, lights adorn the Lake Sunapee VNA building at 107 Newport Road in New London to reflect the value of hospice and the bright light of every life.

"Even as a retired nurse, I didn’t realize everything that hospice had to offer. I discovered it’s all about comfort and being home, for both the patient and the family. The staff would always give me a hug at the end of each visit, and that small gesture was so meaningful. It gave me the strength to carry on. It was a horrible time, but an amazing experience to know we weren’t alone on our journey.”

~ Judy Bruguiere

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“My parents were so in love and had strong faith and wanted to pass at home. With the help of Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice, their wishes were answered. It was such a difficult time to take care of and watch both decline and pass at home, but with the help of the Hospice team, they made the transition as smooth as possible. They gave them utmost care. Always with a smile on their face, their care, knowledge, and guidance were top notch. My parents loved them and felt comfortable and cared for. They also had lots of laughs together, which is the best medicine of all!"

~ Mary (Catrambone) Mallgraf‍

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"Michael fought a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma for 25 months. His courage will forever live on in us. The last five months, he chose hospice since the cancer was progressing and chemo was no longer his choice to prolong his life. The cancer had metastasized to lymph nodes, and treatment was no longer his option to fight this beast of a cancer. My heart will forever be filled with gratitude for the dedication of the Lake Sunapee VNA & Hospice nurses. Their visits brought him joy and hope to his last days here with us. Michael passed peacefully in his home, and I am forever grateful the VNA was with us in his final months."

~ Patricia Estrada

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"In the beginning, I had no idea what Hospice does. I did know that my husband John would be cared for at home no matter what. John had COPD and a frozen aortic valve. He was diagnosed with these two slow acting debilitating diseases about 4 years ago. The doctors told me it was like he was climbing a hill, then falling off the top. About 2 years later, the doctors told me that he had reached the precipice and was falling off. At this point, I felt he was doing well…needing care, but I felt I could handle it. After all, I am an old RN. I am also very stubborn. As time went on, our 4 sons, their wives and friends were telling me I had to get help. Enter Hospice. Wow, what an uplifting, wonderful experience. I had no idea there would be so much more that could be done to make John more comfortable and safe. Every single person that came to care for John was an angel, and he loved each and every one of these amazing people. Every one of these angels knew their job and did it well. If I had questions, they knew the answer or got the answer. Dear Hospice, please accept my heartfelt thank you for making what could be a very difficult time a comfortable, warm, loving experience."

~ Julie Morse