Ringing bells in the name of hospice
MARQUETTE — It was a somber scene at the noon-time hour across the country Tuesday, as thousands of people took part in ringing bells, all in the name of hospice.
Officials from U.P. Home Health & Hospice, Lake Superior Hospice and volunteers throughout the community gathered at the Marquette Commons to ring bells and remember those who have passed away under hospice care. For Cindy Nyquist, owner of U.P. Home Health & Hospice, the event is a time to refresh people regarding what hospice is all about.
“Hospice, at one time, nobody knew the word. But now, most people know the word,” said Nyquist. “Too often they associate it with death and dying. We are fighting that constantly. Yes somebody may have a terminal diagnosis that they’re dealing with for themselves and their families, but it is about living and the quality of life,” added Nyquist.
“I think about my own personal experience. My experience was with my brother back in 2012,” said Sue Kitti, CEO of Lake Superior Hospice. “Hospice served all of us, not only him, but my nieces and nephews, his children, his wife and our entire family.”
In addition to ringing bells at the Marquette Commons, several churches across the area also rang their bells at 12:00 p.m.