Our families tell their stories.

Memories of sisters—Darlene Landsittel

Darlene Landsittel's sister Alice died in the Midwest CareCenter Hospice program in December 2007, and her sister Patti subsequently received counseling services from the organization. Darlene feels strongly that Midwest CareCenter staff "are truly angels and ministers of the earth. I just have so much appreciation for what they do."
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“To live while I’m alive.”—Al Silverman

Al Silverman often serenades Nina Raskin, Midwest CareCenter bereavement counselor, when she visits him. Al’s favorites are the songs of his youth by notable crooners like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Tony Bennett. His stage is the camel-colored recliner in his Buffalo Grove condo. His voice is strong and lively and his audience—Nina or his children or grandchildren—wonder how he can sound that good at 99 years old.
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Committed to supporting the future—Debbie Moore and David Waud

Siblings Debbie Moore and David Waud initially became involved with Midwest CareCenter when their mother, Anne, and then their father, Morrison, were enrolled in the organization's hospice program. Their experience with Midwest CareCenter over the years has inspired their volunteerism, financial support and commitment to future initiatives.
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A pace-setting gift—Karen Marshak

Gary Marshak was only 46 years old when he died of cancer in the Midwest CareCenter Hospice program in 2001. He had been married to his high school sweetheart, Karen, for 26 years and was a fun-loving, supportive dad to the couple’s two daughters, Marissa and Ali, then age 17 and 12.
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Giving back through a bequest—BZ Meyers

Reflecting on the death of her mother, BZ Meyers stated, “If dying can be described as beautiful, my mom’s death was as close to that as you can get.” BZ went on to explain that it was the “incredible experience” her family had with hospice in her mother’s last weeks that prompted her to name Midwest CareCenter in her will so that others can benefit in the future.
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Peace, solace and healing at the end of the journey—Lyn Little

“Nature is where I find meaning,” said Lyn Little, co-chair of the Midwest CareCenter Garden Advisory Committee and longtime gardening enthusiast. An accredited judge of national flower shows and competitions as well as a member of the Kenilworth Garden Club, Lyn regards nature as “a source of joy, a foundation of my belief and a huge part of my healing process.”
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