Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: November 3, 2010
CONTACT: Dr. Roxanne Debski- Seigel
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation
PHONE: 973-383-0115 FAX 973-383-6889
EMAIL: rdebski-seigel@karenannquinlanhospice.org

WEBSITE: www.karenannquinlanhospice.org

PHOTO: Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice patient Nelly Tafferelli receiving her citizen’s papers.

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and Congressman Scott Garret’s office make a patient’s wish come true.

Nelly Tafferelli came to this country from Argentina in 1992 and dreamed of becoming a U.S. citizen ever since.

Her efforts, even when assisted by friends and family, weren’t enough. Thanks to the team from Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice: Jackie Shepard, Social Services, Marlina Schetting, Social Services Director and Nancy Lombreglia, RN, Nelly’s dream is now a reality. On her behalf they contacted Congressman Scott Garrett and with the help from his office some of the red tape got unstuck.

She passed her citizenship test and attended her swearing in ceremony all while wearing pink pajamas!

Due to Nelly’s terminal illness, Officer Steve Sprinkler of the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services administered the citizenship test to her at home where she was able to answer questions in comfort and confidence.

Afterwards, she celebrated and blew out eighteen candles (one for each year here), ate some cheesecake, and sang “God Bless America”.

“At last I am an American!” she chortled in delight.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice has been taking care of terminally ill patients and their families for over a quarter of a century. With three offices; Newton and Phillipsburg, NJ and Milford, PA they are licensed in NJ & PA and serve North and Northwest NJ and the Pike County area of PA. In addition to hospice the Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation provides bereavement and home health care. Please visit their website www.karenannquinlanhospice.org for information or call toll free (800) 882-1117.