Filter heroes statewide, by region or by cause.
Anne Towns Cantine
Eaton Rapids
Hero Story
Anne's dedication and perseverance are what have helped make our Palliative Care program what it is today. She never lost sight of her goal of providing FREE care for the very ill from the very beginning. She always knew we needed to fund-raise and recruit great volunteers to make that happen. As our program grew, so did Anne's vision for continued success. I've witnessed her jumping off a ladder when painting on a Sunday afternoon to follow me to a patient's home, having learned that a husband could not rouse his wife for the past 36 hours. She has volunteered in a house with dirt floors. She has spent nights with a 12-year-old girl dying of a brain tumor, whose brother had ADD, dad was disabled with MS, mom worked midnights, and the house had a severe mouse problem, especially at night.
As the years went on, it became apparent that the need was more significant than a volunteer in the home for a few hours every week could correct. That's when Hospice started to research an inpatient residence. Even though that was a big move in Anne's eyes, she never lost focus on the solution by building a Hospice House and growing a hospice that could even better meet the needs of the very ill. Anne is all about getting things done. Her DEDICATION to making Eaton Community Hospice, which is now called Eaton Community Palliative Care, has never wavered. She never hesitates a moment when there is a need. She was very instrumental in getting Eaton Community Hospice off the ground.
Anne is all about CARING. As our program grew, she would do everything from being that first Hospice face in a patient's home to spending hours as a direct care provider for the hospice patient and emotionally supporting their loved ones. Anne is COMPASSIONATE. Over the years, when we were only doing Hospice in-home care, Anne gave up many a night's sleep so a family member could sleep uninterrupted, or a restless patient would stay safe and not afraid of being alone. She never limited herself to one role but always looked at the big picture. Anne can multitask better than anyone I've ever known. One of her most significant accomplishments was the year she discontinued having her annual barn sale and, in 3 weeks, had created the 8,000 square foot Hospice Thrift Store in the lower level of the Hospice House. That thrift store is now providing 1/3 of our budgeted operating income. Anne is FAITHFUL. Her vision 38 years ago and constant perseverance have brought comfort and helped hundreds of families get through one of the most challenging times in their lives. She has never been afraid to speak out in support of Hospice and is the most dedicated volunteer I have ever worked with.
Anne Towns Cantine
Eaton Rapids
Hero Story
Anne's dedication and perseverance are what have helped make our Palliative Care program what it is today. She never lost sight of her goal of providing FREE care for the very ill from the very beginning. She always knew we needed to fund-raise and recruit great volunteers to make that happen. As our program grew, so did Anne's vision for continued success. I've witnessed her jumping off a ladder when painting on a Sunday afternoon to follow me to a patient's home, having learned that a husband could not rouse his wife for the past 36 hours. She has volunteered in a house with dirt floors. She has spent nights with a 12-year-old girl dying of a brain tumor, whose brother had ADD, dad was disabled with MS, mom worked midnights, and the house had a severe mouse problem, especially at night.
As the years went on, it became apparent that the need was more significant than a volunteer in the home for a few hours every week could correct. That's when Hospice started to research an inpatient residence. Even though that was a big move in Anne's eyes, she never lost focus on the solution by building a Hospice House and growing a hospice that could even better meet the needs of the very ill. Anne is all about getting things done. Her DEDICATION to making Eaton Community Hospice, which is now called Eaton Community Palliative Care, has never wavered. She never hesitates a moment when there is a need. She was very instrumental in getting Eaton Community Hospice off the ground.
Anne is all about CARING. As our program grew, she would do everything from being that first Hospice face in a patient's home to spending hours as a direct care provider for the hospice patient and emotionally supporting their loved ones. Anne is COMPASSIONATE. Over the years, when we were only doing Hospice in-home care, Anne gave up many a night's sleep so a family member could sleep uninterrupted, or a restless patient would stay safe and not afraid of being alone. She never limited herself to one role but always looked at the big picture. Anne can multitask better than anyone I've ever known. One of her most significant accomplishments was the year she discontinued having her annual barn sale and, in 3 weeks, had created the 8,000 square foot Hospice Thrift Store in the lower level of the Hospice House. That thrift store is now providing 1/3 of our budgeted operating income. Anne is FAITHFUL. Her vision 38 years ago and constant perseverance have brought comfort and helped hundreds of families get through one of the most challenging times in their lives. She has never been afraid to speak out in support of Hospice and is the most dedicated volunteer I have ever worked with.