Marshfield Clinic recently contributed $500 to help support Ministry Home Care’s Dr. Kate Hospice services during its semi-annual fundraiser, “The Gift of Hospice, A Quilt of Many Colors.” Karen Taylor-Good, Grammy-nominated songwriter and singer, provided the entertainment as she has done for many years in her mission to raise awareness and funds for hospice services.

Randi Danner, Dr. Kate Hospice volunteer coordinator, said hospice provides care to everyone who is medically eligible, regardless of their ability to pay.

While some hospice funding is provided by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies, some people are under-insured or uninsured, with no ability to pay at all. Dr. Kate Hospice will not turn these people away, Danner said. All patients receive the same care.

“We rely on the generosity of individuals, organizations and businesses like Marshfield Clinic to support this important mission,” she said. “Fundraising events, like these evening events we recently held in Eagle River and Minocqua, are very important. Each gift of $150 will provide a day of care for a patient who is uninsured, or supplement the care not completely covered by insurance sources.

“There is no funding through Medicare, Medicaid or most private insurance companies for room and board at a hospice home, so each gift helps to allow a patient to stay at Seasons of Life Hospice House,” Danner said.

“Hospice provides very necessary care for the people in our community, many of whom are our patients, so we’re happy to support hospice services in our area,” said Dr. Michael Schaars, medical director, Marshfield Clinic North Division.

For more information about contributing to hospice services or becoming a volunteer, contact Randi Danner at (800) 234-3542.