Life was good for Ed and Patty McDaniel…
Retired, living on Canadarago Lake, traveling, and enjoying each other’s company. Ed, a strong swimmer, swam “100 strokes out” each day until his cancer diagnosis in September 2022 changed everything.
As Ed’s condition worsened, Patty became his primary caregiver, juggling emotional, medical and daily support alone. Overwhelmed, she turned to Helios Care for caregiver support.
Our Social Work team was the first to extend a lifeline, offering resources and a community of support for Patty. Individual counseling and engaging the Helios Care Caregiver Support Group provided a safe space where she could share her struggles and find comfort in the company of others who understood.
As Ed’s health declined and the demands of caregiving grew heavier, Patty found herself physically and emotionally drained. After a fall Ed was hospitalized, and they elected his Medicare Hospice benefit – Helios Care responded without delay – offering the gift of respite. For five nights, Ed was cared for in the hospital, and Patty was finally able to rest, knowing he was in good hands. It was the first real moment of peace she had felt in months.
“He was battling it, but it was taking a toll on me, too. I always felt like I should be doing the caregiver job better than I was.”
When Ed came home form the hospital, our team was there to wrap both Ed and Patty in support. Beyond Ed’s care team, our volunteers gave Patty precious moments to breathe, take a trip to the grocery store, or just simply exist beyond the demands of caregiving. “A little vacation,” she called it. “They were there to take care of Ed, but they saw me, too,” Patty said, “I never felt like they were just coming in and then on to the next job.”
Even at 2 a.m. when fear and exhaustion weighed heavy, Patty could call Helios Care and someone would answer. “Caregivers don’t know how long it’s going to continue, so calling gave me strength and reassurance, and somebody to validate my reality of it, someone to hear me.”
Ed stayed strong of mind till the very end, determined to beat cancer with sheer will, and always ready to swim “100 strokes out”. He passed away at home with his loving wife the day before Christmas. In the months that followed, Patty came to understand her difficult journey in grief. Patty joined one of the Helios Care Grief Support Groups where she learned that just saying her story out loud could help her begin to heal.
Patty’s story is a reminder that Helios Care offers more than expert medical support – we bring comfort, guidance, and hope to every step of the journey. Through life’s most difficult moments, we’re there for patients and the people who love them. If you’re caring for someone and feeling overwhelmed, Helios Care is here to walk beside you.
Patty and Ed at Hillsbrough Castle in Northern Ireland
Patty holding Ed’s picture
Your generosity ensures that families like Patty and Ed’s never walk this path alone. Your gift helps us continue to provide support groups in our community, answer those 2 a.m. calls, provide a healing touch, and give moments of peace to those who need it most.
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. On behalf of the patients and families we are privileged to serve, thank you.
Your donation stays right here in our community and helps local residents. Thank you for caring!
Make your tax-deductible donation today: www.helioscare.org/donate
