Bernie's Story
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Angels on Earth: How Ridgeview Hospice Provided Compassionate Care in Bernie’s Final Days
When Bernie DeLaRosa of Eden Prairie was diagnosed with a brain tumor, it marked the beginning of a health journey he and family were not prepared for. His wife, Cate, and his children did everything they could, seeking out the best medical care and working tirelessly to support him. Through surgery and treatments, Bernie remained resilient, but as his condition worsened, he made a decision: he wanted quality of life over quantity.
It was during this difficult time that the DeLaRosa family turned to Ridgeview Hospice for support. “We had utilized Ridgeview for home health care, and luckily, we were able to bring in the Ridgeview Hospice team,” Cate shared. Bernie’s family quickly came to appreciate the compassionate, personalized care they received from the Ridgeview Hospice team.
Hospice staff like social worker Joelle Talton, case manager Kristi Vogel, and chaplain Helmar Heckel became more than caregivers—they became companions, walking alongside Bernie and his family through the most vulnerable time of their lives. “Even on the hardest days, we looked forward to being there with them,” Kristi reflected. For the DeLaRosa family, this support made all the difference. “They were amazing,” Bernie’s sister Julie said. “He was grateful to everyone, and we were all grateful to Ridgeview Hospice.”
Bernie passed away on December 9, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. For his family, it was both brutal and beautiful. “We say it was ‘bru-tiful’ because it was brutal to watch him go through all of it, but it was also beautiful because of how he handled it,” Cate said. “I miss his laughter. I miss his smile. I’m beyond proud to have been his wife.”
The care Bernie received through Ridgeview Hospice is a testament to the importance of philanthropy in our community. The generosity of donors allows Ridgeview Hospice to provide compassionate, life-changing care to families like the DeLaRosas during their most challenging times. As Julie said, “Supporting Ridgeview Hospice is money and time well spent. They are truly like angels on earth.”
By donating to Ridgeview Hospice, you are helping ensure that other families can experience the same level of care, comfort, and dignity that Bernie and his family received. Every gift makes a difference, allowing Ridgeview to continue its mission of providing exceptional end-of-life care to those in need.
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Thank you for your generosity and compassion.
