Modell Family Contributions Benefit Thousands of Cleveland Patients, Hospice Agency Says

CLEVELAND, Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- William E. Finn, Chief Executive Officer of Hospice of the Western Reserve, has issued the following statement about Art Modell, who died early this morning at age 87:

"On behalf of our staff and volunteers, Hospice of the Western Reserve extends its deepest sympathy to the Modell family.  In addition, we would like to express our gratitude for the instrumental role Art and Pat played in the building of Cleveland's first residential hospice care center, now known as David Simpson Hospice House. 

"It was the Modell family's vision that set the stage for the building of our hospice house located on East 185th Street on Cleveland's lakefront," Finn said. "Since its opening in 1995, we have cared for tens of thousands of patients and families at the care center." 

Finn added that the Modells provided the energy behind the fundraising campaign for the new house. "Art and Pat were never interested in notoriety for their contributions. They were motivated solely by their desire to provide a home away from home with the finest quality end-of-life care.  They worked quietly behind the scenes, calling on their friends and business associates to help make the house a reality."

Two especially noteworthy additions to the house made possible by the Modells are the Meditation Room overlooking Lake Erie, and a Cleveland Browns children's playground on the David Simpson Hospice House grounds.

About Hospice of the Western Reserve

Hospice of the Western Reserve is a community-based, non-profit agency providing comfort and emotional support to patients and their families in Northeastern Ohio. The agency cares for people in a variety of settings, including the home, hospital, long-term care facility, at David Simpson Hospice House overlooking Lake Erie and at the new Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake. For more information, visit hospicewr.org or call 800.707.8922.

Media Contact:  Laurie Henrichsen, [email protected], or 216-701-1768

SOURCE Hospice of the Western Reserve