Since I really enjoy running and exercising, I like to participate in 5K's for causes dear to me. The first 5K of my break was for the Joan Nicole Prince Home which is a home-like atmosphere for the terminally ill. I have been volunteering for this home for 3 years now and it is sincerely the most comforting home. The second 5K was for St. Peter's ALS Regional Center. One of my co-workers from the ICU lost her sister in the battle against ALS, and two years ago she wanted to see how many people she could get to run with her. That being said, I ran with her two years ago and again this year to remember her beloved sister and all others who are fighting or have fallen. Below you can read about each of the causes.
The JNP home is full of volunteers and staff that are dedicated to providing a comfortable and caring residence for terminally ill patients in need of a home during their final days. These patients are already enrolled in Hospice and have a full DNR. The residents usually have a prognosis of 3 months or less and need very little "medical" care other than daily medications and toileting needs. Although this may not seem like rainbows and butterflys, it is a wonderful atmosphere in the home. I have played UNO, Yahtzee, taken walks around the water fountain in the backyard, and just shared life stories with so many residents that we almost forget why they are even there. We want to make them smile every chance we can. Even if that means giving them the little things, like if they want cake for breakfast, they get cake for breakfast. Our goal as volunteers at the home is not to "cure" the patients, but to give them an awesome end of life. | My experience at the ALS center is not as extensive as the Joan Nicole Prince Home; however, from what I am told, it is a center for both medical and emotional support for those diagnosed with ALS. Throughout the course of the disease patients and families may have a lot of questions and needs, this center provides information, compassion, and care to those in need. According to the NIH approximately 12k people in the US are currently diagnosed with ALS and 90-95% of those cases have no known origin or linkage to specific risk factors. Currently, there is no known treatment for ALS and one drug (introduced to the marke tin '96) has been known to prolong a patient's life only by a few months. Therefore, if more people know about ALS more money can be raised and possibly more research for the discovery of a cure/better treatment. And if not for that reason, then to support local regional centers like this one below. |