2018 Helping Hands Award

The 34^th Annual Helping Hands Award Dinner will take place on the evening of May 2, 2018. Each year, Center for Hospice Care honors a deserving recipient with our Helping Hands Award. We are thrilled to be honoring someone who has faithfully served our community for more than 60 years – an individual known and loved by many – Sister Carmel Marie, C.S.C.

Sr. Carmel was born in South Bend, IN and spent much of her life in the area. She attended St. Mary’s Prep School, St. Joseph’s Academy, St. Mary’s College, and earned a master of science in education from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne. Sr. Carmel’s teaching career began in 1954 and continued through 1985. She began serving as librarian at St. Joseph High School in 1985, and continues – at the age of 85 – to serve as an assistant librarian to this day.

With a remarkable history of service and sacrifice, Sr. Carmel continues to volunteer with four non-profit organizations, including Center for Hospice Care at our South Bend inpatient care facility. She has also served internationally, spending time with her Sisters in Brazil – an experience she remembers fondly.

Given the unique impact she has made on the lives of so many in our community, we have created a special fund called the Sister Carmel Helping Hands Fund. Money collected will support our long-standing promise that no one eligible for hospice care will be turned away due to an inability to pay. The establishment of this special fund will afford those unable to attend the event an opportunity to participate in honoring Sr. Carmel.

Last year, Center for Hospice Care provided more than $2.2 million in unreimbursed and discounted patient care and bereavement services to patients and families.  We are proud to be able to give back to the community, and we know the Sr. Carmel Helping Hands Fund will help support those efforts.