Presbyterian Healthcare 
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May 1, 2006 Contact: Marcia Meredith, Public and Media Relations Manager, 704-384-9669; Media Phone: 704-617-2631 |
CHARLOTTE, NC-- A Presbyterian hospice volunteer helped form a new community program that connects local restaurants to homebound hospice patients and their families.
The volunteer, Tavita Lambos, was recently assigned to care for a 94-year-old mother and a 75-year-old daughter who live together in their Charlotte home. Tavita provides the duo mother Maria and daughter Connie with companionship, transportation to medical appointments and other support.
A former New York social worker, Tavita quickly formed a bond with the pair. "Connie frequently tells me, 'You are the only one who can make my mom laugh.' And, 'God put you here to be my sister,'" said Tavita.
After a few weeks of visiting with Connie and Maria, Tavita noticed how difficult grocery shopping was for them. "If I wasnt available, they paid for someone to watch Maria while Connie shopped. Dining out isn't an option for them, given Maria's medical complications. So, I really wanted to do something special for them," recalled Tavita.
Tavita asked her 24-year-old son, Stratos, for help. As the co-owner of two Charlotte restaurants Ilios Noche and the new Nolen kitchen, he was able to quickly oblige his mother's request. "Growing up, my mom always told my siblings and I that there are so many people in the world who need to be helped. So, I did."
Since Connie craved a pizza, Stratos' team created one that Tavita delivered. "She loved it, but the pizza dough's consistency made it a bit hard for her to eat because of her sensitive teeth," said Tavita.The next time, Stratos prepared fresh pasta. "This dish was softer and lighter, complete with a wild mushroom crème sauce and fresh parmesan cheese," Stratos explained. The meal was a hit with Connie and Maria.
Tavita shared her meal success story with Christine Snipes, Presbyterian Hospitals hospice and palliative care community relations manager. Within a few weeks, an agreement was made to broaden this service to Presbyterian hospice patients throughout the Charlotte area.
"When dealing with an ailing loved one, family members of hospice patients often resort to a diet of unhealthy foods such as candy, popcorn and sodas because there is not enough time to dedicate to grocery shopping," explained Snipes. "Many times a relative doesnt want to leave their relative at home alone for too long, and eventually, their nutritious food supply at home suffers. Stratos and his mom are filling an important need in Charlotte with a program that has the potential to touch many lives."
Once unveiled to the public during the May 11 kick-off fundraiser at Nolen Kitchen, the public will have the option of ordering a meal for a hospice patient from Presbyterian Hospital's web site. After the meal is determined to be suitable for a patients dietary needs, a hospice volunteer will retrieve the meal from Nolen Kitchen or Ilios Noche and deliver it to families in need.
"I hope that our restaurants are just the first of many eateries in the area that choose to reach out to hospice patients," said Stratos. "I really want to use my restaurants to help others, and also set a good example that other dining establishments follow."
Stratos' wishes are quickly coming to light. A Huntersville restaurant and uptown Charlotte eatery heard about the program's upcoming launch and immediately asked to participate.
As for Tavita, who moved to Charlotte in January to be closer to her son, she isn't surprised that her request to her son has gone this far. "Growing up, his teachers would tell me they have never seen a child like Stratos, because he was so polite and kind," she said. "Hospice was there for my family during my husband's passing, and now, it's our turn to help others in a similar situation, too."
