A good time for a good cause: Menard was "in the house" for HOSA

By: Paige Wright

The West Texas Rehabilitation Center’s Hospice of San Angelo held their 5th Annual Dancing with the San Angelo Stars fundraising event last Thursday evening. During the show, ten “stars” from across the Concho Valley danced on stage with their professional partner in a competition for the prized Mirror Ball Trophy. The raising of funds materializes through a complex formula: One vote is equal to one dollar. The star who gets the most votes— raises the most money for HOSA— is crowned the DWTSAS champion.

Menard was well-represented at the event. The family of the late Felix Zapata of Menard was present for the show, and their hospice story was the primary film shown at the beginning of the soldout gathering. The emotional short film featured interviews with Felix’s wife Elia and daughter Debbie Contreras. They detailed first-hand the significance HOSA’s presence provides every single day for families just like theirs and mine. If you may be in need of HOSA’s services, please watch Elia and Debbie’s commentary on how calling in hospice was “The best decision I ever made for him and myself.” You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npYikPP3eQI

In the video, Elia admits that she was hesitant to call in hospice as Felix’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia progressed. When he eventually suffered a debilitating stroke, the family realized it was time to get help. Once the Zapatas were on the receiving end of HOSA care they knew they had made the right decision for them, and definitely for Felix as his condition declined.

Under the tutelage of West Texas Rehabilitation Center (WTRC), HOSA has served San Angelo and the Concho Valley, including Menard, for over 30 years. They are the only local, non-profit hospice serving San Angelo and on to our area. They provide end-of-life care when medical treatments do not offer a cure, or a patient is facing a life-limiting illness or injury. They provide in-home medical (and emotional care) and equipment where a patient is most comfortable—usually in their home. HOSA goes way beyond just medical attention. From the nurses with boots-on-the-ground to an office worker answering the phone, these people are THERE for the patient and families in so many ways. Even after the death of a patient the organization devotes a minimum 18 months of follow-up with the family. I cannot go into additional detail because I am already long-winded and could go on and on. The main point is HOSA and their employees are basically angels sent from Heaven.

It is understandable that one may put off calling in hospice services. During such a tumultuous time, you may think ‘that’s for other people; I can manage,’ or anticipate a feeling of guilt. My family and Elia’s both will assure you that in a similar situation, your best bet is HOSA. I confess it seems a little odd inviting virtual strangers inside your home, alongside your ailing loved-one’s bedside, no less. Most of us have some type of dehumanizing or awkward tale from receiving medical care in the past. It’s not comfortable. It’s cold. And sterile. I don’t know who trains these folks but this staff is cut from a special and rare cloth. They are respectful and understanding; knowledgeable and patient. You will trust them inside your home and with your loved ones in such a vulnerable time of life.

Last week's showbiz event is no drop in the bucket for the organization; it raises serious money. This year, over $530,000 was collected for West Texas Rehab’s Hospice of San Angelo through the fundraiser. In addition to votes for the stars, two spots on the DWTSAS 2024 stage were sold during a live auction. Just these two auctions brought in around $40,000! Those auction buyers will each have a spot to dance next year as a star, or they can pass it on to their offspring, like the buyer did last year. Last year’s auction winner was former DWTSAS “star” Bridget Carr, owner of Bug Express in San Angelo. Her generous donation last year secured a spot for her 14-year-old son Bryce to dance this year. Bryce then won this competition by bringing in over a rumored $100,000. WOW! I say rumored because WTRC chooses not to publicize individual stars’ total funds raised.

In addition to featuring the Zapata family last week, my husband (and native Menardian) Tyler Wright performed that evening as a “star.”

Tyler and I had long heard what a fun time this get-together was, but we had never attended until he was a participant. Last fall he got a call asking him to commit to being a “star” in the 2023 fundraiser. There was zero hesitation on his part for a couple of reasons. Most importantly, the show raises funds for HOSA, a cause near and dear to Tyler’s heart. Second, he’s a good dancer. He is blessed with innate rhythm and feels at home on a stage. As opposed to me, who requires a minimum of 2.5 Michelob Ultras prior to possessing the ability to clap in synch with a beat.

In 2019, Tyler’s mother Hedy Wright was diagnosed with overwhelming stage 4 cancer in several places within her body. The disease was beyond any treatment doctors could provide; she was sent home to Menard on hospice, under the care of HOSA. This is when we personally experienced the true wonders of hospice care in general, but specifically HOSA. Hedy rallied a bit after coming home. We chuckled that she was on hospice care, but that didn’t stop her from picking up grandkids for an afterschool snow cone on occasion. HOSA was there, living those memories with us. Toward the end, when it got bad and reality forced its way in, HOSA was like having trusted family members involved in keeping her comfortable. I believe each nurse or tech who passed through her door was there to earnestly do what was best for her. They answered all my ignorant medical questions with patience, explained to the family what was probably going to take place, what that looks like, and what to expect.

“Non-profit” medical care kind of seems like an oxymoron in America these days, but that is in fact how HOSA operates. Whether the patient or family can afford it or not, HOSA’s treatment is provided almost always FREE OF CHARGE. That’s why it’s a good thing, instead of an excessive thing, that they can raise over a half-million dollars with one event.

As far as last Thursday went, THANK YOU to all who “voted” for Tyler. And there were a lot! We appreciate your support. Tyler was named Best Male Star and got a slightly-smaller- but-bigger-than-most-others mirror ball trophy. His professional partner was Erin Lane, Artistic Director at Ballet San Angelo. Erin came up with the choreography to a great mix of early ‘90s country music with a splash of ‘90s-era rap so Tyler could really show his moves. There may have been a faux rat-tail hairpiece involved, and the splits accomplished on stage. I will not confirm or deny that allegation. You can watch the dancers' performances here: Dancing With the San Angelo Stars 2023 (conchovalleyhomepage.com)

This reads like a HOSA nurse groupie blog, but it’s the truth. I want people to understand how great this organization is, what all they can offer, and what a weight off your shoulders they can provide. No one else should hesitate or feel guilt about inquiring. If you need them, please call them. Their number is 325-658-8895. They also have a Facebook page through West Texas Rehab Center. Visit their website here: Welcome | West Texas Rehabilitation Center | Proudly serving children and adults across West Texas providing outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiology, orthotics, prosthetics, and hospice care