This is Hazel’s story
This past June, Ms. Hazel turned 105 years young. She is engaging, vibrant, and full of life. Her smile lights up the room when you’re with her. Hazel started receiving MJHS Hospice services about a year ago. Our team provides care and support to manage her symptoms from chronic congestive heart failure. And, even though she is aware that she is on hospice, she doesn’t dwell on the end but instead focuses on living her last months to the fullest and with as much fun as possible. We are honored to be with Hazel to make this a reality.
Hazel loves to share stories of her youth when our team visits. Born in Staten Island in 1914, Hazel vividly remembers the day the stock market crashed and what it was like to live during the Great Depression. Hazel worked as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher for 40 years in the South Bronx. Her late husband Abraham whom she fondly calls Bremy was a social worker and eventually became the Director of the 96th Street YMCA.
Now living on the Upper East Side, Hazel fills her days reading the New York Times and watching TV to stay current with world news and politics. She always wants to look chic and presentable, still going to the salon to get her hair and nails done weekly. She enjoys romance novels and has a serious sweet tooth, especially for chocolate candies and ice cream. She looks forward to her phone calls with her “baby nephews,” who are 80 and 72 years young.
We recently recorded a video of Hazel singing with her music therapist. The video captures the essence of Hazel – and the care we provide. Programs like music therapy are only possible thanks to philanthropic support from donors like you. Thank you for helping us continue to bring joy through music.
