Words of Thanks
“My dad was a very strong-willed, independent type of person and didn’t like to be treated like a child or left out of decisions even in the last month of his life. Cedar Valley Hospice made sure that when they came they spoke to him like an adult and let him make decisions about his care. He very much appreciated still being able to feel like he was in control of his care. The hospice team was always so caring to the whole family. The always answered all our calls and questions about his changing health and how we could help him feel comfortable. When the time came that he was passing the nurses helped guide us and told us every step he was experiencing was normal and helped us grieve when he finally did go. Cedar Valley Hospice is the best hospice care team because of how the treat people like people and not just another patient in the system.”
– Jenny Hingtgen
“My mom had a heart attack in April 2023. One week later, she had emergency surgery, revealing terminal colon cancer. By the grace of God she made it though surgery. Her hope after her diagnosis was to have ‘one good year.’ Doctors never dreamed she would survive that long, but 28 chemotherapy treatments later, she had her one good year. We could tell she was getting tired so we decided to enlist Cedar Valley Hospice to help manage pain.
That was on a Wednesday. Mom walked up to bed the following Sunday and never came back down. We lost her in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 31st. While we only had hospice involved for one week, the services they provided were invaluable. Aside from helping with her physically, Jenny, Mom’s primary hospice nurse, agreed to talk with the six grandkids to explain to them that she was transitioning and it wouldn’t be long until she died. While this was very hard for all of us to hear, Jenny did a wonderful job and we will be forever grateful to her for taking the time to do that for us.“
– Nikki Schmit
“My favorite Release & Remember event did not directly involve me; rather, my best friend. Her brother had died during the previous year. I honestly didn’t want to attend the event that year because it was going to be stifling hot… but I went for her sake because the one thing she’d hoped for was that a butterfly would land on her head so that she would know her brother was OK. We were sitting 2/3 of the way up on the steps, but suddenly one did land on her head and I was able to videotape that. She turned towards me with the biggest smile on her face that I have ever seen. John landed and let her know he was fine! I have that video to this day and smile each time it comes up. I would never have forgiven myself. Had I not gone and allowed her to experience this!“
– Patricia Connell
“I was picked to help release the butterflies in the 2022 event. A representative group of us clinical teammates were chosen that year because we had made it through the worst of the COVID endemic. I remember the emotions welling up in me when the audience applauded us for the care we gave during those trying times. “
– Dr. John Zehr
“Cedar Valley Hospice gave our parents comfort from their pain. They were treated with dignity and respect. It gave us precious time to love them in peace and they got to stay in their own home…. Something we had promised to honor their wishes. Dying is a tough journey for everyone involved, and we were held together by strong arms and loving hearts!!“
– John & Delberta Fisher
“Terry’s funeral was the day before Release & Remember on September 9, 2018. What a beautiful way to finish the celebrating of his life. Cedar Valley Hospice was a godsend during his final weeks. I will always be appreciative of the care he received at the Hospice Home during his final days.“
– Ann Doughty
“My mother was involved with Cedar Valley Hospice for six days. I am releasing one butterfly for each day she was in hospice care.“
– Emily McGrane Hale
“There are no words to describe the gratitude I have for all the individuals at Cedar Valley Hospice. My dad spent his last days at Cedar Valley Hospice. It was such a relief to see my dad not suffer anymore. After my Dad’s passing, I attended the grief support group at Cedar Valley Hospice. It helped me to TRY to talk about my dad without crying. I still miss him every single day, but I know he is no longer suffering.“
– Stormy Meiser
“I can’t believe I’m just now hearing about this event. I watched my 20 year old son, college football player, lose his life to a six month battle with leukemia. I don’t recall the name of the hospice team (2007 in Clear Lake, Iowa) that were by our sides the last week or two of his life, but looking back they were truly angels in disguise. Spread those wings, Kyle DeVries! 1-4-3!”
