What do the Eagle Scouts, rock and roll, and Van Dyke Hospice and Palliative
Care Center have in common? Michael Palmerson, a sixteen-year-old
resident of Toms River and member of Boy Scout Troop 59, Jersey Shore
Council.
After witnessing the care his grandmother received from Van Dyke Hospice,
Michael decided to embark on a project to earn Eagle Scout status, one
of the highest ranks that can be achieved in Boy Scouts, which combined
fundraising for Van Dyke and his passion for music. The result
was a benefit concert held this past April at Toms River High School
East. The event featured bands comprised of fellow teenagers,
performing heavy metal music to an audience of more than 180 people. The
result was phenomenal - close to $2,000 was raised to benefit Van Dyke
Hospice and Palliative Care Center.
Van Dyke Hospice and Palliative Care Center, an affiliate of the Saint
Barnabas Health Care System, provides emotional, spiritual, and physical
support to patients and families experiencing a life-limiting illness. Services
are provided at home, in long-term care and assisted living facilities,
and on Van Dyke’s inpatient hospice unit located at Community
Medical Center in Toms River.
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Michael Palmerson is pictured
with: Mildy Walton, RN, Jeanne Stout Director
of Patient Care Services, Suzanne Hart, Inpatient
Unit Director, and Chaplain Alice Seccafico.
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 Michael decided to use the funds raised to create “comfort bags” for
new hospice patients. The bags include a CD of soothing music,
a journal for recording thoughts and feelings, lavender essential oil,
and natural care gel – all items proven to encourage relaxation
and have a positive impact on mood. On August 13th Michael delivered
100 completed bags to Van Dyke Hospice and on the 21st hand-delivered
the first “comfort bag” to a hospice patient residing at
home in Toms River.
“I think the most amazing part of this project is that a fifteen-year-old
boy would remember the care his grandmother received from Van Dyke Hospice
and want to give back to the program,” said Liz Dorick, Outreach
Coordinator for Van Dyke Hospice and Palliative Care Center. “What
a wonderful tribute to hospice care. I treasure the opportunity
I had to work with Michael and educate young people about hospice care
and the comfort it provides.”
For more information about Van Dyke Hospice and Palliative Care Center,
please call 732-818-6800.
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