Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice has been named a 2016 Hospice Honors recipient by Deyta Analytics. The Hospice Honors is a landmark compilation of hospices providing the best patient and caregiver experience. Established by Deyta Analytics, this prestigious annual review recognizes hospices that continuously provide the highest level of quality as measured from the caregiver’s point of view. Hospice Honors acknowledges high performing agencies by analyzing performance of Hospice CAHPS quality measures.

“Hospice Honors is a landmark compilation of hospices that provide the best patient and caregiver experiences,” said Bobby Robertson, President and CEO of HEALTHCAREfirst. “I am extremely proud of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice for achieving this highest of honors and congratulate them on their success.”

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice was one of three hospice providers in the State of New Jersey to obtain the Deyta Analytics Hospice Honors accolade in 2016. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Executive Director, Cecelia Clayton credits her professional staff for going above and beyond to meet the needs of the patients and families served. “We are pleased to be in the company of other award-winning hospices and healthcare facilities nationwide. To be the only hospice in Northwest New Jersey to receive this continued recognition validates the exemplary care extended to our community by our dedicated team,” said Clayton.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independent and local non-profit organization that provides a full continuum of high quality medical, emotional and spiritual services to individuals requiring hospice, their family members and the community. The organization serves families in Sussex, Warren and Pike County, PA and nationwide-wide at the Home for Hospice in Fredon, NJ.

Cecelia Clayton, MPH, Executive Director of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice was awarded the “Women in Business Award” at the 31^st Annual Quality in Business, Quality in Living awards dinner held at Crystal Springs Country Club earlier this year. The award was established by the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce and acknowledged community leaders in 17 categories for their contributions to the quality of life in the community and workplace.

Clayton was awarded in recognition of her established track record of significant accomplishments in the community and business. Clayton has worked for Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and the community in various capacities since July 1990. As Director of Volunteers, Clayton initiated many of the organizations bereavement education groups which eventually led to the creation of The Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center in 2000. The center ensures that bereavement programs are available not only to hospice families, but to anyone in the community that is grieving a loss through death. To-date there are three centers in Newton, Hackettstown and Milford, PA.

In 2002 Clayton was named the Executive Director at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. Under her tenure the hospice has achieved growth from a small hospice of fewer than 50 patients a day in Northwest NJ to one that is now licensed and operates in two states, NJ and PA and the Home for Hospice in Fredon which can accept patients nationwide.

View the video tribute to Julia Quinlan above, which was filmed by Erin Dubec, Anthony Scalia and Nicholas Libraro.

On May 6, 2016, Julia Quinlan was recognized and awarded $35,000, at the 20th Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Ceremony at Ramapo College.

The award was established by businessman Russel Berrie in 1997 to reward New Jerseyans who have made a significant difference in their communities through a lifetime of service or a single heroic act.

“Through this award, we honor the contributions of people who don’t seek recognition for what they do, yet generously give of themselves to make New Jersey a better place,” said Angelica Berrie of Englewood, president of The Russell Berrie Foundation. The top honoree of the award receives $50,000. Second place – which Quinlan received – wins $35,000, and the third place honoree receives $20,000.

“I’ve dedicated my life to do this work and make people aware of the hospice, aware of being able to be in hospice care and receiving the care you should receive at the end of your life. It has been very rewarding to me,” said Quinlan in a recent interview with The New Jersey Herald.

The Russell Berrie Foundation was established in 1985 by Russell Berrie, an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. Russell Berrie had a passion for giving that was grounded in his deep belief in humanity, the importance of touching the lives of ordinary people, the importance of strengthening the local community in New Jersey and the power of using philanthropy to help achieve transformational change. The Russell Berrie Foundation seeks to continue Russ’ mission by providing significant support to strengthen New Jersey’s art, cultural and health care institutions and celebrates everyday people who make a significant difference in the lives of others through the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award.

