Caregivers: The Heart of Caring Discussion Panel with Christine Winchester, Lisa Lane, Fritz Weiss and Michelle Holland.
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On Saturday, October 2, 2010, SSEEO held its 5th Annual Conference for stroke survivors and caregivers. The conference this year was titled, “The Heart and Hope of the Caregiver”. We began the day with a welcome by Sister Donna, CEO of Resurrection Health Care. Sister Donna told us some of the history surrounding Resurrection Health Care and the pastoral care given by the Order of Resurrection Sisters. We then started the educational sessions. Our keynote speaker was Madonna Siles, a caregiver for her friend, Eve, who through relaxation and using the sub-conscious mind was able to help Eve regain much of her pre-stroke life.
After the keynote speaker, SSEEO’s sponsors enlightened us with educational and inspirational topics. Terry Guymon from Advocate Christ Medical Center told her personal story (“Ask and You Might Receive”) of being a caregiver to members of her family starting at the young age of 13. She cared for her grandmother and sister who sadly succumbed to cancer and she shared how her remaining siblings helped care for their mother at the end of her life.
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Dr. Dino Kostas from Alexian Brothers Health Network |
Dr. Dino Kostas, from Alexian Brothers Health Network, talked on “Honoring You While Caring for Another”. Dr. Kostas emphasized the importance of the caregiver to take time for themselves, using relaxation as a tool to reward yourself, knowing it is essential for the caregiver to honor themselves in order to help the survivor. Laurie Huspen, a SSEEO Board member, also told us her story of living with Cystic Fibrosis and offering help for those who are still in the work force, but are facing difficulties.
Our final speaker before lunch was Sister Sandi Sosnowski. Sister Sandi was the “hit” of the day. Sister Sandi told us several enjoyable stories about her life. She made us laugh . . . a lot! Throughout her talk, her underlying message was to smile every day and to smile at everyone. If you pass your smile on to all you meet, it will make your day and the other person’s day better.
During lunch, Scott Zissman, the SSEEO Vice President, launched the SSEEO Peer Visitor Program (PVP). Scott has worked diligently for the past year, developing our PVP. It is currently being critiqued and reviewed by our sponsors for content, errors and changes. We are hoping to hold our first training session either before the end of 2010 or shortly after the first of the year in 2011. If you are interested in being trained as a Peer Visitor, please contact us at www.sseeo.org or on our voicemail at 888.988.8047.
Sister Donna Marie Wolowicki, CR, EVP/CEO
Resurrection Medical Center
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The afternoon started off with a discussion panel on caregiving. We had four people share their experiences of caring for different ages of stroke survivors. Christine Winchester is the caregiver for her daughter, Rhys. Rhys suffered a stroke while still in utero. Christine is a champion for all pediatric stroke survivors in Illinois as well as for Rhys. She worked tirelessly on the Habilitative Care Bill in Illinois so all pediatric stroke survivors can obtain as much therapy as they need.
Lisa Robertson is a caregiver for her sister. Lisa also cares for and is raising her sister’s daughter. Lisa ensures that her niece sees her mom every chance she can so she will know her mom.
Next up was Fritz Weiss, husband and caregiver of SSEEO Board member and Secretary, Phyllis Weiss. Fritz told us about the journal he kept during Phyllis’ first days after her stroke and through recovery. It was very moving to hear the feelings, the worries, the love that came through in Fritz’ words as he read us his personal thoughts and feelings about Phyllis’ recovery.
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Attendees enjoyed meeting new people, sharing their experiences and learning. |
The last panel member was Michelle (Mickey) Holland. For two years, Mickey was the caregiver for her father, Chuck, after he experienced several strokes and other medical issues. Mickey left her previous employment to return home and be Chuck’s sole caregiver. Mickey spoke to us about how she felt it was her chance to help her father, her chance to form a closer relationship with her father. During this period though, Mickey told us she lost herself as she focused on her father to the point where she became ill herself. She stressed to the audience just how important it is for caregivers to take care of themselves.
The day ended with Phyllis Weiss showing a video about the inaugural SSEEO Run/Walk that will be on Saturday, September 24, 2011. Phyllis and her committee have worked very hard and the event is developing nicely. The SSEEO Run/Walk will be held in Winthrop Harbor along the lakefront. It will have a 1 mile walk for survivors, a 5K run/walk, and a 10K run as well as educational booths, games and a whole lot more. Additional information on registration will be forthcoming. Please keep an eye on the SSEEO website, www.sseeo.org, for additional information.
The SSEEO Board of Directors wants to thank all of our speakers for making this year’s conference a wonderful day. All the discussions were informative and enlightening. If anyone would like any additional information about the SSEEO's 5th Annual Conference, we can be contacted via our website or by calling 888.988.8047.
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