Hospice of the Comforter

A gift from Christina Martz’s parents began a holiday tradition to teach her children about giving - and the true meaning of Christmas.

When Christina’s parents gave her children money to help someone rather than buy toys, the family contacted friends and neighbors, asking for their support in doing the same by adopting a hospice family. For three years now, they have given gifts, food and clothing to families fallen on hard times.

Hospice of the Comforter patient Frances, 81 and a widow, suffers from late stage Alzheimer’s disease. Bed-bound, she lives in a mobile home with her son Louie, daughter-in-law Laurie and two grandchildren.

Laurie quit her job to become the full-time caregiver for her mother-in-law, husband and children. The family made ends meet on Frances’ social security income and Louie’s disability income. Laurie worked until the family realized Louie could not adequately care for his mother at home without assistance. Louie, a boxer for 20 years, held other jobs, but having suffered multiple head injuries, was often let go because of his inability to remember and perform simple cognitive tasks.

As the holidays drew near this year, Christina was a busy Christmas elf, encouraging support from her friends and neighbors; one by one, they gave to make a difference in the lives of the Gallucci family (pictured below). E-mails, letters and phone calls carried the message of giving.

As the clothing, gift cards and toys arrived lovingly wrapped, the Martz family thanked each friend for his or her part in putting Christmas smiles on the faces of Frances, Louie, Laurie and their children. Just in time for the holidays, the gifts arrived at the Gallucci home. Tears of appreciation and smiles of gratefulness were seen by the family’s hospice social worker. It was the story of two families who had never met, but because of the other, enjoyed the spirit of Christmas in their own way.

There are many hospice patients and families who could benefit from your generosity, too. If you are interested in our Charitable Fund or have other ideas, please call 407-379-1097.