The Palliative Care Suites at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton recently received a face lift thanks to a generous donation from the Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital at Easton, a volunteer organization which raises funds to benefit programs and services at the Medical Center.

The Auxiliary contributed $10,000 to the purchase of new furniture and décor for the suites and the family lounge used by family members of palliative care patients being cared for at the Medical Center. The donation was funded by last year’s Tree of Lights Campaign, an annual holiday fundraiser sponsored by the Auxiliary.

“The men and women of the Auxiliary take great pride in our ability to support necessary programs and services at Shore Medical at Easton,” comments Nancy Espenhorst, Tree of Lights Chairman. “Through the generous support of our local community, last year’s 29th Annual Tree of Lights Campaign was able to fund upgrades to the Medical Center’s palliative care areas, which will provide patients and their family members much needed comfort during their hospital stay.”

According to Lakshmi Vaidyanathan, MD, internal medicine and palliative care, UM Shore Regional Health, palliative care focuses on the quality of life and relief of suffering for patients facing advanced, chronic and life-limiting illnesses. In addition, palliative care addresses not only physical pain, but also emotional, mental, social and spiritual pain, all to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients and their families.

“On behalf of the palliative care team at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton, I thank the Auxiliary for their generous support of the palliative care program,” remarks Vaidyanathan. “In the palliative care suites at the Medical Center, patients receive comprehensive care at an important juncture in their lives and families receive much needed comfort and support.”

For additional information about the 30th Annual Tree of Lights Campaign, which kicks off on November 25 to benefit the funding of pediatric ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) equipment for the Emergency Department at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton, contact Nancy Espenhorst, Tree of Lights Chairman, at 443-746-3338 or by e-mail at nlehre@goeaston.net.