Photo by Paul Wheeler- Shown at the Quinlan Hospice awards ceremony Thursday at Panther Valley are, from left: Sue Dell, R.N., Excellence in Care Award; Honorable Paul W. Armstrong, J.S.C. Ret.), Pioneer Award; Lucian Fletcher Jr., M.D., Founder Award; Cecelia T. Clayton, MPH, Excellence in Leadership Award, and Skip Klimas, Heart of Hospice Award. Not shown are Noel Balch and Frances Howe, Spirit of Hospice Award.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice’s friends, staff, volunteers and supporters joined together on April 28 at the Panther Valley Golf Club to celebrate those individuals who have advanced the cause of hospice in our community and beyond. Lucian Fletcher Jr., M.D., received the Founder Award for his almost four decades of service as a board member. Skip Klimas, owner of S.K. Paper Shred, received the Heart of Hospice Award for his tireless fundraising for hospice. Hospice volunteers Noel Balch and Frances Howe received the Spirit of Hospice Award for their almost 20 years of service as hospice volunteers. Sue Dell, RN, long-time nursing supervisor and clinical manager, received the Excellence in Care Award.

Cecelia T. Clayton, MPH, received the Excellence in Leadership Award for her service as executive director for more than a decade.

Honorable Paul W. Armstrong, J.S.C. (Ret.), received the Pioneer Award for his more than 40 years of work advancing the cause of patients’ rights.

Robert Vandenbergh, chief operating officer of presenting sponsor Lakeland Bank, served as emcee for the event. The music was supplied by DJ Ray Cordts.

Other major sponsors included Newton Medical Center, Contral Security, Eastern Propane, Lion Technology, Regional Cancer Care Associates LLC and Smith-McCracken Funeral Home.

See All Event Photos

Published by: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

National Healthcare Decisions Day is on Saturday, April 16, 2016 and is dedicated to inspire, educate and empower the public about the importance of advance care planning.

Advance care planning involves making future healthcare decisions that include much more than deciding what care you would or would not want; it starts with expressing preferences, clarifying values, identifying health care preferences and selecting an agent to express healthcare decisions if you are unable to speak for yourself.
National Healthcare Decisions Day is a collaborative effort of national, state and community organizations committed to ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and resources to communicate and document their future healthcare decisions.
In honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day, NHPCO encourages everyone to:

Have A Conversation

Advance care planning starts with talking with your loved ones, your healthcare providers, and even your friends- all are important steps to making your wishes known. These conversations will relieve loved ones and healthcare providers of the need to guess what you would want if you are ever facing a healthcare or medical crisis.

Complete Your Advance Directive

“Advance Directives” are legal documents (Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney) that allow you to plan and make your own end-of-life wishes known in the event that you are unable to communicate. To learn more, download the “Understanding Advance Directives” brochure now.

Engage Others in Advance Care Planning

Please pass along brochures, information and advance directives to others in your family, workplace and community. Help others have a conversation about advance care planning.

“National Healthcare Decisions Day exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning.”

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice encourages Sussex and Warren County, NJ and Pike County, PA residents to visit their offices in Newton, NJ and Milford, PA on the week days of April 11-15 and April 18-22 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to pick up a National Health Care Decisions folder to assist with this this very important issue. For additional questions, please call Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice at 973-383-0115 or 800-882-1117.

N.J. Supreme Court decision on March 31, 1976, changed course of global medical ethics

Published in the Daily Record, April 3, 2016

Forty years ago on March 31, a landmark New Jersey Supreme Court decision regarding a young woman from Roxbury altered the legal and ethical landscape of healthcare across the country and around the world. Her name was Karen Ann Quinlan, and her tragic circumstance led to the establishment of living will and other rights of hospital patients, including their legal “right to die.”

Quinlan, 21, lapsed into a coma in 1975, allegedly after mixing alcohol with a tranquilizing drug. Once her condition was considered irreversible, her devoutly Catholic parents, Joseph and Julia, asked her doctors at St. Clare’s Hospital to remove her from the respirator that was keeping her alive and put her fate “into God’s hands.”