– Jackie Lemke
“My granddaughter Livia was diagnosed with an aggressive leukemia in Sept. 2023. She celebrated her 21st birthday in Nov. She fought a brave fight with experimental therapy. God called her home March 14, 2024. She barely had a chance at life, and spent the better part of this time in Iowa City. Only got home once. She loved butterflies. Truly can’t think of a better way to send her love. Miss her dearly.“
– Jolene Brown
“Many years ago, as I was going through a tough patch in my career, a friend, who was a Cedar Valley Hospice employee, asked if I would be interested in joining the Friends Committee. She thought I would be a good fit and she knew I needed a positive space in my life to channel my thoughts and energy. This gracious opportunity led to 7 years on the friend’s committee, 5 years on the board of directors, and now over 15 total years as a volunteer, with 9 as a patient and family volunteer.
During this same time, Cedar Valley Hospice served my brother and my mother. My brother was 52 years old and was only on the program for about a day. My mother was in her mid-80’s and on the program for approximately two years. While these were two extremely different experiences, they both showed me the incredible support system within Cedar Valley Hospice. Both experiences gave my loved ones the care and support they needed, and the care and support, we as a family, needed.
I volunteer for more than giving back to the organization and to the community, that have given so much to me. I volunteer to keep me in a space where I stay humble and grounded. I get to surround myself by wonderful people who are going through incredibly difficult circumstances and learn how to be a better me. I witness their grace and peace. I witness their families as they come together and support each other. I witness the magic that is created by Cedar Valley Hospice.“
– Mike Walden
“In 2021, my wife had gastric cancer and went into septic shock. She was in the hospital for a week. They set her up with Cedar Valley Hospice. During this time, at 5’5”, her weight went down to 92 pounds. Diane (her nurse) came out nearly every week with Jamie joining her at times. Rosa started to look forward to the visits. I tried a leftover 2mg of Dexamethasone, and it gave Rosa energy. She went from laying on the couch to wiping the counters and getting down on her knees and washing the kitchen floor (That was Rosa). I spoke with Diane, and she obtained a prescription. Rosa was able to come off hospice, raise her weight to 115, and was independent in daily tasks while I went to work for over a year. Unfortunately, cancer and treatment came to an end in 2022. Diane came to the hospital and helped get her home. She was able to die at home in her own bed with me by her side like she wanted.
I appreciate all the help Diane, Jamie, and the rest of Cedar Valley Hospice provided.“
– William Swan
“Cedar Valley Hospice entered our lives as my dad was dying. Hospice quietly and gently took care of the medical part so our mom, my brothers and I were able to focus completely on our love and compassion for dad.“
– Marilyn Hurley
“Thank you. Love this fundraiser! Mom was our social butterfly. Anywhere she went she would know someone. Cedar Valley Hospice is the BEST!“
– Janis Goeden
“Losing a loved one is very difficult. I can’t say enough great things about Cedar Valley Hospice and how it helped our family. I appreciate all that you have done for us.“
– Jeffrey Kuhlmann
“Crystal died many years ago ….wish we had your service then. Thank you for helping so many others.“
– Matt Hobson
“We thank the Lord for blessing us with the most loving, caring, wonderful parents that any one could have ever asked for! And we miss you both who loved the Lord and instilled His love! and word in us! Because he loved us First! 1 John 4:19
All the praise be to GOD!!!!!
– Sharon Meeks
“Hospice care brings together a team of people with special skills. Everyone works together with the person who is dying, the caregiver and family to provide the medical, emotional and spiritual support needed. Thank you for your continued support after the passing of our loved one!”
– Jennie Hewlett
“They were all so wonderful to Sue and our family. We can’t say enough great things about Cedar Valley Hospice.“
– Tina Hummel
“Love you mom.“
– Gene Taber
“As the moon shone its brightest moment and Pam took her last sip of wine, our mother took her final breath and gently eased into her next life. These butterflies are dedicated to you, Mom.”
– Pamela Pearson & Rhonda Ersland Lee
“Ryan took his life on January 9, 2021. He suffered from very deep depression.”
– Karen Lawing
“Thank you Cedar Valley Hospice for taking care of our dad in his last days!!“
– Melissa Miranda
Your support is
what inspires us
Enriching lives in the Cedar Valley is at the forefront of our mission. We are experts in providing hospice and palliative care, grief support and providing additional services for those with life changing diagnoses. As a not-for-profit organization, your gifts make our mission possible!
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Our volunteers are the heart of our organization. From visiting patients to helping with events, they perform a number of different roles that are vital to helping us carry out our mission.
