Beth Ann Owen and her family understand this all too well. They began their generous support of McLeod Hospice after her father was in need of this compassionate care.

“I am a nurse by profession,” Beth Ann said. “I knew what hospice was, but I did not become intimately involved with hospice until my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1996.”

Beth Ann’s father was fortunate to have insurance and the financial means to cover unforeseen needs during his illness. But many other patients are in difficult situations and see those unanticipated needs go unmet.

Serving has always played a profound role in Beth Ann’s life. So, when she learned about the establishment of the Butterfly Fund she wanted to be involved. Beth Ann readily agreed to chair the Advisory Committee.

She explained, “By meeting the needs of others and removing the financial stress, we are helping caregivers provide a calmer, more peaceful environment for their loved ones in the end stages of life.”

Nurse practitioners and social workers who care for patients in their homes see the sad realities every day.

They see difficult living conditions like holes in the floor and regularly encounter patients who must choose between paying for electricity or their medications. The needs are real.

Gifts to the Butterfly Fund provide funding to meet critical, immediate needs for Hospice and Palliative care patients who struggle financially during their time of care.

Because of loyal supporters like you, the Butterfly Fund has been able to help patients like 50-year-old, Marianne — a McLeod Hospice patient. She and her husband are both disabled and moved south when they became homeless. McLeod staff helped them find a home they could afford to rent. Through your gifts, Marianne’s home received minor repairs to make her life and care easier.

Beth Ann and all who care for these patients are grateful for generous donors like you who believe in the Butterfly Fund.

The McLeod Men, who meet quarterly, annually review McLeod Health programs and decide what their membership dues will support. In the past, the group has supported lung screening scholarships and funded equipment used to enhance the patient experience.

This year, Maureen Byrd, a nurse practitioner with the McLeod Home-Based Palliative Care Team, presented an exciting new effort to the McLeod Men — the Butterfly Fund.

The Butterfly Fund will provide immediate support for Hospice and Palliative Care patients who struggle to afford basic items necessary for their care. This includes medication, nutrition, minor medical equipment, and other needs requiring urgent assistance.

“In her compelling presentation, Maureen explained how providing critical support for patients can drastically change their medical outcome,” said Dr. Charlie Jordan, Chairman of the McLeod Men.

When it came time to vote, it was clear that this presentation had touched hearts. As a group, the Men approved funding to establish the Butterfly Fund.

“It took less than five minutes for us to realize the critical importance of this program,” recalled Dr. Jordan. “We knew that this is exactly what the McLeod Men are here to support.”

Through the generosity of the McLeod Men, the Butterfly Fund will provide patients with the “wings” necessary to journey through an especially difficult chapter in their life.