Deck The Tree With Angels
'Celebration of Life' ornaments on sale through end of December

Claudia Raun, executive director of Hospice Support Inc., shows off a display of the white ceramic angel ornaments being sold for the Celebration of Life event this year. The ornaments, which are traditionally purchased in memory or honor of a loved one, are available with a $10 donation and will be hung on a Christmas tree for a special lighting ceremony at one of three locations. L-N Photo by Quala Matocha

Hospice Support Inc. continues to sell ornaments for the "Celebration of Life" tree. The ornaments, made by residents of the Brookwood Community in Brookshire, are white ceramic angels bearing a star-topped halo and cut-out heart wings. Brookwood is a community where adults with functional disabilities live and work. Their handcrafted products contribute to their livelihood.

Celebration of Life provides an opportunity to memorialize and honor loved ones or special events, while providing funds for medical, emotional and spiritual support for terminally ill patients and their families.

A gift of $15 or more to Hospice Support Inc. reserves a 2007 ornament to be placed on the Celebration of Life tree of your choice. Each ornament is also personalized. An ornament may be purchased in memory of a loved one or friend, in honor of the birth of a child, an anniversary, a birthday or someone special in your life.

This white ceramic angel ornament was made by residents of the Brookwood Community.

So far about half of the ornaments have been purchased, so there are plenty available. To reserve your 2007 personalized ornament, please call the hospice office at 979-578-0314.

The luncheons will be held in the following towns and locations:

El Campo - El Campo Civic Center, Civic Center, Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wharton - Wharton County Historical Museum, Wednesday, Dec. 12 from noon-1 p.m.

Bay City - Bay City Civic Center, Thursday, Dec. 13 from noon- 1 p.m.

Houston Hospice is a community-based, community-supported not-for-profit organization. Its service area includes all or parts of Austin, Brazoria, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Jackson, Matagorda, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton counties.

Houston Hospice may step in when curative treatments no longer enhance the quality of life. Its goal is to keep patients in the setting they prefer and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.

Houston Hospice provides expert comfort care intended to relieve pain and symptoms. Services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurers. And services are not denied due to lack of financial means.

As part of an individualized plan of care, Houston Hospice provides medications related to the hospice diagnosis as well as medical equipment, devices and supplies that enhance comfort and safety.

They also offer community education on end-of-life issues to civic and professional groups, churches, businesses and schools to initiate dialogue on death and dying. Staff includes experienced volunteers, social workers, hospice staff physicians, nurses and non-denominational chaplains.

For admissions and additional information, call 713-468-2441 or 1-800-824-2911.