Editor’s Note: At Hospice of the Red River Valley, we are blessed with ardent supporters and community friends. This letter was written by Erv and Linda Inniger. Please join them in giving your gift to Hospice of the Red River Valley this year.
Dear friends,
Over the years, we have heard about hospice care, talked about it, and even supported it. But the concept of care really came to life when we witnessed, firsthand, the work of Hospice of the Red River Valley for our dear, family friend Norene Bunker. Only after seeing the care in action could we truly appreciate hospice.
Norene was an amazing lady. She, and her husband, Art, well-known as generous philanthropists, gave abundantly of their time and resources to countless organizations and individuals. After a lifetime of giving, how appropriate that Norene received a tremendous gift at the end of her life—she was allowed to die the way she wanted.
Ever independent, Norene was used to making decisions and doing things her way. Death was no different. Art’s passing, in 2009, prompted Norene to consider her own end-of-life wishes. When the time came, she knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to say so, even when her choices were unpopular. We were so grateful Hospice understood.
Always an intensely private woman, Norene specifically requested no one be present when she passed—not family, friends, or even a nurse. She wanted to be alone. Well-meaning friends and family didn’t always agree with her decisions, but Norene’s requests were her own. On March 26, 2013, Norene peacefully passed away, alone, while watching the news—an activity she loved.
For four months, Hospice nurses and CNAs had cared for Norene, and kept her comfortable and pain-free, all the while preparing us. We felt anxious, but Hospice reassured us and educated us on the stages of death so we knew what to expect. Even now, months later, we still receive bereavement support. When Norene made the decision to go on hospice care, at the time, we had no idea what a wonderful gift she was giving us.
We learned it takes a truly special team of professionals to provide hospice care, and the support of the entire community to ensure this care continues in the future. Norene felt a special joy in helping and giving, and Hospice of the Red River Valley needs our support. We can think of no better way to honor Norene’s memory than by giving to those who gave her, and us, so much.
Please join us in continuing Norene and Art’s philanthropic legacy by giving your gift to Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Sincerely,
Erv and Linda Inniger
For more information about ways to support Hospice of the Red River Valley, please visit our website or call 800-237-4629.
About Hospice of the Red River Valley
In 1981, Hospice of the Red River Valley was founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality end-of-life care. We fulfill our nonprofit mission by providing medical, emotional, personal and spiritual care, as well as grief support to our patients, their families and caregivers during a tender time in life. Our staff helps those we serve experience more meaningful moments through exceptional hospice care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, wherever a patient calls home. The organization serves more than 40,000 square miles in North Dakota and Minnesota, including in and around Bismarck, Detroit Lakes, Devils Lake, Fargo, Fergus Falls, Grand Forks, Lisbon, Thief River Falls, Valley City and many more communities. Hospice of the Red River Valley offers round-the-clock availability via phone, prompt response times and same-day admissions, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Contact us anytime at 800-237-4629 or hrrv.org.