For those of you who do not know our dear friend and beloved co-worker Linda Nugent, here are a few things you should know about her: Linda is a 1978 alumni of Idabelle Firestone School of Nursing. She has worked in various nursing fields which include Labor & Delivery, Neonatal/Perinatal ICU, and helped to start the first children's home hospice care in Akron, OH. She has spent the past 19 years  working as a home hospice nurse providing compassionate care for many adult patient's during their end of life journey as well as providing emotional support and education to their caregivers. To help you understand the impact Linda has on her patients and families here is a quote from a daughter of one of Linda's patients who passed away in May of 2017: "Our family was blessed to have Linda Nugent as a RN case manager for my mom. Linda is the epitome of what it means to be a hospice nurse. Her kind, relaxed manner always put my mom at ease. My mom looked forward to Linda's visits as they would sit and visit about "everyday" things. During that wonderful exchange Linda was observing, assessing and gaining the vital information she needed from my mom. My mom never felt like she was being medically treated, yet Linda is keenly aware of her patient's ever changing needs and condition. Linda communicated easily with our family, gently informing us and supporting us as my mom began to decline. Linda brought compassion and quality to my mother's last months of life and always made her smile. We shall remain ever grateful."
Linda has been the beloved wife of Bill for the past 37 years. She is the loving mother to Britta and Emily, both in helping professions as well. She is an adored grandma to Piper and another grand daughter, Everley Hope, who will be joining the family this October.
Earlier this year, Linda was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. With her knowledge of health care, Linda knew she was in for a fight. She has courageously researched and sought treatment at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas after not given much hope from her local physicians. She has started chemotherapy and has a long road ahead of her. Unfortunately, Linda's health insurance does not cover her treatment at MD Anderson and this is depleting her & her husband's retirement savings to pay out of pocket. A PET scan alone has cost her over $10,000.
Linda was reluctant to agree to this fundraiser, stating it is very humbling. We as Linda's friends want to help in the only tangible way we can, by helping to  raise money in order to alleviate some of the financial burden. By taking away some of this financial stress,  Linda can focus more on fighting for her life. Please help in any way you can. No amount is too small. Thank you in advance for your love and support.