Read Full Article

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: May 19, 2015
CONTACT: Dr. Roxanne Debski-Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
Offices in Newton NJ & Milford PA.
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org

PHOTOS:

Stephanie Bootsma, MSW, LSW; Dawn Kern, RN; and Mario Spadaro, Chaplain.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice staff to be honored at June state conference.

Newton-May 19, 2015-Three Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice personnel are going to be awarded honors at the New Jersey Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s annual conference. Stephanie Bootsma, MSW, LSW, Social Worker of the Year, Dawn Kern, RN, Nurse of the Year, and Mario Spadaro, Chaplain of the Year will be recognized at the June 4th Spirit of Hospice Awards Dinner held at the Pacific Concord Hotel, Eatontown, NJ.

Stephanie Bootsma, MSW, LSW, of Wantage, NJ is a medical social worker with a specialty study in Geriatrics. Throughout eight years with Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice she has helped over 1000 patients and their loved ones by assessing and supporting each situation giving the attention and uniqueness it deserves. She is the organization’s resident expert on Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease having spent more than 16 years working with those affected by these challenging illnesses. “To see her engage a patient “where she’s at”, even when that patient is traveling back in time 50 years, will literally bring tears to your eyes.” observed Marlina Schetting, MSW, LCSW, CT Hospice Administrator.

Dawn Kern, RN, of Oxford, NJ, a nurse with Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice since 2008, primarily works with patients in Warren County, NJ. She has been identified as exceling in the full spectrum of the hospice model of care, for in addition to symptom management, she has shown deep consideration for the emotional, physical, and spiritual suffering of both her patient and their family members. Cynthia D. Starr, MD who held a private hematology/oncology practice since 1985 stated, “ I have not often been privileged to work with and know someone as qualified as Dawn. She deserved recognition for her contributions and dedication to Hospice and its philosophy of compassion and caring for all patients.”

Mario Spadaro, Chaplain, of Hackettstown, NJ has served hospice patients and their families as chaplain with kindness and commitment for fourteen years. Instilling a sense of peace during what are stressful times has been his strength, combined with a desire to bridge any language or cultural gaps according to those who have worked by his side. The hospice staff has reported that he brings this same sense of spiritually to them without interfering with individual religious beliefs or practices. He also serves as a volunteer chaplain for local hospitals when called upon. Sue Morrow, hospice volunteer coordinator, labeled Mario, “as our ‘go to chaplain’ and the person we call on when we need a vigil started, a volunteer class covered, or a memorial service or funeral conducted. Mario is funny and down to earth”!

Bootsma, Kern, and Spadaro, are among seventeen recipients of various honors that will be awarded that evening. “I am very pleased that these outstanding team members have been elected by their peers in the state as Award winners.   As long time staff members of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice their expertise, caring and dedication have helped so many patients and families live through final journeys with peace and comfort” stated Cecelia T. Clayton, Executive Director, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and the 2012 recipient of the NJHPCO Director of the Year Award.

 For more information about the event visit www.njhospice.org or email [email protected]. You may also call 908-233-0060.
The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and Bereavement for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Sussex and Warren Counties NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800 882 1117 to reach any of our services at either office; Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 104 Bennett Ave., Milford, PA. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and proud to be the preferred hospice provider for Newton Medical Center and area Atlantic Health Care System. The award winning Home for Hospice is located in Fredon, NJ. For hospice programs, events, and more information visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org. Facebook.com/KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Business section

DATE: May 22, 2015
CONTACT: Dr. Roxanne Debski-Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
Offices in Newton NJ & Milford PA.
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org

KAREN ANN QUINLAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBER

Newton – May 22, 2015 -Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Co-Founder and President of the Karen Ann Quinlan Charitable Foundation Julia Quinlan announced Kirsten Marino of Franklin has been appointed to the Karen Ann Quinlan Charitable Foundation Board of Directors effective immediately.

Ms. Marino currently is a Vice President of Business Development with Sussex Bank responsible for increasing and maintaining client growth and relationships throughout NJ and NY. Kirsten has expanded her association building to include both state and regional leaders and organizations who are working to support and assist our community and those in need including NJCBW, DASI, March of Dimes, NJSF.SCARC, and JDRF.

