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Youngsters aid Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley in Potsdam

Posted 8/31/16

POTSDAM – Young visitors to the North Country have been helping arrange bouquets for patients of Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley. Most Wednesdays during flower season Vasily and …

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Youngsters aid Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley in Potsdam

Posted

POTSDAM – Young visitors to the North Country have been helping arrange bouquets for patients of Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

Most Wednesdays during flower season Vasily and Mary-Ann Cateforis visit the Hospice Center bearing bouquets for delivery to those being cared for by Hospice.

The Cateforis family has been providing floral bouquets to patients and families for 18 years.

But in the last couple of years some of their grandchildren have joined in to cheer Hospice patients

Last summer, the Cateforis’ grandson Lester visited and helped arrange bouquets for the patients. After learning about her big brother’s experience helping others enjoy the beautiful flowers, Rhoda, age 6 became very excited to help in the same way. “She’s been looking forward to this for quite some time,” said Mary-Ann.

Each bouquet is made from flowers grown with love and care in the Cateforis’s garden in Potsdam. The inspiration to begin the tradition came when a family friend was being cared for by Hospice.

“Originally, he was well enough to come to our garden to visit and be in the presence of nature. As his health declined, we began bringing flowers to him at home,” said Mary-Ann. “As I create each bouquet, I am reminded it may be the last bit of nature a patient sees. It is a privilege to be able to share the beauties of nature with someone for what might be the last time,” she said.

“While Rhoda may be a bit young to fully understand the impact of the flowers she put in bouquets, we at Hospice know the happiness it brings to each home,” said Hospice Executive Director Ruth Fishbeck,. “We are deeply grateful to Mary-Ann for her long-time dedication to this very special project.”