Regional Hospice and Palliative Care finds new support from the Mohegan Tribe and KOTA

On Friday, July 12th, Regional Hospice and Palliative Care (RHPC) welcomed Mohegan tribal members to the Center for Comfort Care and Healing for a traditional ceremonial blessing. The purpose of the gathering was to nurture a growing relationship between Regional Hospice, the Mohegan Tribe and KOTA (a Mohegan Holding’s Company), and to set a clear intention for the future of RHPC as it embarks on the construction of new purpose-built pediatric hospice suites, which will be the pediatric-centered hospice unit nationwide.

The gathering was attended by tribal member, Brian “Broken Arrow” Bozsum, his brother a past Chairman of the tribe and currently a Council Elder and official Pipe Carrier, Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, and RHPC staff and volunteer Board Members.  It began with warm introduction over lunch prepared by Regional Hospice chefs, followed by a traditional blessing at the main entrance of RHPC’s Center for Comfort Care and Healing.

Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum led the ceremony, which involved the burning of sage, a sacred herb that has been used for centuries by Native Americans and other indigenous cultures in purification ceremonies. While the group stood silently in a circle, the Mohegan spiritual leader recited a Native prayer while fanning the smoke; it is viewed as a connection to the spirit world. As the smoke drifted toward the threshold of Regional Hospice, the sky opened to a soft steady summer rain, a positive and fitting symbol that day, one that represents renewal, growth and upcoming change.

Earlier in the month, Brian “Broken Arrow” Bozsum who runs Business Development for KOTA, showed his support of Regional Hospice’s mission with a substantial gift of nearly $100,000 worth of media equipment to enhance the patient experience in the Center. Included in the donation were new televisions, virtual reality headsets and wireless headphones. All items will be used for the benefit of patients and their loved ones.

Regional Hospice was deeply touched by the Mohegan tribe and KOTA’s generous gift and the ceremonial blessing delivered on its grounds.  “We are moving into an incredible new relationship with the Mohegan tribe and KOTA, one that we look forward to growing and nurturing,” said Cynthia Emiry Roy, President & CEO of Regional Hospice and Palliative Care. “It is a relationship we treasure.” 

 

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Submitted by Danbury, CT

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