“My appointment to the Charitable Board of Hospice is a great honor. I have always admired Julia Quinlan’s incredible strength of purpose and am delighted to be able to serve with her and the other very talented Board members.” stated Marino.

Marino has held numerous Securities licenses including her Series 7, 6, 63, 65 and Life and Variable Annuities licenses and is also a certified Yoga instructor. She currently serves as President of the Board of Trustees for DASI (Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Intervention Services Inc.). Marino is the recipient of the TWIN Award (Tribute to Women in Industry), the WOW Star Award for Community Involvement 2011, and the “Full Circle” Award from DASI. She has also performed as treasurer of the Franklin Police Citizen’s Advisory Committee and Franklin Recreation Commission. She is a current Board member for the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women, a current member of the Franklin Economic Development Commission, and a current volunteer for the Franklin Recreation Commission.

Ms. Marino lives in Franklin with her husband Anthony Marino.

Press Release

FOR PIKE DISPATCH MEDICAL DIRECTORY:

DATE: February 27, 2015
CONTACT: Dr. Roxanne Debski-Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
Offices in Newton NJ & Milford PA.
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org

PHOTO:

Cecelia T Clayton, MPH Executive Director of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and grief specialist.

Newton-March 3, 2015–Cecelia Clayton, Executive Director of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, will be the guest lecturer for Living with Grief, a four part series of lectures that explore the normal, natural, and unavoidable reaction to loss through death. Ms. Clayton has been lecturing for nearly 20 years on the topic of Living with Grief. Her Grief series is an original PowerPoint lecture series, which has been presented to hundreds of recipients who have benefited from her insights and reflections on the grief stricken.

The lectures provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the effects grief has on our lives, our loved ones, and our relationships. They are open to anyone who has experienced a loss, who is helping another cope with a loss, or who would just like to learn more about the grieving process.

The series will be held on Tuesday evenings April 7, 14, 21, & 28 from 6-8 pm at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center, 61 Spring Street, 1st Floor (use Trinity Street parking lot and lower entrance) Newton, New Jersey. The series is limited seating with a registration fee of $25.00. To reserve your space, call 973-383-0115 or 800-882-1117 during business hours Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 pm with your credit card, Amex, Visa, MC, or Discover. Or you may send a check to Grief Series, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave, Newton, NJ 07860. If you have questions or need more information regarding the series you may email Ms. Clayton at [email protected]

Clayton has presented at the Hackettstown Regional Medical Center and has also given lectures at St. Francis DeSales, Vernon, Saint Kateri, Sparta, Newton Medical Center, St. John Vianney, Stockholm, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, McAfee.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and Bereavement for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Northwest NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800 882 1117 to reach any of our services at either office; Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 104 Bennett Ave., Milford, PA. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and proud to be the preferred hospice provider for Newton Medical Center and our area Atlantic Health Care System. The new Home for Hospice is located in Fredon, NJ. For hospice programs, events, and more information visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: December 16, 20144
CONTACT: Dr. Roxanne Debski-Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
Offices in Newton NJ & Milford PA.
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org

PHOTO:

Marlina Schetting, MSW, LCSW, CT, and Administrator of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice.

Quinlan Hospice Administrator speaks against NJ Assisted Suicide proposal.

Newton-December 15, 2014— The New Jersey Senate’s Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee met on Monday, December 8th about an assisted suicide bill in a “discussion-only” hearing where only invited guests were allowed to testify. The public was only permitted to submit written testimony.
The bill, known as the “Death with Dignity Act,” has evoked protest and worries from many groups on the substance of the idea that physician assisted suicide is fundamentally immoral and the bill allows for potential abuse. One of the main points of contention is that it does not require medical professionals to be present with those patients when the physician prescribed drugs are administered—leaving such patients vulnerable to having the dose administered for them, potentially against their will, either in the hospital or at home.
Marlina Schetting, MSW, LCSW, CT, Administrator of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and
Chair of NJHPCO’s Committee on Reimbursement and Government Relations was present to offer testimony at the invitation-only discussion on the proposed assisted suicide act.

