Archive for May, 2022

Houston Hospice’s Butterfly Luncheon raises funds with the help of Miss America 1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, RN

Miss America 1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko - Wilson shares her journey as a hospice nurse with community leaders at the Houston Hospice 21st Butterfly Luncheon May 6, 2022 at The Junior League of Houston.

Miss America 1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko – Wilson, RN shares her journey as a hospice nurse with community leaders at the Houston Hospice 21st Butterfly Luncheon May 6, 2022 at The Junior League of Houston.

Hospice nurse shares laughter and tears on International Nurses Day during Houston Hospice’s Butterfly Luncheon

 

The Houston Hospice’s Butterfly Luncheon welcomed more than 200 guests, Friday, May 6, 2022, to The Junior League of Houston. The 21st annual event raised funds for Houston Hospice and its pediatric Butterfly Program. Featured keynote speaker was Miss America 1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, RN who holds the distinction of being the first registered nurse to win the competition. Following her year of service, Rafko-Wilson became a hospice nurse and started the Hospice of Monroe in her hometown of Monroe, Michigan.

Throughout her career, Rafko-Wilson has continued to support nursing professions, hospice programs, grief support services and critical health issues. She is currently the executive director of Gabby’s Grief Center in Monroe.

Members from The Garden Club of Houston joined the 21st Butterfly Luncheon benefiting Houston Hospice and its pediatric program for hospice patients, Friday, May 6, 2022 at The Junior League of Houston.

Members from The Garden Club of Houston joined the 21st Butterfly Luncheon benefiting Houston Hospice and its pediatric program for hospice patients, Friday, May 6, 2022 at The Junior League of Houston.

Emcee Lisa Malosky, a journalist and owner of Lisa Malosky Productions, introduced Rafko -Wilson, who gave a moving address, with the audience alternately laughing and crying. They listened to fascinating anecdotes about her own patients and patients that she met along the way in her activities as Miss America. She emphasized how her dad instilled in her a passion for helping others and that being Miss America was never her dream, but a step in her journey as a nurse in starting a hospice care service in her hometown.

The event was chaired by Janet McKenzie, while Sarita Armstrong Hixon, Houston Hospice advisor, was honorary co-chair, Friday, May 6, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Chair Joyce Salhoot, President & CEO Rana McClelland, Vice Chair Al Gatmaitain and Nancy Gatmaitain at the Houston Hospice 21st Butterfly Program May 6, 2022 at The Junior League of Houston

Houston Hospice Chair Joyce Salhoot, President & CEO Rana McClelland, Vice Chair Al Gatmaitain and Nancy Gatmaitain at the Houston Hospice 21st Butterfly Program May 6, 2022 at The Junior League of Houston.

As one of the core compassionate care services offered by Houston Hospice, The Butterfly Program is dedicated to the needs of children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Individualized care, education, advocacy, resources, and a dedicated hospice team are provided on a 24/7 basis. Additionally, the Butterfly Team consists of a pediatric physician, registered nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors and volunteers.

For more information about visit HoustonHospice.org or call 713-Hospice.

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