America's First Hospice Names “Patient Advocate For Life” Recipients
Branford, Connecticut (PRWEB) September 13, 2014 -- On Sept. 21, acclaimed doctor and sculptor Wayne O. Southwick, M.D., Chairman of the Board, and his mentor, world-renowned Italian sculptor Bruno Lucchesi, will be honored with their spouses at their poignant bronze sculpture crafted for the country’s first hospice, The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. in Branford, CT.
The life-sized sculpture of a nurse with raised, lighted torch, aside family members supporting a loved one, embodies the circle of care at Connecticut Hospice Inc. In recognition of the hospice’s focus on family as an indivisible element of a patient’s care, the 2014 “Patient Advocate for Life” awards will be presented to the sculptors and their wives who have so lovingly supported them in their lives, said President and CEO Mrs. Marc Alphons Hurzeler.
“It’s a testament to how strong each couple is as a team; and how together, they have put their talents into creating this beautiful symbol of hope that graces our grounds,” said Hurzeler.
Installed in 2007, the sculpture is the focal point of an annual “Legacy of Hope” ceremony held each fall at Connecticut Hospice, Inc. This year’s Sept. 21 ceremony will be especially notable as it also marks hospice’s 40th year – or 21st millionth minute – of care to the palliative community.
“In this year, as we celebrate our 21st millionth minute of care, in which every minute is precious, we recognize the creators of this beautiful sculpture that is so symbolic of how patients and family are at the center for care at hospice,” said Hurzeler.
Southwick was Co-Chairman of the Connecticut Hospice Board of Directors and Chairman of the Old Lyme Academy for the Arts when he undertook creating the statue with his mentor as a gift to hospice. His acclaimed career in medicine includes credit in pioneering work in cervical spine surgery and culminated with his appointment as Professor and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine. Many of Southwick’s sculptures are installed at Yale School of Medicine. Southwick met and married his wife, Jessie Ann (Seacrest) Southwick, during his medical studies at the University of Nebraska.
Lucchesi has been recognized as “the last of the Renaissance sculptors.” Since the 1950’s, he has created over 70 public works around the world, from China to Colorado, New York to New Haven (at Yale University). His wife, Ann Rosow-Lucchesi, is a West Hartford native and accomplished artist and sculptor.
Non-profit Connecticut Hospice Inc. operates with the knowledge that every minute of life is precious. Established in Branford in 1974, this year marks hospice’s 40th anniversary, or 21st millionth minute, of providing exceptional care for all in need. As the nation’s top-rated, award-winning hospice, The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. continues to set the national standard for home and inpatient hospice care.
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THE CONNECTICUT HOSPICE: First American Hospice
100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405
Contact Phone: (203) 315-7575
Contact Email: emino(at)hospice(dot)com
Website: http://www.hospice.com
Eileen Mino, The Connecticut Hospice, http://www.hospice.com, +1 2033157556, [email protected]
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