‘Tis the Season for Giving
As the season for giving continues, we share a story from a grateful family member whose loved one was cared for by Gilchrist.
“Like for many of you, 2020 has been a year for me unlike any other, especially because it is the first without my husband, Tom. Though I miss him dearly, I feel blessed with the memories of our 31 years together and the knowledge that he received such compassionate care during the last months of his life.
When Tom’s dementia grew more severe, I struggled to care for him on my own. Everything changed when I received a call informing me that Tom was accepted into Gilchrist’s Elder Medical Care Program. No longer would he endure difficult, confusing visits to doctors, labs and emergency rooms. The Gilchrist team came to our home to provide all the medical attention he needed.
After two months, Tom was switched to Home Hospice. The team continued to provide medical care and added music therapy, a final Veteran’s salute, chaplain services and visits from a hospice aide. Everyone and everything about Gilchrist greatly surpassed my high expectations. They cared for him with such compassion, keeping him comfortable and improving his quality of life. The burden of anxiety was finally lifted from my shoulders.
When Tom suddenly declined, he moved to Gilchrist’s inpatient hospice center in Towson. I am eternally grateful that the team took such loving, devoted care of Tom during the last nine days of his life. Tom’s son and I were able to hold his hand and say goodbye, and he was at peace until his very last breath.
Tom was kind and giving, had a wonderful sense of humor and was loved by all who knew him. He served his country in three wars and gave back to his community as a life-long volunteer. He deserved the very best care at the end of life, and he received it. No words can express how much this means to me.
Gilchrist provides all of these services because of the generosity of caring individuals throughout our community. I hope you will join me in making a tax-deductible gift to Gilchrist to ensure that this compassionate care and support continues to be available to anyone who needs it.
May you and your family have a holiday season filled with good health and much love.
With gratitude,
Joan Barrett
Make a Donation
If you are interested in making a tax-deductible gift or fulfilling a pledge before the end of the 2020 tax year, there are several easy and convenient methods.
You can mail your gift to:
Gilchrist
Attn: Development Department
11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350
Hunt Valley, MD 21031
Checks should be postmarked by December 31, 2020.
You can make your gift online.
Gifts should be made by 11:59 p.m. EST on December 31, 2020.
You can make a stock gift.
Did you know that many employers match charitable gifts made by their employees? You can check if your employer participates by visiting here.
Contact Us
The Development office will be open during the week of December 21 and December 28 except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For assistance with making a gift, please call 443-849-8241 or email jlynch@gilchristcares.org.
P.S. The virtual Gilchrist Ball is Saturday, December 5, and this year it is free to participate. Visit www.gilchristball.givesmart.com to register in advance and then watch on December 5, at 7 p.m. We look forward to having you!