| | |  Vallarta Living 
Calidad de Vida Hospice Future Uncertain
 PVNN
October 16, 2010
To the Supporters of Calidad de Vida Hospice:
John and Lisa Ozzello came to Puerto Vallarta from Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2008 and recognized a need for in-home hospice or palliative care services. An AC (non-profit) Corporation was legally set up and a dynamic, committed volunteer board was recruited.
John Ozzello became the volunteer president of the Board of Directors and the intention was for Lisa Ozzello to be the Director of the agency, based on her administrative background in hospice and the fact that she has been a registered nurse in the U.S. for 30 years.
A wonderful and successful fundraiser was held on April 18th, 2010 at Casa Isabel. Many people turned out, showing their support and commitment to hospice services in Puerto Vallarta. Less than a month later, John Ozzello became critically ill and all progress on Calidad de Vida was halted.
John’s illness was so serious that he was never again verbal after May 17th; but there was optimism for his cognitive recovery. Whether it was realistic or not, there was a hope that somehow the dream of hospice in the Puerto Vallarta area could continue.
The Ozzello’s own experience clearly demonstrated how much this service is needed, and the extent of education required for the local doctors and nurses. Kindly, the other board members and supporters did not pressure Lisa during the seven weeks of John’s illness. It was known the money raised was safe and in time, appropriate decisions would be made.
John died July 7th in his home in Bucerías, surrounded by people he loved, in peace and comfort. Before he died, Lisa promised John that she would not make any rash decisions about her own or the agency’s future. A basic tenet of hospice philosophy is that the families should make no major decisions during the first year of bereavement.
After his death, Lisa immediately returned with John’s ashes to his birthplace in Colorado for his service, and to be comforted by friends and family. She returned to Puerto Vallarta mid-August with the intention of beginning the healing process, and to determine the most rational course for the future of the hospice, based upon the life-changing events in her own life.
Two weeks ago Lisa determined that she is unable to continue working with death and dying at this time. The board of Calidad de Vida will meet within the week to make decisions about the future of the hospice. A quorum is necessary to make the necessary decisions. There will be a public statement made regarding their decision. The board has operated with consistent integrity and compassion throughout this ordeal.
We hope people can understand that the work of the board and everyone who supported Calidad de Vida is greatly appreciated. No one could have foreseen a tragedy like this. We hope that hospice is developed in our community. Thank you all very much for your patience and belief in not only the project, but the integrity of the people involved.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors of Calidad de Vida |
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