Schetting’s testimony read, in part:
“Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Hospice affirms living…and dying a natural death. Hospice respects patient choice, alleviates pain and suffering and supports patients and their families in their coping with the dying process. Finally, in hospice care, like virtually all aspects of medical care, quality of care is quantified and providers are required to use evidence-based practice and show outcomes.

“When only three in 10 Americans have developed advance directives; New Jersey’s POLST is still newly implemented, and residents continue to die in arenas not of their own choosing, isn’t it time to consider hospice, death education, and advance care planning, rather than relegate end-of-life to a health crisis that culminates with a single, autonomous act? People do not exist in vacuums…A short cut to this process is ill-advised, no matter how well-intentioned, and is neither “dignified” nor “humane” when a better option is present. That better option is hospice care.”

Joining Schetting in speaking against the bill were Dr. Joseph Fennelly and Mishael Azam of the Medical Society of New Jersey and Sister Pat Codey of the Catholic Health Partnership. Janet Colbert, a terminally Ill patient, also spoke to the committee. Speaking on favor of the bill was: Jessica Grennan from Compassion & Choices and Ed Barocas of the ACLU.

It was announced earlier that no vote was to be taken at that hearing. The State Assembly passed the bill some weeks ago with the minimum number of votes needed, and as of this writing second Senate hearing scheduled for December 15th made a recommendation for approval.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and Bereavement for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Northwest NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800 882 1117 to reach any of our services. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 104 Bennett Ave., Milford, PA. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and the preferred hospice provider for the Atlantic Health Care System in our area of service. The Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon offers in-patient units, respite care, and routine hospice care to eligible Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice patients. For programs, events, and more information visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org. 
Stay up to the minute with us!  Facebook.com/KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: November 22, 2014
CONTACT: Roxanne Debski-Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
Offices in Newton NJ & Milford PA.
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org

PHOTO: November is for giving thanks and siblings Mike and Rose Rosano (seated) personally gave thanks to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice staff pictured here; Events Manger Jennifer Smith, Director of Foundation John Quinlan, and Executive Director Cecelia Clayton. The donation of $5000.00 was from the estate of their late mother Rose Rosano. The Rosanos have been long time supporters of the hospice staff who helped both their mother and father during their final days. The Rosanos, Rose, Mike, Pat and Ray (not pictured) explained “If not for the Quinlan Center it would have been tougher times for us and them. Instead it was peaceful and loving.” The donation was a way to thank Julia Quinlan, the center and the dedication of its staff for their wonderful assistance during difficult times.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: September 11, 2014
CONTACT: Roxanne Debski-Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
Offices in Newton NJ & Milford PA.
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org

PHOTO: Michael Devine

Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Board appoints new member

Newton-December 11, 2014— Julia Quinlan, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Governing Board of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Devine to the Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Board.

Mr. Devine is a graduate physicist with BS in Physics from St. Joseph University, MS in Physics from Drexel University and additional graduate work in Physics from Stevens Institute of Technology.

His career includes 36 years with the US Department of Defense where he earned the highest status of Senior Executive Service. In addition while working for the DOD he achieved two patents, worked with the Pentagon as a Staff Associate to the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Tactical Warfare, and also served as Technical Director/Director Armament RDE Center at Picatinny.
Currently he is President/Chief Technology Officer for InSitech, Inc.

Michael is active in the Sparta community having served as Mayor and as a member of the Sparta township council. He also served as a trustee with the Lake Mohawk Country Club and currently serves on the Sparta Township Planning Board.

His dedication to hospice includes completing his hospice volunteer training in 2013 and currently serves as an active volunteer providing personal and family bereavement in homes, facilities and funeral settings. “I have been very gratified working as a Hospice Volunteer these past few years. The service this organization provides to people in the most difficult of times is invaluable.” Devine continues, “ I look forward to continuing my volunteer work while supporting the Foundation further as a Board Member.

