First freestanding hospice to open in Cook County

GLENVIEW, Ill., Aug. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Karen Marshak-Hilder's husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer when he was just 46 years old.  Her world came crashing down.  "Because Midwest Hospice & Palliative CareCenter relieved us of the burden of being caretakers, our family could just embrace our time together," Karen said.  "Hospice allowed the end-of-life journey to be peaceful, full of comfort and serenity."

Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter will celebrate the opening of the first and only freestanding inpatient hospice in Cook County—the Marshak Family Hospice Pavilion—on Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.  The Grand Opening will be held on the Midwest CareCenter campus at 2050 Claire Court in Glenview. 

More than 500 people are expected to attend the Grand Opening as the organization and its supporters mark this important milestone.  Adjacent to the pavilion is the Waud Family Healing Garden, which will be open to the community as well as serve as a national demonstration site for horticultural therapy through the Chicago Botanic Garden.

The Marshak and Waud families, along with leaders at Midwest CareCenter, will be on hand to provide testimonials on why this endeavor is so critical for the health and well-being of our community. Other patient family members and local dignitaries also will be part of the recognition ceremony.

The Marshak Family Hospice Pavilion combines state-of-the-art clinical and psychosocial care in a soothing, home-like setting.  Sixteen patient suites have numerous amenities including daybeds for family members and prairie-views or terraces.  The pavilion also includes a spacious family room with kitchenette, dining room, private showers, family laundry facilities and children's area.  It is a home away from home where families can stay with their loved one around the clock.

Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter cares for 3,200 patients per year in 150 communities in North/Northwest Chicago, the North/Northwest Suburbs and Lake County.  An interdisciplinary team comprised of Midwest CareCenter nurses, physicians, chaplains, social workers, music therapists and volunteers focus on the medical and psychosocial needs of patients and their loved ones. Its services include palliative care, hospice and grief support.

Media Contact: Annie Hayashi
847.556.1826 office
847.682.9619 mobile
[email protected]

SOURCE Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter