Winter 2017

Traci Raether

People of every age can have Agrace’s compassionate care. But unlike adults, children (up to age 20) can receive hospice care from Agrace without stopping treatments intended to cure their illness. For that reason, our youngest patients are often also under the care of the American Family Children’s Hospital (AFCH) in Madison.

As children go back and forth from home to hospital—from one set of caregivers to another—keeping everyone current is a challenge, says Traci Raether, director of clinical services–home care for Agrace. That’s why she is leading our efforts to partner more closely with the AFCH Pediatric Palliative Care Team. Over the past two years, the Agrace/AFCH partnership has helped our young patients’ many caregivers communicate better with one another—and coordinate care more effectively.

“There’s nothing like direct nurse-to-nurse communication,” Traci explains. “We’re there with the hospital team, in the patient’s home. We have conferences so we’re on the same page. That leads to better quality of care.”

Hard decisions are inevitable when a child is dying. Agrace helps make sure the patient’s and family’s goals are a priority as those decisions are made, Traci says. “During these tough cases, it’s great that the two groups of caregivers can support each other professionally and emotionally.”

As the number of children receiving hospice rises, more Agrace nurses are pursuing advanced training in pediatric palliative and hospice care. They can now spend days at AFCH, immersed in the pediatric care experience.

“This partnership is about our mission,” Traci concludes. “We streamline the communication, make recommendations about each child’s care and support their parents at a point when time 
is precious. The effort we put into it makes life easier for these families ”

You can read about the Heller family’s experience with pediatric hospice care. This year, our Light Up a Life campaign is raising funds to benefit several programs that support children, like our pediatric care partnership and the new Agrace Grief Support Center. Your gift of any size will help!

Fitchburg Mayor Jason Gonzalez (center) and representatives from the Fitchburg Chamber joined Agrace Community Grief Specialists Cheri Milton and Jessie Shiveler, President & CEO Lynne Sexten and Chief Development Officer Marcia Whittington in September for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Agrace Grief Support Center.

More than two years in the making, the September 14 grand opening of the Agrace Grief Support Center was a cause for joy. As people throughout southern Wisconsin hear about this unique resource, they’re relieved to find a place dedicated to the support they need.

Agrace community grief specialist Cheri Milton says, “I recently met with a professor whose longtime partner had died in August. As we walked into the Center’s counseling room, she immediately teared up. She told me how amazing and safe it felt to see the actual word ‘grief’ on the front door.”

Thanks to everyone who helped make this new center a welcoming place for all grieving people. The Center is located at 2906 Marketplace Drive, Fitchburg.

Dave Kruger (right), winner of a new 2017 Honda Civic, poses with Kendall Dahmen, general manager at Zimbrick Honda, and Tracy Buglass, Agrace development manager.

Three lucky Agrace supporters became winners in the 2017 Agrace Auto Raffle fundraiser. Ticket sales for this very successful event brought in $36,850 to fund programs that serve patients and their families.

Dave Kruger, an Agrace supporter, won a 2017 Honda Civic donated by Zimbrick Honda. The winner of $1,000 was Brandon Polensk, a frequent Agrace Thrift Store donor. Glo Theisenan, an Agrace volunteer, won $250.

The raffle is possible only with the support of our presenting sponsor, Zimbrick Honda; featured sponsor, Cost Cutters; and supporting sponsors Adams Outdoor Advertising, Madison Mallards, Mid-West Family Marketing and the Wisconsin State Journal. Thank you!