My name is Jean Rosenbaum, Executive Director of Gifted Wishes, formerly Pacific NW Hospice Foundation. This started as my story, but it soon became so much greater. In 2007, I was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer. In fact, there have only been 44 recorded cases in history.
After a major surgery and during an extremely difficult recovery, I determined that it was perhaps my last opportunity to live a life with purpose. I pledged at that time to find the joy in each day and find a way to give back. I started with just a few hours a week, serving as PR consultant to a hospice company. As things go, the hours grew to half time, then full time, and I soon became the Director of Marketing.
Meeting with patients from the signing of legal hospice documents to their passing was such a moving experience. There were so many unmet needs, and it was an honor to spend time with people who had so few hours left to share.
A foundation was started, but we did not receive our nonprofit status before I left. In 2010, with advice from a nonprofit attorney, I incorporated the Pacific NW Hospice Foundation as a community charity, and we received our 501c3 the next month.
We have granted Gifted Wishes to over 1000 hospice patients over the last 11 years. With a committed board of 13 hospice and community leaders, we continue to be the only foundation in the area that funds people, not buildings and programs.
Here are some of the beautiful faces of people who honored us by sharing their final hours.
Her final wish was for a day at the spa with her daughter.
She felt so out of touch and her wish was for a laptop to keep up with friends.
She had not left the facility in 6 months. Being from New York, she wanted to see the Christmas lights in downtown Portland.
A rare opportunity to leave the facility, and a fun outing to the zoo.
"I would love some live music on my birthday."
"It would mean so much to me to have the grandfather clock repaired that was built by my late husband."
"I want to go fishing with my buddy one last time."
Her wish was to take her family to Saylor's for steak. Due to declining health, we had the dinner brought to her.
"Lobster heals everything." We had a lobster dinner delivered to her room, which she shared with her husband.
She wanted her first ever limo ride and lunch.
It takes so little to impact someone's final hours.
More Gifted Wishes that have been so generously donated:
A romantic dinner for a loving couple who had to say goodbye.
Plane fare for a grandmother who got here in time to spend the last 4 hours at her grandson's bedside.
Medical transportation for a mom to see her daughter marry, before she passed away the next day.
A recorder for a patient who could no longer write and wanted to leave messages behind for her partner.
A memory foam mattress topper for a patient in pain.
Help us provide Gifted Wishes to hospice patients in their final days. Please visit our website at www.GiftedWishes.org, and donate today!
We invite you to attend our Honor the Journey Gala, Sunday Sept 12th, 2021, at the Oregon Golf Club. Join in a fun evening of dinner, live and silent auctions, wall of wine, DJ and dancing.
Enjoy some photos below from prior events.
Each year we present the Edward E Rosenbaum Hospice Life Award to a deserving individual. Governor Barbara Roberts was our first recipient.
Our friends from Bedmart, who support us every year.
Carol, trying to win some big bucks!
Skye and Grey
Governor Barbara Roberts has been to the event every year.
Shelley, our favorite wine wall volunteer.
A beautiful setting, a beautiful evening.
Just having fun!
Mardi, our past President of the Board of Directors
What do you think, should we bid on the trip to Italy?
The big money winners!
Someone just got an incredible auction item.
A chance to dance.
That's me, moved by the stories, the audience generosity, and always fighting tears.
Steven Stone
Carol, Kathleen, and Ellen
Maggie, Lark, Carol, Jean, and Linda
Zero, Carol, and Joana
Me with my favorite, Governor Barbara Roberts
Which one shall we try first?
Janine Wolf, our emcee from K103. Year after year she donates her time to us.
The point is, I get to wear a bowtie.
Jimmy, excited to win the case of wine from Nemarniki Vineyard and Winery.
Val, extraordinary past board member and event co-chair.
Jae, past Treasurer of the board, and most eloquent speaker.