Transitions, Community Tee Up to Honor Dr. Paul Kinsinger

Oct 18, 2018 | News

For the third year in a row, the Washington, IL community and Transitions Hospice came together to celebrate the life of Dr. Paul Kinsinger, in an outing that combined what he loved most…family, golf and giving back to the community. The third annual Dr. Paul Kinsinger Memorial Golf Outing was held on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at Pine Lakes Golf Club in Washington. Over 100 golfers, volunteers and friends lent their support to the event, which raised over $6,000 for the Dr. Paul Kinsinger Memorial Scholarship Fund, which awards a scholarship annually to a Washington Community High School senior interested in pursing a degree in health care. “Paul was passionate about many things,” shared Amy Kinsinger, his wife. “It’s his passion for golf, his alma mater, Washington Community High School (WCHS), health care and the students that brought us together at the outing, to honor his memory by raising money for the scholarship.” As with the two previous outings, all golfers were given balloons on which they could write a message to Kinsinger. Everyone released their balloons into the sky together before teeing off, let by Jim Palazzo, Transitions CEO, and the Kinsinger family. “It’s been an honor for Transitions to host this outing since the beginning,” said Palazzo. “Paul made such a tremendous impact on this community, and this is such a great opportunity to help pave the way for the future of health care.” A beloved family doctor and former Transitions Medical Director, “Dr. Paul” passed away in 2016, after a courageous one-year battle with brain cancer. He was known for the compassionate care and support he...

Training for Hospice Services for Children

Apr 26, 2018 | News

Transitions was honored to host Kristen James and Kim Downing from the Greater Illinois Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition (GIPPCC) and Dr. Billie Winegard, OSF/CHOI Medical Director, last April 19 in Champaign, IL. It was an emotional day honing our skills to care for terminally ill children and their families. We learned that there are only 11 hospice providers in the entire state of Illinois that are willing and able to care for dying children at home. Transitions is proud to be one of those providers in Central Illinois. Thank you to GIPPCC and Dr. Winegard for sharing the day with us and for your contributions to pediatric hospice and palliative...
Transitions Hospice Celebrates National Volunteer Week

Transitions Hospice Celebrates National Volunteer Week

Apr 15, 2018 | Blog

National Volunteer Week takes place April 15-21, 2018. This commemoration, established in 1974, provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate volunteers and volunteerism. “At Transitions Hospice, we are fortunate to have many dedicated individuals who volunteer with our clients and their families. It takes a special person to spend her/his volunteer time with people living with life-limiting illness,” said Elise C. Wall, Volunteer Coordinator at Transitions. “These volunteers inspire me every day with their gentle and creative approach to serving others.” Transitions Hospice owner and CEO, Jim Palazzo, is very supportive and proud of the volunteer program. “We believe in focusing on the life each individual has to live. Our volunteers help our patients and families make the most of what time is left.” Transitions volunteers donated over 2500 hours of their time to patients and families in 2017. Companion Volunteers visit, play games, read, reminisce and share stories with their patients. Vigil volunteers have the opportunity to sit bedside in a patient’s final hours. “Sometimes, all that is needed is a supportive presence and a hand to hold,” Wall said. Transitions volunteers offer all of this and more. Office-based volunteers help support patients and families through completing clerical tasks and assembling informational packets and binders. “We are always ready to welcome new volunteers onto our team,” stated Sara Dado, Executive Director of Transitions. “Our program is growing and we look forward to increasing our roster of valued volunteers,” Dado said. This year’s theme for Volunteer Week is “Celebrate Service.” Transitions wishes to recognize, celebrate, and thank all volunteers for their donation of time and talent. Hospice volunteers serve...