Celebrating Care Reimagined Because of Our Donors
Thanks to your remarkable generosity, our two-year Care Reimagined fundraising campaign has been a resounding success. With your steadfast support, Bluegrass Care Navigators exceeded our ambitious $7 million goal by the December 31, 2025, deadline! This achievement ensures that we can continue to provide essential care and support to seriously and terminally ill individuals within our communities.
“Thanks to your incredible generosity, we didn’t just reach our goal, we surpassed it!” said Laura Klumb, Vice President of Philanthropy. “Our Caring Community continues to inspire us, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support, which allows us to provide compassionate care at the moments when it matters most for those facing serious illness.”
Our campaign was designed with three primary goals in mind: 1) to maintain our annual operations through the ongoing generosity of our supporters; 2) to expand and enhance innovative or under-reimbursed programs such as Medical Respite for individuals experiencing homelessness, Bright Path pediatric palliative care, Bluegrass Dementia Care, Bluegrass PACE Care, and Integrative Medicine; and 3) to secure the organization’s long-term sustainability by encouraging documented future gifts through thoughtful estate planning.
“Donors have always been the driving force behind our ability to innovate and deliver vital programs at Bluegrass Care Navigators,” said Liz Fowler, President. “Because of your generosity, we are able to continually grow and adapt our services, ensuring that we remain a trusted and leading provider of healthcare for frail older adults, as well as those facing serious and terminal illness. Your partnership empowers us to serve patients and families now and for generations to come. Thank you for making this meaningful work possible!”
Scan the QR code for an insider’s look at the campaign and to see how your donations are being put to work to further our care delivery.
FEBRUARY
Honoring Loved Ones on Children’s Grief Awareness Day
BCN teamed up with the Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families and LexArts to host “A Seat at the Table,” an event that created space for children to express their grief and remember their loved ones on November 20. Families gathered to share a meal and participate in meaningful memory activities, including creating personalized placemats, along with other art pieces that reflect the stories and legacies of their loved ones.
As part of this event, Kentucky artists collaborated with three families to paint chairs in memory of their loved one. These chairs reflect the person’s personality or something that was meaningful to the individual and family. A fourth chair was created and will be part of the BCN collection. These pieces of art remind us that grief takes a seat at every family table when a loved one dies and reminds us that one in nine children will experience the death of a parent, caregiver or sibling by age 18.
At Bluegrass Care Navigators, we believe that no child should grieve alone. Our bereavement team provides free grief support to anyone in the community, not just the families of our patients. Whether through one-on-one counseling, support groups, or special events, we are here to walk alongside children and adults on their grief journeys.
If you or someone you know needs grief care, we are here—today and always. Call
Grief Client Spreads Holiday Cheer
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Milo Golding for his ongoing and unwavering support for our patients and families. This holiday season, Milo and his family donned their Santa hats and brought joy to children in our community grief program by purchasing gifts for those who might not have received any otherwise. Milo lost his father unexpectedly at a young age and found solace through our grief services. Since then, he and his family have turned this personal tragedy into an annual act of kindness, ensuring that others in need experience the magic of Christmas. Thank you, Milo, for spreading holiday cheer and transforming your grief journey into hope for many.
Teaming Up with Community Partners to Deliver Joy During the Holiday Season
We are beyond grateful for all our community partners and individual donors who teamed up to spread holiday cheer and meals to our patients and families. A big thank you to:
Hallway Feeds and their Employee Assistance Fund who helped us provide wonderful holiday meals to hospice patients, families and team members at the Bluegrass Hospice Care Center at UK Healthcare and in the other hospitals in Lexington. These meals brought a touch of warmth and happiness during the holiday season. We’re grateful to Hallway Feeds for their continued support in making the holidays special for our patients and families year after year!
Republic Bank for their generous sponsorship of Thanksgiving meals for hospice patients in our in-patient unit at UK Healthcare as well as scatter beds across Lexington hospitals. Their ongoing commitment allows our volunteers to provide comfort and good food on Thanksgiving Day, making a significant impact on the lives of our patients and their families. We deeply appreciate your partnership in this valuable act of kindness!
Save-A-Lot at Grand Vue Plaza in Hazard and their customers
Holiday Meal bags for some of our patients, which included mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, mac and cheese, and dessert. Thanks to their support, 65 patients and families in our Hazard, Pikeville, and Barbourville regions enjoyed brighter holidays despite food insecurity. Thank you for making a difference in our communities this season!
Woodford, Kelli, Ford, Greer and Julie Webb, of Lexington, Ky., who brought holiday cheer to the Greg and Noreen Wells Bluegrass Hospice Care Center by providing delicious meals for patients, families, and staff. Thanks to their generosity, everyone enjoyed festive dishes on both Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, helping to create a warm and joyful atmosphere throughout the holiday season.
Phi Beta Psi - Eta Alpha Chapter who funded holiday meals for food-insecure patients and families in our Frankfort region. Your generosity made the holiday season a little bit brighter and we appreciate your support! Thank you for your commitment to our mission and for providing peace and joy to our patients and families.
Save the Date for Camp Hope 2026!
Bluegrass Care Navigators invites children and teens coping with loss to join us for Camp Hope, a free, one-day bereavement camp offering healing activities, peer support, and fun in nature.
