Southern Indiana Living Magazine - July/August 2024

Compassionate Care When It’s Needed Most
Story and photos submitted by Hosparus of Southern Indiana
“I want all families to have access
to the same compassionate
care my parents had.”
Beth and Tony Jenkins
experienced the profound impact
of Hosparus Health over 20 years
ago when Beth’s mother, Marcella
Sheets, was diagnosed with lung
cancer. Initially unfamiliar with
hospice care, the family found immense
comfort and guidance from
the Hosparus team. The compassionate
support they received during
this challenging time left a lasting
impression on their hearts.
A Family Affair
Following their experience,
the Jenkins family became involved
in Hosparus Health’s “Dancing
with our Southern Indiana Stars”
fundraiser. This annual event offers
local support to ensure hospice
care is accessible for everyone in
the community, regardless of their
financial situation.
Rex, Beth’s father, was known
for bringing people together. As
owner of Ernie’s Tavern in New
Albany, friends gravitated around
him. Rex also cherished intimate
family gatherings that he affectionately
called “Whiskey Saturdays.”
The COVID-19 pandemic influenced
the drive-by party for
Rex’s 87th birthday celebration.
Deep down, he appeared to know
it might be his last, saying, “This is
the end of the trail for me.”
Compassionate Care
A month later, Rex received
a terminal cancer diagnosis. The
family, familiar with the benefits
of early hospice intervention, immediately
reached out to Hosparus
Health. From the moment the team
arrived, the family was treated
with the utmost respect and kindness.
Tony reflected, “They become
embedded into your family – they
were family.”
During a cherished Whiskey
Saturday gathering several months
later, Rex passed away with Beth by
his side. She noted feeling a sense
of comfort in believing her father
was at peace and reunited with her
mother. She was grateful to lean
on her hospice team for support at
each stage.
“Everything happened so fast
when my mom was in care that I
didn’t appreciate the full scope of
its services,” Beth shared. “Hosparus
Health’s hospice care made a
huge difference in the quality of life
my dad experienced after his cancer
diagnosis. Their focus was on
supporting our entire family as we
faced his final days. With their help,
my dad spent his time exactly as he
wanted – comfortably at home surrounded
by loved ones.” •
Anyone can contact Hosparus Health
to inquire about our services and determine
the level of care that’s right
for you or your loved one’s serious illness.
Simply call 812-945-4596 or visit
https://hosparushealth.org/schedule-aconsultation/
Change a life, even your own... lend a helping
hand to patients and families right here
in Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Jefferson,
Orange, Scott, and Washington counties
navigating serious illnesses. We have upcoming
training sessions on July 24, September 24,
and November 18 at our New Albany office.
To sign-up. please email Vonya Gresham at
vgresham@hosparus.org.
16 • July/Aug 2024 • Southern Indiana Living