Mr. Devine and his wife Beverly reside in Sparta and have three grown daughters, Susan, Elizabeth and Rachel.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and Bereavement for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Northwest NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800 882 1117 to reach any of our services. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 104 Bennett Ave., Milford, PA. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and the preferred hospice provider for the Atlantic Health Care System in our area of service. The Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon offers in-patient units, respite care, and routine hospice care to eligible Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice patients. For programs, events, and more information visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org. 
Stay up to the minute with us! Facebook.com/KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: November 14, 2014
CONTACT: Roxanne Debski-Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
Offices in Newton NJ & Milford PA.
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org

PHOTO: Jennifer Wilson DiBerardino, CTP, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations Officer and Treasurer, Selective Insurance Group, Inc. of Branchville, NJ

Karen Ann Quinlan Charitable Board names new Vice President

Newton-November 14, 2014—Jennifer Wilson DiBerardino, CTP, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations Officer and Treasurer with Selective Insurance Group, Inc. of Branchville, NJ has been named Vice President of the Karen Ann Quinlan Charitable Board effective immediately. She has been a member of the board since February 2012.

The Selective Insurance Foundation has been a long time supporter of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and when the opportunity for a board member who had financial background was needed, DiBerardino was requested to join the board by Julia Quinlan, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Governing Board. Jennifer, in addition to her finance background, has experienced first hand the positive benefits of hospice for end-of-life patients with her own family members who had been in the program. Understanding the value of the concept of “dying with dignity” and how important the hospice team was in providing care for the patient as well as the family, she did not hesitate to participate.

“I joined to do my small part to ensure that Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice continues to thrive.” DiBerardino stated.   She continued, “The building of the Home for Hospice is a huge accomplishment for the organization.  The Quinlan family has poured their heart and soul into making this project happen.”  Jennifer also recognizes the organization’s success is likewise due to hospice Executive Director Cecelia Clayton’s leadership and a wonderful group of employees and volunteers that provide superior hospice care.

Jennifer is a graduate with a BA from West Virginia University and holds a Masters Degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University. She resides in Wantage, NJ.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and Bereavement for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Northwest NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800 882 1117 to reach any of our services. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 104 Bennett Ave., Milford, PA. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and the preferred hospice provider for the Atlantic Health Care System in our area of service. The Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon offers in-patient units, respite care, and routine hospice care to eligible Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice patients. For programs, events, and more information visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org. 
Stay up to the minute with us! Facebook.com/KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: November 13, 2014
CONTACT: Roxanne Debski-Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
Offices in Newton NJ & Milford PA.
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org

PHOTO: The Ruggiero’s named family room in the newly built Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice is the backdrop for the group’s photo. All share in the day-to-day activities, including the children, some of who have already been given future titles demonstrating the family’s brand of humor and commitment to each other and their community. (Back L to R) Domenick L. Ruggiero CFO, Cheryl L. Wingle, Kevin R. Wingle, Domenick A. Ruggiero (VP and future CFO of foreign growth and expansion world wide), Elizabeth Victoria Ruggiero (VP and future Director of far future operations), Colleen M. Ruggiero, Office Administrator, Louis R. Ruggiero CEO, Matthew C. Ruggiero, (VP and Director of future operations and expansion), Mathew J. Wingle.
(Front L to R) Theresa M. Ruggiero, (VP future CEO operations and administration) Julia D. Quinlan, Co-Founder and of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and Chairman of the Governing Board, Louis Taylor Ruggiero (future takeovers and acquisitions).
“We are proud and honored to be part of this accomplishment and to do our part.” Louis Ruggiero.

Ruggiero’s sponsors Family Room for Hospice Home

Newton, NJ- November 13, 2104-The Ruggiero Family of the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home along with their other affiliates have donated $70,000.00 in dedication to the naming of the Ruggiero Family Room for the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice. The large room, centered with a stone fireplace with side windows that reveal spectacular views of the Kittatinny Mountains and farm below. The room is the focal entry point and welcomes family members of hospice patients as they enter the newly built home.

