http://www.hospiceaustin.org
Self Description: "At Hospice Austin, the emphasis is on living - living each day to the fullest, in a comfortable place, free of pain and in the company of loved ones." More...
Stats: Hospice Austin raised $1.9 mm and provided $1.8mm in charity care in 2008. That is half a million more than 2007 and 700% growth since 2000. Hospice Austin began as a grass roots group in 1979. Annual Report
Personal Notes: A hospice nurse once said to me "Well honey, no one ever WANTS to go to hospice." Very true. The term hospice strikes fear into the patient and the family because, once uttered, everyone knows the prognosis is grim. However, few people ever talk about the fact that hospice is life saving -- just not in the way that you think. Hospice Austin's existence saved my life as a caretaker and saved the quality of Mark's life during his last days. I am forever grateful to the staff for their tireless compassion and high-level of care. When someone you love is that sick, you will give anything to ensure they don't suffer. Patients have the same need to know their loved ones -- their caregivers -- are not suffering either. Hospice helps with all of this. The saintly individuals who work there have chosen to help patients and their families negotiate the most difficult time in any life. They are angels among us.
Mark Marshall Lynch was a good-hearted, compassionate and vibrant man. He was fiercely loyal to those he loved, had a fantastic, quirky sense of humor and was quietly generous to many. Colon cancer cruelly took him from this life in his thirties, leaving his parents, two brothers, his wife (me) and countless friends and family behind. This blog has been created in the hope of honoring him in two ways. The first way is by offering readers the chance to sign those they love up to receive a VIR -- Very Important Reminder. These reminders, sent through email or regular mail, will serve as friendly prompts to schedule either a colon cancer screening or mammogram (or both). After his diagnosis, Mark frequently tried to raise his friends' and family's awareness and diligence regarding cancer prevention. Hopefully some of the VIRs sent via this site will inspire others to stay vigilant when it comes to their health. To send a VIR, please visit the left nav bar.
Additionally I've listed several charities. These are causes Mark supported and others that his brothers and I believe he would back, based on his ideals. When you feel the philanthropic urge, please consider these organizations. If you would like to suggest other worthy causes, please post them.
Mark made a mark on many people through his kindness and generosity. He gave of his time and attention as well as monetarily. I found his devotion to family and friends very inspiring.
I hope this site inspires you to give a little or share a cause close to your heart. Above all, I hope it reminds you to value your health, treasure each day you are given and live them all to the fullest. Mark would want it that way.
Gone, but never forgotten. You are missed, Mar-K.
Additionally I've listed several charities. These are causes Mark supported and others that his brothers and I believe he would back, based on his ideals. When you feel the philanthropic urge, please consider these organizations. If you would like to suggest other worthy causes, please post them.
Mark made a mark on many people through his kindness and generosity. He gave of his time and attention as well as monetarily. I found his devotion to family and friends very inspiring.
I hope this site inspires you to give a little or share a cause close to your heart. Above all, I hope it reminds you to value your health, treasure each day you are given and live them all to the fullest. Mark would want it that way.
Gone, but never forgotten. You are missed, Mar-K.
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