Sharing the Journey:
The Campaign for the Dennis and Donna Oldorf
Hospice House of Mercy
Twenty-five years ago, when a local doctor sought support to begin a hospice program in Cedar Rapids – one of the first in the state of 
Iowa – the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Medical Center stepped forward to help, founding Hospice of Mercy.
Today, Mercy is again responding to the community’s need and desire – this time for a house dedicated to the care of patients with life-limiting illnesses.
For our community
The demand for hospice services – currently provided in patient homes, care centers or hospitals – is growing dramatically, along with the population of people unable to remain in their own homes due to the nature of their disease or a lack of able, nearby caregivers.
In 2005, area hospice volunteers collected 3,500 signatures drawing attention to the need for a local hospice house. Shortly after, the family of former Hospice of Mercy patient Dennis Oldorf stepped forward to make a generous lead gift in support of this project.
With the Sharing the Journey campaign, we seek to realize the vision of creating a house where the Hospice of Mercy staff can provide compassionate, professional end-of-life care for people in our community – currently the largest community in Iowa without a hospice house.
“The hospice staff were like angels. Dennis was at home and I was able to care for him with their help. But I realize not everyone can do that. There is a tremendous need for this facility.”
Donna Oldorf, Hospice House lead donor, Honorary Chair, Sharing the Journey
An affirmation of life
Hospice is a special kind of care designed to ensure that each person’s final days are lived with joy and meaning, as free from pain and other symptoms as possible, with a focus on physical, emotional and spiritual comfort. The hospice concept promotes the independence and dignity of patients and families while providing expert medical treatment and support.
Hospice patients and their families are cared for by a team of professionals and volunteers that includes the patient’s physician, nurses, social workers, home health aides, chaplains, dieticians, pharmacists, physical therapists, music and massage therapists, bereavement counselors, and trained hospice volunteers.
“Hospice care promotes the joy of life, the miracle of family and faith.”
Dr. Kenneth Cearlock, Hospice Medical Director
A place of shelter and compassion
While the goal of hospice is to allow patients to die with serenity in their own homes, if they so desire, that isn’t possible or desirable for everyone. For those who are unable to spend their final days at home, the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy will provide a place of comfort, care and compassion. It will also offer a temporary home for those whose caregivers need a time of respite. The house will be open to patients from any area hospice program.
The Hospice House will provide a warm, home-like environment where patients can live their last days fully, cherishing each day and saying good-bye to their loved ones with peace and dignity. At the same time, hospital-standard medical resources will ensure the highest possible level of care.
Plans for the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy include:
- 12 bright, comfortable patient rooms with access to outdoor areas
- A family-friendly atmosphere that includes room for children, pets, music and meal preparation
- Warm, welcoming family lounges and a chapel/meditation room for all faiths
- Space for community outreach, education and bereavement counseling.
The community responds
Donna Oldorf’s gift of $1.1 million in memory of her husband Dennis made it possible to take the bold step of launching the Sharing the Journey Campaign. In turn, our community has embraced the concept of building a local hospice house, and the Mercy Foundation is leading the effort to raise the remaining funds.
Mercy Medical Center has provided land valued at $700,000, and the campaign goal is an additional $6 million. This amount will cover building costs and enable the creation of a $1.5 million endowment fund. Although many insurers provide reimbursement for hospice services, not all costs are covered, and not all patients have insurance or the ability to pay. The endowment fund will ensure that the Hospice House remains fiscally sound as it opens its doors to anyone in our community in need of end-of-life care.
The plan is to begin construction of the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in the fall of 2006. The house will be built on a 3.2 acres site north of the MercyCare Blairs Ferry clinic. OPN Architects have been chosen to design the house and Ryan Companies will serve as general contractor.
Please join us on this journey as we strive to realize the vision of creating this special place of compassion and comfort – for our loved ones, for our community.