The Ruggiero brothers have been long time supporters and friends of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and are also the major sponsor for the Lights of Life Tree Lighting Memorial Service held every Holiday season in Sussex and Warren County, NJ counties and Pike County, PA. Their dedication furthermore extends in assisting with yearly fundraisers and services for the Hospice including the Holiday Pops concerts, Memorial services refreshments, Gala Celebration Balls, gift donations to the wine and cheese and whenever and wherever called upon.

Louis R. Ruggiero, CEO and President of Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home, Smith-Taylor-Ruggiero Funeral Home, Dover NJ, Ruggiero Monument and Granite Company, and Ruggiero Reality Associates of Newton NJ believes his family works hard and plays hard in helping every where they can to make the community and world a better place for all. Ruggiero continued, “We strongly believe in the hospice mission and remain committed to helping hospice families make sure their dying loved ones receive support, dignity and peace during their last months, weeks, or days. It’s simply something everyone deserves.” Louis has served on the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Memorial Board for over twenty years. Domenick L. Ruggiero CFO and Vice President of Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home, Smith-Taylor- Ruggiero Funeral Home, Dover NJ, Ruggiero Monument and Granite Company and Ruggiero Realty Associates of Newton, NJ, has served more than 20 years on the Karen Ann Quinlan Charitable Board; 8 years as treasurer.

Together both Louis and Domenick express the benefits of being active benefactors in many local charities in the community. To them it demonstrates not only their desire to help, but to further and strengthen their ties with those they serve.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and Bereavement for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Northwest NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800 882 1117 to reach any of our services. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 104 Bennett Ave., Milford, PA. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and the preferred hospice provider for the Atlantic Health Care System in our area of service. The Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon offers in-patient units, respite care, and routine hospice care to eligible Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice patients. For programs, events, and more information visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org. 

Stay up to the minute with us! Facebook.com/KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: September 25, 2014
CONTACT: Roxanne Debski-Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
Offices in Newton NJ & Milford PA.
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org

PHOTO: (A) Julia Quinlan stands in the threshold of the new Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice with US Congressman Scott Garrett reminding the audience it was not too long ago many of us were here breaking ground for this magnificent facility, now complete.

PHOTO: (B) September 25th Ribbon cutting “was a dream come true almost 35 years in the making” said a very happy Julia Quinlan.

PHOTO: (C) The new Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice.

PHOTO: (D) Flag raising ceremony following the ribbon-cutting event of the new facility.

A dream with a view is fulfilled with the completion of New Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice.

Fredon, NJ- September 25, 2014 This story of the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice really began in 1975 when the daughter of Joseph and Julia Quinlan had fallen into an irreversible and inexplicable coma.  After Karen Ann was removed from the respirator, a move, which required a legal battle to perform, she lived for almost another ten years.  It was during that time the Quinlans clearly saw a demand for care for those who were terminally ill.

The vision of care needed for our area involved more than clinical treatment for the dying patient; it made paramount he or she is cared for with dignity, surrounded by love, hope and family.   Beyond the patient, addressing the family’s practical concerns and offering emotional or spiritual support was also an indispensable portion of the plan.  The Quinlans, so devoted to the mission, visited England where the name “hospice” was first applied to the practice of specialized care for dying patients. Physician Dame Cicely Saunders was a leader in the hospice movement and began her work with the terminally ill in 1948. Eventually she formed the first modern hospice in 1967—St. Christopher’s Hospice—in a residential suburb of London. The Quinlans met Saunders in the USA where the physician mentored them on the topic of hospice and set up a tour of hospice care for Joseph and Julia that spanned from the east to the west coast.

It was under her guidance that the Quinlans were convinced this was the type of care model that was lacking in our area.  With the help of local physicians, dedicated supporters, and the backing of the Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation created with money earned from the Quinlans’ book and TV movie, The Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice opened its door staffed with volunteers in 1980.

