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Teen makes difference one point at a time
(by Sue Hoffman - December 22, 2010)
Teen makes difference one point at a time
By SUE HOFFMAN
Katie Kajfez, of Bainbridge, remembers when her grandmother received care from the Hospice of the Western Reserve near the end of a long battle with cancer. The hospice nurses were of assistance at the hospital, at the hospice's care center in Cleveland and at home.
"She received extraordinary and exemplary care," said Katie, a 16-year-old junior at Laurel School in Shaker Heights. "They had a bunch of different activities -- crafts and pizza parties." When her grandmother was at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights, and later at home, Katie met several of the hospice nurses, who impressed her with their concern and service.
After Katie's grandmother, Judy Magee, of South Russell, died in spring 2007, Katie wondered how she could help the Hospice of the Western Reserve.
"I thought of ways I could give back to Hospice for all they did for her," said Katie, who plays varsity basketball at Laurel School. "My mom and I brainstormed. We thought it would be fun to do a fund-raiser playing basketball. Then we brainstormed names."
Katie decided on Hoops for Hospice and planned the fund-raiser. This fall, she jumped into full gear, sending dozens of letters to friends and families. So far, she has received $1,400 in donations and pledges.
"I am committed to making a difference in individuals' lives by promoting Hospice," she said. For each point scored during her junior season, she is asking for contributors to pledge donations. During her 2009-2010 season, she scored 223 points. "This year, my goal is to score 300 points," she said.
Knowing that her points mean dollars for Hospice of the Western Reserve makes her even more motivated to score, Katie said.
"We are delighted by Katie's thoughtfulness in choosing Hospice of the Western Reserve to benefit from this unique fund-raiser," Bill Sluzewski, development officer, said. "Her initiative and creativity in putting this project together is outstanding. We wish Katie and the rest of Gators good luck on the rest of their season."
Katie said, "Hospice of the Western Reserve provides palliative end-of-life care, caregiver support and bereavement services throughout Northern Ohio. In celebration of the individual worth of each life, they strive to relieve suffering, enhance comfort, promote quality of life, foster choice in end-of-life care and support effective grieving.
"Hospice care has become one of the fastest growing services in the country," Katie said. "Thousands of hospice programs are available nationwide, and as our population ages, these programs will be used by an ever-increasing number of Americans. Although many hospice patients are older, hospice care is available to anyone, regardless of age."
"More than half of hospice patients have diagnoses other than cancer, such as heart, lung and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, they have an outstanding pediatric program for children with life-limiting illnesses."
In Hoops for Hospice, sponsorship levels include level one "lay-up," $10 or 5 cents a point; level two "free-throw," $25 or 10 cents a point; level three "three-pointer," $50 or 25 cents a point; level four "full-court press," $100 or 50 cents a point; and level five "jump ball" for higher amounts.
Katie said she will take pledges and collect donations for the Hospice of the Western Reserve throughout the varsity basketball season.
Those wishing to contribute to Hoops for Hospice can submit pledges or checks made payable to Hospice of the Western Reserve and mail them to Katie Kajfez, 8240 Woodberry Blvd., Chagrin Falls 44023.
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