Our Program on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 was incredible with Katie Lindenfelser presenting on Crescent Cove: Making Moments Count for Kids and thei
r Families for Respite and Hospice for Kids. We were literally moved to tears as she described her passion, love, care and efforts to bring hospice care for kids here in Minnesota. She said, “Crescent Cove offers care and support to children and young adults with a shortened life-expectancy, and their families who love them.” Katie went on to say, “Crescent Cove Respite & Hospice Home for Kids is a vibrant and joyful home-away-from home for kids with life-threatening conditions, where each moment is embraced and celebrated. All services and stays provided at Crescent Cove to kids and families are at no out-of-pocket cost thanks to the generosity of donors who make this possible.” Katie explained that pediatric hospice care is virtually nonexistent in our country and does not receive government support which is a goal she is working on with the Minnesota Legislature.
r Families for Respite and Hospice for Kids. We were literally moved to tears as she described her passion, love, care and efforts to bring hospice care for kids here in Minnesota. She said, “Crescent Cove offers care and support to children and young adults with a shortened life-expectancy, and their families who love them.” Katie went on to say, “Crescent Cove Respite & Hospice Home for Kids is a vibrant and joyful home-away-from home for kids with life-threatening conditions, where each moment is embraced and celebrated. All services and stays provided at Crescent Cove to kids and families are at no out-of-pocket cost thanks to the generosity of donors who make this possible.” Katie explained that pediatric hospice care is virtually nonexistent in our country and does not receive government support which is a goal she is working on with the Minnesota Legislature. Katie is a music therapist, massage therapist and reflexologist who has worked with children and young adults with a shortened life-expectancy and their families in the hospital, hospice and home-care setting. Following her training at Augsburg College, she first worked for Seasons Hospice in Chicago, IL where she provided music therapy to many children at the end of life and for their families through bereavement. She then returned to Minnesota to provide music therapy at Ridgeview Hospice and at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital. Her dream has turned into reality as she is the Founder and Executive Director of Crescent Cove now located in Brooklyn Center on the shore of Twin Lakes. We were amazed to hear that Crescent Cove offers Stays range from 1-7 days at a time and families receive 15 days of respite per year with 24/7 care provided by RN’s and CNA’s (12-hour shifts). Medical orders are signed by the child’s primary care team and work with medical director of Crescent Cove. The Integrative therapeutic care are awesome offering Music Therapy, Pet Therapy, Massage Therapy, Yoga, Healing Touch/Reiki, Child/Family Photo Sessions, Spiritual Care, Ziggy’s Art Bus, Boat Rides, and Helper Visits!
The personal stories involving the hospice kids and their families were joyful and heart wrenching at the same time. Maryah said “I am living with (not dying from) cancer.” And her mother Rachel said, "Crescent Cove's home is a place for children to live and love and find joy in moments of respite." Malikye said, “This place is paradise” and his little brother added, “This is heaven!” Lizzie’s mom said, ““I am grateful to those who support this mission for families like mine.” Her story was the focus of a New York Times story featuring her story and Crescent Cove. This was truly an amazing program and speaker!