Glens Falls Chronicle Serving the Glens Falls/Lake George region; Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga counties since 1980
Glens Falls physician Dr. William Tedesco has embarked this week on a 500-mile walk in Spain to benefit The House of Grace and High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care.
A press release from High Peaks Hospice explains: “To kick off his retirement, Dr. William Tedesco intends to walk the 500-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain, a trek known as the Way of St. James.
“To give purpose to his undertaking, ‘Dr. T’ plans to donate $2 per mile to The House of Grace and High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care.
“This gift is to honor the memory of his beloved wife Pat and the mission of these two community organizations.”
The release urged:
“If you or a loved one has been touched by the extraordinary Tedesco generosity of spirit or the compassionate care of House of Grace or High Peaks Hospice, please consider a pledge to encourage Dr. T.
“A pledge of any amount per mile walked, or a one-time gift, will not only honor Dr. and Mrs. Tedescos’ lifetime of philanthropy in the Glens Falls region and in their mission trips to Guatemala, but will help insure that quality end of life care will be available for years to come for all who need it, http://www.gofundme.com/pattedescomemorial.”
Dr. Tedesco was to begin his walk on Monday, Aug. 31. Updates his progress will be posted on the site, said Sunday Conine, executive director of High Peaks Hospice. She can be contacted at 743-1672 for more information.
The release provided some background on the two benefiting organizations.
“The House of Grace of the Adirondacks Inc. grew out of a proposal by John O’Brien about 12 years ago [to create] a hospice house for individuals facing end-of-life. Renovations were donated, primarily by Hilltop Construction and Thomas Albrecht’s team.
“Approximately 45 patients have been served over the years, as there is an increasing call for services.
“The House has been closed due to lack of funding. However, with ongoing support, the house should re-open this winter.
“As a 501(c)3, The House of Grace receives no direct medical care funding [and it] is totally dependent on the generosity of local communities for financial and material support. A room rental donation is requested to assist in covering some day to day resident care services.”
Info: http://www.houseofgraceoftheadirondacksinc.org.
“High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care was founded in January 1986 by Ann and David Merkel and a dedicated group of concerned medical, clergy, and community volunteers, who saw the need for expanded services to the terminally ill throughout the Adirondack Mountains.
“For two-and-a-half years volunteers alone provided supportive services to area residents from office space donated by the Trudeau Institute. Individuals, when faced with imminent death, now had choices as to how and where they would die. Patients were finally given control…
“The vision of a few in 1986 — to provide dignity, comfort and hope to the terminally ill and their families — has grown into a highly respected and valued health service organization that provides physical, emotional and bereavement support throughout the Adirondack and Southern Adirondack region….
“Due to the rural nature of the agency, High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care staff drove 244,172 miles in 2013 to provide care, an expense not reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance…”
High Peaks said it has three offices that cover 5,400 square miles with 50+ employees and “well over” 200 volunteers — “who started it all and continue to be the heart and soul of the organization.”
High Peaks Hospice said it must raise nearly $225,000 each year. “Hospice care is covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit, Medicaid and private insurance carriers, but reimbursements do not cover cost of specialized hospice care.”
The release said that High Peaks “receives no federal or state support and relies on the generosity of the communities it serves to make up the difference.
“The expenses not covered by insurance — the essential and intangible services integral to hospice programs — include: bereavement support to family members coping with loss, hospice volunteers to provide respite so caregivers can take a walk and get away for awhile or merely offer a listening ear to patients and families, and those with little or no insurance, as well as mileage reimbursement.
To learn more about hospice services, please visit www.highpeakshospice.org.
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