Dear Friends,

During such a trying time, I am grateful for the opportunity to remember my loved ones with support to an organization which has meant so much to my family. I am excited to issue this notice to ALL Kansas City Hospice donors that I am committed to match – dollar for dollar – each gift you give to this urgent need campaign, up to $15,000!

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Please read on to find out why this is so meaningful to me, and why I want to ensure that although the world as we know it is changing right before our eyes, the need for Kansas City Hospice is more important than ever.

My story

Hospice angels walked beside my mother Amy Virginia Gosney, my beloved husband Jerry Albert Burton, and brother Vance, treating each of them with great dignity and respect in the final days of their lives. And for each, their individual needs were met by KCH&PC, first in our home, secondly at the Kansas City Hospice House, and then at a local assisted living facility. What a blessing it was to have their assistance in the setting preferred, for each circumstance was unique to Mother, Jerry and Vance.

My first personal experience with KCH&PC was in 2005 with my mother, who lived with Jerry and me after her health declined. All of her needs were met in every way: physical, emotional, spiritual. She received regular visits from an RN and the aide, who couldn’t have been more tender with Mother as her strength ebbed and pain increased. Jerry and I were kept apprised of the changes as they occurred so we were reassured about how to care for her. We would not have been able to keep Mother at home without the hands-on care we received.

Suddenly, our lives changed when Jerry was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma. Several weeks after the diagnosis, he died at the Kansas City Hospice House, where very special people provided extraordinary care to him and to me.

In May, 2019, my brother, C. Vance Gosney, died at a local continuing care community. His illness and dying was the third time I reached out to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care (KCH&PC) for assistance. Upon his death, I was given the opportunity to donate to charities that held meaning to each of us. This allowed me an opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to the treasured individuals at Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care who provided care to three members of my family over the last 15 years and I invite you to join me in this effort while honoring those that are special to you.

The day after my brother was placed on hospice care he said to me “I finally feel calm and at peace. “ It meant everything to hear those words.

With the help of hospice angels, I was able to be present with my loved ones as they made their transition. I take great comfort knowing that my companionship with them was an important gift.

I am a gerontologist and counselor. In part, my life was shaped by the sudden death of my father when I was a teenager. Both professionally and personally, I have been very conscious of the reality of death and loss, and the preciousness of each day of living. Jerry was an M.D., Ph.D. who specialized in pulmonology and critical care. He delighted in mentoring medical students from KUMED and UMKC School of Medicine through the Kansas City Osler Society. An important component of his service was conducting Saturday morning rounds with the students at the Kansas City Hospice House.

The need is urgent.

Kansas City Hospice has been at the forefront of care for four decades, helping to shape the end of life care available to families throughout the community. My family was blessed to have their compassionate care, and there are many more families who will need their care in years to come.
Please heed their call and make a gift now.

Know that your gift will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $15,000. I remember my family with my gift, and encourage you to do the same.

In grateful appreciation,

Patricia Burton

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