Two with strong ties to Ames Family Hospice House join foundation

Peggi Seelbach Mizen RN, a volunteer at  Ames Family Hospice House, has joined the board of the Hospice of the Western Reserve Foundation.

Peggi Seelbach Mizen, RN, has joined the board of the Hospice of the Western Reserve Foundation. After retiring from a 30-year nursing career, she has been serving as a hands-on care volunteer at Ames Family Hospice House. Also joining the board is Cynthia Ames Huffman, the daughter of B. Charles “Chuck” Ames, and Joyce “Jay” Eichhorn Ames. A gift from their Ames Family Foundation laid the groundwork for the Westlake facility to be built.

As a separate 501(c)(3) charity, the foundation was launched to foster community support for services relying on philanthropy, including music, art and pet therapies, palliative care, pediatric hospice and community grief support programs.

“When I became aware of the hands-on care volunteer program, I knew that was my fit,” Seelbach Mizen said. “I am passionate about Ames Family Hospice House. One of my favorite things to do is offer a warm blanket or to do something to make it nicer, like fluffing up the rollaway bedding when a family member is spending the night.”

Why did Seelbach Mizen decide to join the board? “Hospice allows loved ones to die in a much better way. It’s important people are aware they have a choice in their end-of-life decisions,” she said.

Ames Huffman, who worked as a paralegal for Thompson, Hine and Flory; marketing director for Bonne Bell; and, later, as the owner of an antiques business, is dedicated to carrying on her family’s legacy. “When the opportunity arose to join the board, I didn’t hesitate,” she said.

“Aside from my parents having been strong advocates, hospice was there for my father during his final days. We also feel so fortunate to have the support of their Western Reserve Navigator palliative care program to help my mother, who suffers from debilitating dementia. They are a great source of support and knowledge for both my mother and her full-time caretakers. I appreciate the opportunity to support an institution entirely built on caring for others. It’s important to help raise the funds needed so their mission can continue.”

Laurie Henrichsen

Laurie Henrichsen is Public/Media Relations Manager for Hospice of the Western Reserve.

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Volume 13, Issue 18, Posted 10:13 AM, 09.21.2021