AMDA Foundation - Family Honors AMDA Member with Foundation Donation

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Vol X, Dec `04

Family Honors AMDA Member with Foundation Donation

Vol X, Dec `04

The family of a patient who received exceptional care at the hands of AMDA member Peter Jaggard, MD, recently made a generous donation to the AMDA Foundation in his honor. "Dr. Jaggard was good and kind. From the first moment, he was accessible and understanding," said Michael Smolens, son of Rose Smolens, who was Jaggard's patient for the 15 months she resided in the Presbyterian Homes in Evanston, IL. "We were amazed at the time Dr. Jaggard dedicated to talking with us about our mother's care," Smolens noted, adding, "He did a brilliant job of managing her care."

Rose Smolens was admitted to the Presbyterian Homes for rehab following a hip fracture. Her goal was to return home to independent living. However, she suffered a number of illnesses and complications--including a brain tumor and a collapsed lung. Eventually, she had a stroke and passed away. "Dr. Jaggard left his son's birthday party to be with her when she died," her son recalled.

Jaggard told Smolens and his sister, Anita McAuliffe, that the Foundation is addressing issues relating to end-of-life care. "That is why we made the donation," said Smolens. He explained, "We wanted to do something to honor Dr. Jaggard and to help other patients get the kind of care and compassion our mother received."