While it was as early as 1972 when Dr. Kubler-Ross, author of On Death and Dying (1969) testified at the first national hearings conducted by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging on the subject of death with dignity, it was the 1976 landmark Quinlan case that woke a county.  Kubler-Ross stated, “We live in a very particular death-denying society.  We isolate both the dying and the old, and it serves a purpose.  They are reminders of our own mortality.  We should not institutionalize people.  We can give families more help with home care and visiting nurses, giving the families and the patients the spiritual, emotional, and financial help in order to facilitate the final care at home.”

The Quinlan case brought national and worldwide attention to the debate of whom and under what circumstances extraordinary means of keeping a loved one alive should be made. It was resolved that the decision be made not only by the patient’s medical team, but also by the patient’s wishes or known wishes, thus revealing to what extent man-made technology he or she wanted to intervene with the natural dying process.

As Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice grew, and as our traditional medical facilities, clearly meant for clinical and recovery care, became more in demand and costly, it was evident that a new kind of Home for end-of-life patients was needed; one that was different from institutionalized surroundings but could provide skilled care along with considering the family during this difficult time.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, still firmly rooted in providing the final care in the home when able, knew in order to complete their hospice mission, they must be able to deliver this kind of care for the dying loved one who cannot remain at home.

After decades of dreaming and five years in the planning, funding, and building process, the new view of hospice care is complete. With the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice, the hospice now offers a full circle of care for their hospice patients. The new home gives the patient a place to receive care where they are not overwhelmed by the clinical surroundings associated with medical institutions, but in a “real-as-possible” home-like setting. Family members, friends, and children can come and go anytime of the day or night, everyday, to be with their loved one during the final days, weeks, or months.  There are also those among us who need the care hospice provides, but have no family or caregiver options to be able to stay at home. While nursing homes provide long-term care, and call-in hospice when needed, patients or their families do not always require, desire or can afford that long-term care; the hospice home offers a place to go to get the care they need during the final phase.

In addition to routine residence home care, the home will also be able to furnish temporary respite to families who need a “home” away from home for their loved one while they are away or in need of a rest from the very difficult task of caregiver.  The home offers stopgap care for the patient discharged from a hospital stay but is not yet equipped to return to his or her home due to needing treatments that go beyond what can be provided in the average home.  At times hospice patients need short-term care to stabilize pain or other acute symptoms that do not require hospitalization, but cannot be achieved in a household setting; the home will be able to offer that service to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice patients.

But what sets apart the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in our area from other facilities located in larger institutions is the uniqueness of the pastoral setting.  Julia Quinlan’s vision, along with Willard and Jeannette Klemm who appreciated that vision, pictured a home with a serene and countryside backdrop.  The Klemms’ permitted the Karen Ann Quinlan Foundation to procure 9 acres of their 500-acre Waterwheel Farm located in Fredon, NJ as a site for the facility.  The ten patient home stands gently on a wooded site overlooking the horse fields and farm complete with each patient room’s sliding glass doors displaying breathtaking views of the Kittatinny Mountain range.  “This is God’s country,” a state official noted upon visiting the site for its groundbreaking in March of 2013.

On September 25th, the public along with dignitaries and medical professionals greeted Julia Quinlan and shared in her dream during the ribbon cutting for this one of kind regional facility. Also 100’s participated in touring the home during the open house that was held from 3-6 pm at the new Home, 28 Fairview Hill Rd, Newton, NJ 07860 (located in Fredon adjacent to the Waterwheel Farm). Visit KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org or call 800-882-1117 for more information.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is passionately dedicated to providing Hospice care for the terminally ill and Bereavement for those who have lost loved ones. Serving Northwest NJ and Northeast PA; please call 800-882-1117 to reach any of our services at either office; Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ 07860 and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 104 Bennett Ave., suite 2A-2, Milford, PA. 18337.  Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is an independently owned hospice program and proud to be the preferred hospice provider for our area Atlantic Health Care System. For hospice programs, events, and more information visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org.  Stay up to the minute with us on Facebook.com/KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org.