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Eagles Club among donors of JRMC's Annual Polar Pig fundraising event, hospice services to benefit

The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.s) understand the impact a quality hospice program has on a community. Jamestown Regional Medical Center's Hospice program has made such an impact on the members of their group. That's why they host the Polar Pig "Walk the Plank" fundraiser each year.

Proceeds provide important areas of hospice care, including chaplaincy, grief support, medical supplies and equipment, telecare and comfort items. This year's event also benefits the JRMC Cancer Center.

"Hospice is so important and makes a difference for patients and their families," said Marla Wegner. Wegner and her husband, Don, started the event with the motorcycle group in 2007. In 15 years, they've raised more than $230,000.

"I just didn't know if we'd be able to do anything this year," Marla said.

After a few planning meetings, the H.O.G.s decided they couldn't cancel this year's event, especially when patients and staff needed care the most. However, to accommodate pandemic precautions, an online auction is sponsored by Orr Auctioneers and "walk the plank" is now an ice bucket challenge.

JRMC Hospice care never quit during the pandemic.

"We've supported patients, family and long-term care facilities during visitor restrictions. It is hard when family and friends can't be close," said Shar Trevithick, JRMC Home Health & Hospice manager. "However, as always, when a patient needs us, we can be by their side in 30 minutes."

For 25 years, JRMC Hospice has been an essential component of compassionate end-of-life care. It encourages individuals with a terminal diagnosis to enroll when they become eligible.

"Hospice best serves individuals when we are involved soon after stopping curative treatment. If you are in this situation, we can answer questions about the changes occurring for the individual and the family," Trevithick said.

The JRMC team focuses on comfort by controlling pain and other systems so the patient can remain as alert and comfortable as possible. Hospice also has a social work team which helps the patient and family understand and cope. The chaplain provides additional spiritual support and grief counseling.

Care is available in the patient's home, whether that is a home address, nursing home, assisted living community, independent living community or other location. A referral is not required; patients and families can choose JRMC Hospice.

Chad Henningsgard is also dedicated to the event. Before he jumped in his first Polar Pig "Walk the Plank" in 2014, Henningsgard collected more than $1,500 in donations from businesses and individuals in the Valley City, New Rockford and surrounding areas. This year he is back. Already, he's collected more than $4,000 in donations and auction items.

Months before the event, Henningsgard spends hours and days raising money for the cause. He likes the work, but declines the attention.

"This isn't about me, it's about hospice and raising money for those who need it," he said. "I feel guilty that I've gotten second chances in my life. Helping hospice is a way to give back. Many thanks to everyone that donated."

Henningsgard has seen the work of JRMC Hospice firsthand. "A friend asked me to help," he said about being a caregiver to someone he barely knew. "I lived with him for six months and the nurses who came to support us were wonderful."

He also has a special message, "Many thanks to New Rockford Eagles club board and members for their donation. Funds will be used to give people with Hospice care for the terminally ill patients and people with cancer."

The Polar Pig "Ice Bucket Challenge" is set for noon Sat., Jan. 30, with a chili feed beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Stutsman Harley-Davidson. The online auction starts Mon., Jan. 25 and ends at 2 p.m. on the event day. Support the cause by bidding or donating auction items, making donations, or sharing a photo on Facebook for the challenge.

Special gifts include:

• Fraternal Order of Eagles Midway 2923

• New Rockford Fraternal Order of Eagles

• Valley City Stutsman Harley Davidson

• Jamestown District 8 ABATE

• Sanford Health, Jamestown

• J & L Bar and Grill, Sanborn

• Page Fire Department

Thundering Saints, Valley City

• Wilhelm Chevrolet Buick GMC, Jamestown

For questions, contact Don Wegner at (701) 269-7047 or Stutsman-Harley Davidson at (701) 252-5271. To support JRMC, visit http://www.jrmcnd.com/giving.

About Jamestown

Regional Medical Center

Jamestown Regional Medical Center serves approximately 55,000 people in nine counties. In 2019, it was named a "Top 100 Critical Access Hospital" for the sixth consecutive year. For more information, visit http://www.jrmcnd.com or call (701) 952-1050.