As Pacific Northwest natives and longtime Eastside residents, Rod Brown and his wife Joyce were often found outside hiking, running, and exploring the beauty of our natural world. Right behind their families, spending time enjoying nature was their top priority – a joy which only grew once they retired.
While they rarely missed a chance to push themselves physically outdoors – competing in marathons, climbing Mt. St. Helens, and backpacking through the Enchantment Lakes – Joyce found that in recent years, her body could not keep up with her fierce dedication to the outdoors.
Battling a long-term illness for 50 years, Joyce frequently visited EvergreenHealth. “With all of Joyce’s care needs, I can confidently say that I have been to every corner of EvergreenHealth hospital,” Rod shares.
This past year, Joyce’s health continued to decline and a difficult reality set in – Joyce did not have much longer. After learning about hospice, Rod made the decision to bring Joyce home to Woodinville where she could be cared for comfortably in familiar surroundings.
Thanks to EvergreenHealth Hospice Care, the final days of Joyce’s life were filled with comfort, compassion, and joy surrounded by family and friends.
With her toy poodle Bear nearby, Joyce, Rod, and their closest family members were able to reflect at home on the fulfilling and joyful life Joyce led – A loving marriage, 22 grandchildren, numerous athletic milestones, and so much more.
Upon reflection of this difficult season, Rod shared, “Our time together at home before Joyce’s passing was a Godsend. Her hospice care team gave us the freedom to make the most of our last few days and hours as a family. While I am so grateful to Evergreen for all of Joyce’s care over the years, in her final days of life, we didn’t want to be in the hospital. We wanted Joyce to be comfortable at home surrounded by our family and cuddled next to Bear. It is only with hospice care that this could happen, and it was such a blessing.”
After Joyces’ passing, Rod made a donation to EvergreenHealth Hospice in her memory. Rod wished to give back to the care team who supported, guided, and cherished his family during this difficult time.
With help from our grateful patient community, like Rod, our hospice-trained nurses, doctors, and chaplains can continue to administer the physical, emotional, and spiritual care that our community members need at end of life.
This holiday season any donation made towards our EvergreenHealth Hospice and Palliative Care Program will be matched up to $75,000.00 by a grateful patient family. Make your donation below or call the Foundation office at (425) 899-1900. Donations must be made by 11:59pm PST on December 31st, 2022.
Thank you for investing locally this holiday season with a gift to EvergreenHealth Hospice.