Cherry Blossom Hospice

11/13/2024

World Kindness Day

At Cherry Blossom Hospice, we see the power of kindness every day. Our staff and volunteers pour their hearts into caring for patients and families during life's most challenging moments. Today, we celebrate the compassion, empathy, and love that makes a difference.

How can you spread kindness today?
*Visit a loved one: Even a short visit can brighten someone's day.
*Listen with an open heart: Sometimes, all someone needs is someone to hear them.
*Support hospice care: Donate or volunteer if you can.

Every bit helps us provide care to those who need it most.Let's fill the world with kindness, one act at a time.

11/09/2024

Cherry Blossom Hospice Your comfort and peace is our priority Serving Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties with compassionate hospice care Learn More 24/7 Access To Care Read More FAQ Your Questions, Answered Read More Career Opportunities Join Our Team Read More Satisfaction....

10/31/2024

As Veterans Day draws near, we're reminded of the profound sacrifices made by our nation's heroes. At the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda, California, one Marine veteran's life, a paraplegic, was forever changed by an unexpected encounter.

Already deeply inspired by the story of Desmond Doss, the Medal of Honor recipient portrayed in "Hacksaw Ridge," the Marine veteran found solace in Chaplain Roger Rustad's ministry. As a Hospice Chaplain, Rustad has a special gift for connecting with veterans and bringing them peace in their final days.

Chaplain Rustad's connection to Desmond Doss began in childhood, inspiring a lifelong admiration for the medic's courage and conviction. Through his work with veterans, he brings Desmond's story to life, even creating a precise replica of Desmond Doss' uniform that he takes to hospitals, VA facilities, schools, and veterans' organizations across Southern California, sparking powerful memories and conversations wherever it goes. He also gifts veterans with replicas of Desmond's 1942 military issued dog tags and remakes replicas of their own lost dog tags, a gesture that often brings both tears and smiles.

For this Marine, a huge fan of Desmond's story, Chaplain Rustad gave him a replica of Desmond's dog tag. But the most powerful moment came when he placed one of Desmond's own Bibles in the veteran's hands that opens to Doss' favorite verse, Proverbs 3:5-6.

Overwhelmed with emotion, the veteran felt a longing for the kind of faith that had guided Desmond through the Battle of Okinawa. In that instant, he resolved to recommit to his spiritual journey and leave his struggles with alcohol behind. Several months later, his wife tearfully shared the transformation she'd witnessed: her husband had stopped drinking and was a changed man. She credited Chaplain Rustad's ministry and the power of Desmond's story for his rebirth.

This Marine's story is a testament to the enduring power of Desmond Doss' legacy and the profound impact of Chaplain Rustad's work. As we honor veterans this November 11, let’s remember that it's never too late to find healing and that faith can transform lives even in the darkest times.

Cherry Blossom Hospice Your comfort and peace is our priority Serving Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties with compassionate hospice care Learn More 24/7 Access To Care Read More FAQ Your Questions, Answered Read More Career Opportunities Join Our Team Read More Satisfaction....

10/14/2024

This week we celebrate National Case Management Week, honoring the incredible work of case managers who dedicate their lives to ensuring patients receive the best possible care. At Cherry Blossom Hospice, our case managers are the heart of our team, working tirelessly to coordinate care, support families, and advocate for our patients' needs.

Their compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment make all the difference in the lives of those we serve. To our case managers and all those who work alongside hospice patients - thank you for your remarkable work. You truly are the heroes behind the care.

Learn more about the essential role of case managers in hospice care and how they make a difference every day: https://cherryblossomhospice.com/about-us/

10/12/2024

1 in 5 people will face a serious illness requiring complex care. Yet, many still don't know about the gift of hospice. This World Hospice & Palliative Care Day, help us spread the word about the comfort and support Cherry Blossom Hospice provides. Share this post and let's get hospice care on everyone's radar!

Learn more about our services in Southern California: https://cherryblossomhospice.com/

10/10/2024

Losing a loved one is never easy, but knowing you're not alone can make all the difference.

At Cherry Blossom Hospice, we believe in supporting you every step of the way - even after your loved one has passed. That's why we offer 13 months of bereavement support, complete with regular check-ins, support groups, education, and individual visits whenever you need them.

But our support goes beyond counseling. We want to help you celebrate and preserve your loved one's memory in meaningful ways. Just like Patrick Allen Knox, Sr., a cherished patient of ours, you can create a beautiful online memorial for your loved one through our partnership with Reflecting on Memories.

Our compassionate chaplain, Roger Rustad, is here to guide you every step of the way in creating this special tribute. Check out the heartfelt video he made to see just how powerful these memorials can be.

At Cherry Blossom Hospice, we're dedicated to walking with you through grief and helping you honor the ones you love. Reach out to learn more about our bereavement services and how you can create your own memorial website.

