Light Up a Life

Each holiday season, the Agrace Foundation invites the community to “Light Up a Life” with a gift made in honor or in memory of a loved one. This includes a place in our seasonal memorial displays at Agrace in Madison and Janesville that represent the light our loved ones bring to our lives.

When you donate to Agrace, you’re helping us provide authentic, personalized care to each patient, client and family we serve—during some of their most difficult days. If you’d like us to display a card with your loved one’s name, please visit here and select “I’m lighting up a life” in the dropdown menu.

Donate Today

Gen and her kids in 1972

She was Heard and Honored

Your generosity helps Agrace Hospice Care provide end-of-life care that respects our patients’ dignity and autonomy—the right to have a say in their care. The Gray family of Janesville explain what that meant to them when their mother, Gen, was in Agrace’s care:

“As a middle child of 13 and dedicated mother of five herself, Mom was used to making her own way. She was a teacher for 49 years, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while we kept her running to our extracurricular activities. She juggled work, school, family, altruism and her faith with grace and ease.

“She also lived with an exhausting illness: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“For years, Mom quietly battled COPD, navigating hospital stays and breathing treatments, always bouncing back with her trademark determination. But as time went on, we could see her strength fading. In December 2021, during what became her final hospital visit, we all learned she was in the end stages of the disease. Despite the uncertainty ahead, our mom—ever the stubborn optimist—was set on facing this new chapter with the spunk, joy, and zest for life that had always defined her.

“Finding care for Mom that allowed her to maintain her autonomy and addressed her health needs was essential for our family. We chose Agrace because we felt confident that Mom would have the best possible care and have a say in her care plan while continuing to enjoy the activities she loved.

Her Feelings and Opinions Were Heard and Honored

“Mom was an active participant in her care at Agrace Hospice Care in Janesville. She made it feel as close to home as possible, spending much of her time in the family lounge or at the nurses’ station and entertaining many visitors. The staff listened to her concerns. She wasn’t told what to do; her feelings and opinions were heard and honored as well as could be accommodated. She was determined to keep moving physically, and we are pretty sure she wore out a path walking the halls with staff or family members.

“Mom died peacefully in February 2022, and we continue to feel the deep sense of comfort Agrace gave us. The dignity, respect and authentic care she received brought us solace. What felt like an overwhelming, uncertain journey became a comforting path forward, thanks to Agrace’s compassionate guidance for Mom and our whole family.”