Longtime Janesville Teacher Gen Gray Featured in Agrace ‘Light Up a Life’ Campaign

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Transitioning to end-of-life care can be emotionally challenging, especially when someone has lived a life marked by determination and independence. Agrace, local nonprofit provider of hospice care and related health services, understands this and prioritizes dignity, respect and autonomy for its patients.

This year, Agrace is honoring the memory of a Janesville resident, Gen Gray, whose experience in hospice care respected her independence and desire for autonomy, with its “Light Up a Life” annual fundraising campaign.

Gray taught an estimated 1,000 elementary students in the Janesville school system over 49 years and lived for years with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite her exhausting illness, she remained a vibrant force, known for her determination and zest for life. Her children report, “As a middle child of 13 and dedicated mother of five, Mom was used to making her own way. She juggled work, school, family, altruism and her faith with grace and ease.”

When Gray’s condition worsened and became terminal in 2021, her family sought care that respected her autonomy while addressing her health needs. The Gray family chose Agrace so Gen would have the best possible care and have a say in her care plan while continuing to enjoy the activities she loved. While she received care at the Agrace Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Janesville, Gray actively participated in creating and personalizing her care plan. The staff listened to her concerns and ensured her opinions were heard and honored through the end of her life in February 2022.

Donations to Agrace Will Be Matched through Year-end

By giving to Agrace’s “Light Up a Life” campaign, the Rock County community can help ensure others have access to the same level of care and comfort as Gray. Through December 31, 2024, gifts to Agrace will be doubled thanks to the generosity of 2024 Agrace Community Luminaries Todd and Shari Nelson of Wisconsin Dells. The Nelsons have pledged to match every donation to Agrace made through the end of the year, up to $100,000.

To learn more about Agrace’s “Light Up a Life” campaign, visit Agrace.org/LightUp or call (608) 327-7180. To learn more about Agrace’s health care services in and around Rock County, visit Agrace.org or call (800) 930-2770.