Palliative Care...Something Unexpected

Many of us are familiar with the term hospice in relation to individuals with terminal illnesses. Hospice provides end-of-life care with dignity, allowing patients a comfortable departure from this world.

But a lesser known form of care called palliative care is emerging in many hospitals across the country. Not only for terminally ill patients, palliative care is for any individual with a chronic or life-threatening illness or condition which causes pain or adversely impacts that individual's quality of life. One need not have a terminal illness to receive the benefits of palliative care. 



Palliative care offers support for patients and families, providing pain management for patients with chronic pain, relief from stress, fatigue and other symptoms of chronic conditions as well as spiritual support. 


The link below to the Center to Advance Palliative Care site offers more information. Take a look. It's never too early to contact a palliative or hospice care unit.

Center to Advance Palliative Care

Tokio Hotel to Support Japanese Red Cross

I rarely copy posts from one blog to another, but this one merits a repeat. Tokio Hotel, for those not aware of either who they are or my passion for them, is a German alternative-rock band formed in 2001. The members are all in their early 20s, and for men so young, they show a remarkably mature and selfless side. They have offered similar buttons for AIDS awareness and now turn their attention to the Japanese earthquake victims. They have an enormous fanbase in Europe and a growing fanbase in the States and no doubt will be successful in raising a considerable sum for the relief efforts. So, the original post from my Tokio Hotel blog.


Tokio Hotel has begun a fundraiser for the Japanese Red Cross in the effort to help the earthquake and tsunami victims. They are offering a For Japan button set for a base price of $10.00US + S&H ($3.99US) with options to make an additional donation up to $25US. 


Buttons are in pre-order status and will be shipped in 3-4 weeks. All profits will go toward the Japanese Red Cross

Click HERE to read the band's MySpace page. The blog there provides links to order buttons from the US store or buttons from the European store. 


Payment can be made through PayPal or with a credit card. 


And a GIANT thank-you to the boys in the band for being who they are.