Share Memories and Support the Family.

10/10/2024

World Mental Health Day

Your mind is just as important as your body. Today and every day, remember that it's okay to not be okay. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you're struggling, please know that there's support available. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.

You are not alone.

10/09/2024

Navigating the decision to choose hospice for a loved one can feel overwhelming. We're here to help! Our FAQ page breaks down the most important questions about hospice care, giving you the clarity you need during this challenging time. Reach out to us anytime for support. https://cherryblossomhospice.com/faqs/

10/02/2024

Joy Poulin shares the deeply personal story of her father, Daniel Hager, and how hospice cared for him in his final days. Follow our page for more stories of love, faith, and the transformative power of hospice.

My dad, Daniel Hager, was a proud American product of the Greatest Generation. Born in 1926, he lived a life filled with grit, determination, and unwavering faith. As a teenager, he worked on planes at Andrews Air Force Base, but at 17, he yearned for more. He enlisted in the Navy, finding himself on a train headed to unknown adventures at just 18. Those two years of service shaped him, instilling a discipline and pride that would stay with him forever.

After the Navy, Dad built a life. He started his own construction company, H&D Construction, and at 21, he married the love of his life, Helen. Together, they had three children. Dad's hands were always creating, always providing. One project stood out – the first solar house in Dunkirk, Maryland. He'd beam with pride talking about that innovative home.

But as Dad grew older, dementia began to steal pieces of the man I loved. At 88, he entered Hospice care, beginning a 2 1/2-year journey of compassion and grace. Every week, a Hospice chaplain visited Dad, sharing prayers and stories of faith. They formed a bond, a friendship that brought Dad comfort. When a stroke took Dad's ability to feed himself, it was his chaplain friend who spoon-fed him, a moment of pure grace. The Hospice nurses became his angels, easing his pain and calming his restlessness. They weren't just caregivers; they were guardians of his dignity and comfort.

As Dad's time drew near, the Hospice team shone like beacons. The Hospice chaplain anointed him, prayed over him, and held us together as we said goodbye. The chaplain's eulogy captured my father's spirit perfectly. In the darkest moment, they were light.

Hospice isn't just about the end; it's about honoring life, faith, and love. It's about the kind of care that imprints a forever-mark on a family's heart. I'll carry the lessons of those Hospice workers with me, just as I'll carry my dad's love, always.

This is the extraordinary compassion we provide at Cherry Blossom Hospice. Discover how we support individuals across Southern California at cherryblossomhospice.com.

This powerful story of faith, love, and the transformative power of hospice comes from my friend Joy Poulin. Joy, lives near Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and family.

Cherry Blossom Hospice Your comfort and peace is our priority Serving Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties with compassionate hospice care Learn More 24/7 Access To Care Read More FAQ Your Questions, Answered Read More Career Opportunities Join Our Team Read More Satisfaction....

09/25/2024

Want to know the secret to a healthier brain? It's probably simpler than you think! 🧠💡

A new study from Harvard researchers has created a "scorecard" to track your brain health. The best part? Improving your score might also mean shedding a few pounds, sleeping better, eating nutritious food, getting more exercise, or enjoying that glass of wine a little less often.🍷

So, how well do YOU score on brain health? The good news is that small changes now can add up to a lower risk of dementia and strokes later. Curious about how you can boost your brainpower? Check out the full article to learn more and start optimizing your score today!

Many efforts to improve health are also good for the brain. A study of nearly 400,000 people led researchers to develop a scorecard assessing 12 factors that contribute to the risk of dementia or s...

09/18/2024

Meet Chaplain Roger Rustad, the hospice hero with a need for speed!

While many picture hospice care as solemn and sedentary, Chaplain Roger Rustad is shattering those stereotypes one joyride at a time. This compassionate chaplain, who I had the privilege of meeting while working on the film "Hacksaw Ridge," has a tricked-out wheelchair and a heart of gold.

His wheelchair isn't just any chair – it's a custom, two-seater equipped with a sound system that brings the thrill of a Harley Davidson roar, a John Deere rumble, or even the rush of a fighter jet to hospice patients. He's taken veterans on "flights" complete with checklists and a cockpit poster. One former race car driver even got to relive the rush of the Daytona track!

Roger's mission? To bring joy, honor, and the chance to fulfill final wishes to those in hospice care in Southern California. He's living proof that hospice isn't about waiting – it's about living, loving, and sometimes, laughing with the wind in your face.

So buckle up and meet Chaplain Roger Rustad, Spiritual Care Director at Cherry Blossom Hospice, and the man behind the wheel of an unforgettable hospice experience. 😊

Photo credit: The Orange County Register

At Cherry Blossom Hospice, we believe that every moment matters. Our compassionate team partners with families to provide comprehensive care to those facing the end of life's journey, ensuring comfort and preserving dignity with grace and love.