APEX Hospice and Rise Up for Autism Unite for “Hospice Heart Pals” An Initiative to Connect Generations through Art and Compassion

November, 2024, Chicago, IL: APEX Hospice and Palliative Care, a leader in compassionate end-of-life care, and Rise Up for Autism, an organization dedicated to supporting children on the autism spectrum, are proud to announce Hospice Heart Pals – a heartwarming new program that uses the creative arts to bridge generations and bring meaningful joy to both children and elderly patients. By connecting children with end-of-life patients through art, Hospice Heart Pals brightens patients’ lives and fosters a lasting spirit of kindness, empathy, and joy in the children. In the words of APEX Hospice, “Kindness knows no boundaries.”

This unique initiative invites children at Rise Up for Autism to design personalized artwork for APEX Hospice patients, providing an engaging way to create while offering support and love to seniors during the last stages of life. With every stroke of a brush or swirl of color, these children express their creativity in a way that forms a powerful connection with the elderly, proving that age is no barrier to compassion.

Transforming Care through Connection

The Hospice Heart Pals program marks the first collaboration between these two organizations, each of which serves a unique demographic but shares a mission of care and support. By working together, APEX Hospice and Rise Up for Autism hope to create something far greater than either organization could achieve alone.

The initiative is carefully tailored to personalize each child’s artwork. To guide the children’s creations, APEX Hospice nurses provide the children with the names, hobbies, and interests of their patients, making the artwork as meaningful as possible. By creating art specifically for an individual, children are given a concrete way to consider the impact their work can have, bringing warmth and smiles to patients who may be facing isolation or limited family interaction in their final days.

In November, the children will present their artwork to APEX Hospice nurses, who will then personally deliver each piece to its intended recipient. Nurses plan to take photos of the patients holding their artwork, capturing the joy these thoughtful gestures bring. This simple act of giving, combined with the personal connections established, creates an experience that is both memorable and deeply touching for everyone involved.

A Word from the Leadership

The leaders of both organizations are thrilled about the potential for this partnership to spread compassion and human connection. Shelley Cartwright, CEO of APEX Health Services, spoke about the initiative’s transformative power, stating, “We are excited about the synergy between our two organizations, both agencies providing an important service to individuals at different stages of life. This project reflects the compassion of each organization, while enhancing quality of life through meaningful activities for both children and the patients alike.”

She continued, “Our hope is that Hospice Heart Pals can serve as a model, inspiring similar initiatives that encourage empathy, connection, and support within communities across the country. These small acts of kindness can make a world of difference in someone’s life.”

Dr. Carly Lapin, CEO of Rise Up for Autism, echoed this enthusiasm, noting, “We are thrilled to embark on this meaningful partnership with APEX Hospice and Palliative Care. This project beautifully aligns with our shared mission to enhance quality of life for individuals in our community. Together, we are fostering connection and compassion, showing that kindness knows no boundaries.”

An Invitation to the Media and Community

Hospice Heart Pals is not only a significant milestone for the partnering organizations but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for the broader community. APEX Hospice and Rise Up for Autism warmly invite media representatives to capture and share this impactful initiative. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and the positive effects that acts of kindness have on people from all walks of life.

For community members who would like to support or experience this moving initiative firsthand, APEX Hospice and Rise Up for Autism have scheduled several presentations at local centers. These events provide a chance for families, supporters, and community leaders to witness the children’s artwork being handed over to hospice nurses, who will bring these special gifts to their patients. Below is the full schedule for the Hospice Heart Pals presentations:

Event Schedule for “Hospice Heart Pals” Presentations:

  • November 13, 2024, 2:30 p.m.: 231 E Indian Trail Rd, Aurora, IL 60505
  • November 15, 2024, 3:00 p.m.: 4901 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
  • November 21, 2024, 10:30 a.m.: 131 Collins St, Joliet, IL 60432
  • November 21, 2024, 11:30 a.m.: 8505 183rd St d, Tinley Park, IL 60487

Through Hospice Heart Pals, both APEX Hospice and Rise Up for Autism aim to set an example of how collaborative efforts can strengthen bonds within communities, bringing together people from all backgrounds to share in an exchange of love and humanity.

Contact Information and Further Details

For additional information about the Hospice Heart Pals project, or to discuss coverage opportunities, please contact:

To learn more about the organizations, visit APEX Hospice and Palliative Care and Rise Up for Autism. Both are committed to continuing their work to foster compassionate connections, inspiring all those they serve to show that kindness truly knows no boundaries.

Contact details

1.            Website link: https://apex-health.com/

2.            Company name: APEX Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.

3.            Contact person: Shelley Cartwright

4.            Country: USA

5.            City: Chicago

6.            Email: scartwright@apex-hospice.com

 

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