Summer 2024

Agrace Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Janesville

‘It Was Everything’

Inpatient Hospice Care in Janesville Celebrates 10th Anniversary

On a quiet neighborhood corner in Janesville, nestled among gardens full of native grasses, is the Agrace Center for Hospice & Palliative Care. Outside, neighbors walk dogs and kids ride bikes along its lengthy stretch of sidewalks. Inside, something profound is happening—every single day.

For a decade now, area residents have come through Agrace’s doors in Janesville to receive specialized end-of-life care. Families spend precious last days together, soaking in the support they need. Some return later for grief support, to work toward healing.

John and Susan share a happy moment with his great grandson, Liam

Susan Bresser of Waukesha says she and her family were greeted with compassion and understanding when her father, John, was a hospice patient at Agrace in Janesville. John had dementia and had been receiving hospice care while living in a care facility. But as his needs grew, it became clear that he needed a higher level of care, and he was admitted for inpatient care at Agrace.

Agrace Hospice Care primarily provides care in patients’ homes, but sometimes patients’ symptoms become too complex or urgent to manage at home. That’s when the Agrace campus in Janesville is so vital. There, patients like John can receive short-term, general inpatient care—like what happens in a hospital, but in a setting that feels more like a home. The campus also welcomes residential hospice patients who pay to live at Agrace while they receive hospice care.

‘It Was Just What He Needed’

Our Janesville clinical team is specially trained to deliver dignified care for patients struggling with complicated, life-limiting diseases like John’s dementia. Susan Bresser remembers, “It was just what he needed … it was what we needed.”

Coming from a big family that enjoys laughing and singing together, Susan says it was comforting—even surprising—that her family didn’t have to worry about being too loud or overstaying their welcome while visiting John at Agrace: “We just ‘moved in.’ We took turns coming in and spending time with Dad and one another, and it
was everything.”

Miranda Wastak, manager of the Janesville Inpatient Unit

Miranda Wastak, manager of the Janesville inpatient unit, notes, “A favorite part of my day is seeing the relief wash over our patients and their families when we’re able to get their symptoms under control so they can have meaningful moments together.”

Since 2014, thousands of hospice patients and their families have called Agrace in Janesville their “home,” whether for hours, days or months. Thank you to the forward-thinking, generous community partners and donors who have made this haven possible.

You can be one of the first to honor a loved one with a butterfly along Agrace’s Memorial Walk in Madison. This summer, Agrace is adding locally crafted iron trellises alongside our brick walkway to complement the woods, pond and fountain. This peaceful oasis is a place where you can take in nature’s beauty while you reflect on memories of loved ones.

Each personalized butterfly purchased to fill these trellises is a gift that will bring comfort and hope to those who visit Agrace’s campus, and help us bring compassionate care to dozens of area communities.

You’re welcome to join us to dedicate new tribute butterflies—and new engraved bricks being added to the walk—during a ceremony in August. Butterflies are returned to you after one year as a keepsake, or you can keep them on the Butterfly Memorial trellis with an annual sustaining gift.

The last date to gift a butterfly in Madison and be included in the 2024 Dedication Ceremony has been extended to June 30.

Agrace Offers Free Help with Advance Care Planning on July 24

Every adult should have advance directives in place. These documents help guide difficult medical treatment decisions if you are ever unable to communicate for yourself. They can spare you—and your family—future suffering.

Agrace is offering free, virtual one-hour discussions on this topic to help you get started. Anyone 18 or older can participate on July 24 at 8 a.m. or 3 p.m.

In March, Agrace was named the #1 Top Workplace in the Large Employer category by the Wisconsin State Journal! It’s the second consecutive year we’ve earned this honor in southern Wisconsin, based on feedback from our staff about their experiences at work.

In the same competition, we received a special award for having outstanding managers! That’s vital—because excellent managers help retain high-performing staff. That means the very best people will be with Agrace, ready to care for you and your loved ones when you need our services. You can learn more about working for Agrace here.

A Round with Agrace Tees Off July 11 in Wisconsin Dells

Enjoy a beautiful day on the links of Trappers Turn at our 9th annual golf benefit, A Round with Agrace. Tee off with your friends, family and colleagues on the 18-hole or the 12North Par 3 course. Enjoy delicious food, course games, prizes and more! Whether you’re a pro or a novice, this event will be fun for everyone—and support Agrace’s care in the local community. If golf is not an option this year, join us for hors d’oeuvres and camaraderie at the evening reception.

Listen to Live Music and Support Agrace August 20

Pull up a lawn chair, grab some amazing food from North + South and Wonder Cookie Food Truck, and settle in to hear the music stylings of Kaylin Kole at Harvest Moon Pond in Poynette on August 20. Agrace will receive a donation of 50 percent of ticket sales at this event. Join us for a fantastic night of music while supporting Agrace’s care.

Race for Agrace Comes to Janesville October 19

Lace up your shoes, Rock County! Race for Agrace is coming to Janesville on October 19 at Palmer Park. This event brings families, friends and local businesses together to honor and remember loved ones. You can choose the 5K or 1-mile run/walk, and celebrate crossing the finish line with music, food and fun.

Whether you run, walk—or even participate virtually—you are part of bringing Agrace’s care to those who need it most. We hope to see you there!