inspiring
Stories
Warm Blankets to Comfort Hospice Patients
“The warmed blankets [heated by the Parmenter-funded blanket warmer] provide our patients an extra sense of comfort and feeling cared for. Whether the patient feels a chill in their room or perhaps after a bath, a nice warm blanket can make a big difference!”
Tracy Boynton, Clinical Director at Care Dimensions Hospice House
Care Packages for Children Whose Beloved Pets have Died
Thanks to our Parmenter grant, more than 120 families have received care bags this past year. Kids immediately hug the stuffed animals and parents tend to be quite relieved to have the books and resources to help guide their conversations with their children about the pet that has died.”
Eric Richman, Social Worker at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
In-Person Support Groups for Parents who have lost a child
“I really appreciated the kindness, the generosity and the honesty of the facilitator throughout the program. At no point did I feel judged and even felt comfortable to acknowledge things that I was holding – things I needed to let go of.”
MetroWest Mom, attendee of Parmenter’s grantee Ben Speaks’ Survive to Thrive Program
Covering Funeral Costs and Other Essential, Non-Medical End-of-Life Expenses
“Thanks to the support of Parmenter, the MCM Fund can expand its reach to assist even more low-income families who have lost a child. The Parmenter funds not only provide immediate relief by helping pay for funeral expenses, but also help build the capacity and infrastructure needed for our long-term growth and sustainability.”
Kari McHugh, Founder of The Michael C. McHugh Memorial Foundation (MCM Fund) in memory of her son Michael, who passed away at 13 after battling a rare pediatric cancer
A Specialized Substance Use Loss Support Group
“Not a lot of people understand substance abuse unless you’ve watched someone you care about suffer or die from it. I’m glad to be in the group where people understand substance abuse and how it affects families.”
Caregiver attendee of Jeff’s Place’s Substance Use Loss program, a specialized support group for both children and their caregivers
Parmenter One-on-One Social Worker Support Program
“Recently, I spoke with a man having trouble securing hospice care for his wife suffering from Alzheimer’s. I advised him on how to approach the consultation with the doctors so that he could get the best options for his wife. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to help guide community members who are navigating complicated end-of-life and bereavement decisions and emotions.”
Niki Pugach, Clinical Social Worker
Marty Ragones: Talented Board Member, Generous Donor
Several years after her mother died, Marty Ragones joined the Parmenter Board of Trustees. She had been reflecting on her loss and came to a conclusion. “I felt there could have been better preparation—and more personal discussion—at the time,” Marty recalls. “Being on the Parmenter board would help me think about that, talk about it and help others when life gets hard.”
A Simple Act of Compassion Transforms a Mother’s End-of-Life Journey
Bill reached out to Parmenter's Niki Pugach for help with his wife Sarah's end-of-life journey. Niki not only facilitated Sarah's hospice care, but also helped coordinate a special early graduation ceremony for Bill's and Sarah's son Nick, bringing joy to the family and alleviating Sarah's stress of potentially missing this momentous event.
A Summer Camp Experience Lifts Up a Family that is Grieving
Sam’s dad suffered a prolonged battle with mental illness before dying by suicide on Sam's fifth birthday. Sam struggled as his father was in and out of the home during hospitalizations. Parmenter’s grantee, Wildflower, is helping Sam rediscover life after loss through the gift of summer camp experiences and more.
“Mr. Williams, can we talk about those black holes, they are scary!”
Joy Fisher Williams’ partner of 20 years, Brent, and father to their two young sons, died unexpectedly and suddenly from a heart attack in November 2017. Brent loved to share his curious nature about all things, especially his interests in music, youth hockey, and science.
A Brave and Dedicated Mother’s Lasting Legacy
While there is no “normal” experience when living with cancer, Hannah continually works to ensure her children live their lives largely unaffected by their mother’s diagnosis. Hannah says, “[My kids] are the driving force in everything I do.”
Sabrina’s Story
My father died in the fall of my senior year of high school, in 2021. In the midst of the upcoming end of high school as well as celebrating my acceptance into my dream school, the magnitude of my father’s passing was somewhat lost on me.
Helping to Improve Quality of Life for Hearing Impaired Hospice Patients
Hearing loss is common among the elderly and often leads unnecessarily to isolation, depression and lack of active participation in one’s care plan. Communication and support of patient wishes are at the heart of the hospice philosophy.
Lucy’s Light
Lucy was a true caregiver to her core and was happiest when she was with “her” children. Tending to the babies made her happy and allowed her to thrive through an incredibly challenging, experimental treatment protocol.
The Gift of Summer Camp Helps a Family Move Forward
On his application to Wildflower, a Parmenter grantee organization, Tom wrote, “If I can muster up my courage (to raise these 3 girls alone), they will still have a chance at a great childhood.”
the NUMBERS
Our programs and partnerships with grantee organizations make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the MetroWest Community.
in the NEWS
Explore these articles for a deeper understanding of our pivotal role in supporting the MetroWest community.