Register for Camp Hope at bgcarenav.org/camp-hope
Central Kentucky
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Central KY Riding for Hope within the Kentucky Horse Park
Southeastern Kentucky
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bluegrass Care Navigators
Hazard Regional Office
Frankfort Toyota Helps Us Start 2026 with a Bang
A big thank you to Eric Clark for stopping by the Frankfort office on the last day of the year with a generous donation from Frankfort Toyota! We appreciate your continued support of Bluegrass Care Navigators that helps us provide comfort, dignity, and high-quality, patient-centered care to seriously ill patients and their families. Thank you for partnering with us so we can continue to go above and beyond to meet the needs of
BCN Celebrates National Philanthropy Day Recipient
Bluegrass Care Navigators was proud to recognize HDR, Inc. and the HDR Foundation, as our honoree at the 2025 National Philanthropy Day luncheon in Lexington on November 13.
With generous support from the HDR Foundation, Bluegrass Care Navigators’ PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program acquired six portable stairlifts, enhancing safe and reliable transportation for participants from home to comprehensive care. This critical investment helps low-income seniors maintain independence, access essential medical services, socialize with friends, and age in place with dignity and peace of mind rather than moving to a nursing home.
“We were excited to support Bluegrass PACE Care with this HDR Foundation grant to reduce transportation challenges for PACE participants,” said Mark Day, BCN Board Past Chair and Office Principal for HDR, Inc. in Lexington. “BCN’s unwavering commitment to compassionate and culturally sensitive care is truly inspiring.”
Thanks to their support, Bluegrass PACE Care enrolled its 100th participant this fall and continues to empower seniors in Fayette, Franklin, Anderson, Woodford and Jessamine Counties to live independently. PACE provides personalized support to help adults 55+ stay safe and comfortable at home by providing healthcare plans, transportation, nutritious meals, and engaging activities at the PACE Center.
“Bluegrass Care Navigators is incredibly grateful to organizations like the HDR Foundation that award funding to support our services to seriously ill or medically frail
individuals,” Liz Fowler, President and CEO of BCN, said. “Their generosity improves accessibility and mobility for our PACE participants, enhancing their quality of life and enabling them to receive the care they need.”
HDR, Inc. is a global firm specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental, and construction services, with an office in Lexington. HDR Foundation serves as the employeefunded, employee-driven charitable arm of HDR, Inc. with a focus on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. HDR employees are dedicated each day to helping the communities where they live and work.
Person-Centered Care Makes a Difference for the Hoffstedder Family
Team BCN brought compassionate, personalized care to Tim and Helen Hoffstedder during a challenging chapter in their lives.
After receiving a dementia diagnosis almost seven years ago, Helen’s family did their best to care for her at home. When she required additional support, they moved her to ColdSpring Transitional Care where she could receive highquality care around the clock. In February 2024, she began retaining fluid and had difficulty breathing. The team at ColdSpring Care referred the family to Bluegrass Hospice Care and that extra support brought her husband Tim immense reassurance.
“We genuinely love working with Bluegrass Care Navigators,” Tammy Walwark, Director of Nursing at ColdSpring Care, said. “The relationship we share is special, and the collaboration between our teams is something we’re really proud of. When patients and families face some of the most challenging moments of their lives, we come together, lean on one another, and work through them as a team, even when it isn’t easy. That partnership is rooted in doing what’s right for the patient, always. And that shared commitment makes all the difference.”
As of January 2026, Helen receives regular visits from BCN’s team of doctors, nurses, CNAs, social workers and chaplains,
KEMI Generously Supports Bluegrass Care Navigators
A heartfelt thank you to KEMI for their invaluable support of Bluegrass Care Navigators’ mission this year! Your generosity ensures that no one is denied hospice care due to financial constraints. Additionally, your contributions enable our team to provide essential supplies and a variety of additional services, such as grief counseling and therapies in art, music, and massage. We are profoundly grateful for your donation and honored to continue serving families in our community in 2026.
in addition to the services provided by ColdSpring Care. Both organizations focus on surrounding the Hoffstedder family with empathy, compassion and dignity.
“I see her once per week, and more as needed,” Brea Storms, BCN RN in the Northern Kentucky region, said. “Because ColdSpring referred this family to our services early in the journey, we have been able to help improve her quality of life and allowed the family more time to create memories with her.”
BCN’s expert interventions improved her quality of life.
“Peace of mind is everything. Bluegrass Care Navigators truly understands what Helen is going through, and they communicate like real people, listen to our needs, and recommend the right equipment to keep her comfortable,” Tim said. “I’m so grateful knowing she’s getting the best care possible thanks to the relationship between ColdSpring and BCN.”
As her symptoms eased, her mental status improved. Now, when Tim visits, he is sometimes rewarded with a precious smile from Helen.
“At the end of the day, everyone shares the same goal, to do what’s right for the patient,” Walwark said. “When organizations work together with that mindset, we can create something truly meaningful for both patients and their families during a time of real need.”
Pikeville Team Goes Above and Beyond to Provide Comfort and Care
by Lisa Lewis, Support Center RN
As a Support Center RN, I’ve witnessed many moments of compassion, but few have touched me as deeply as the call I received from a patient’s wife in our Pikeville region. She shared how our nurse, Tiffany Little (RN), provided care with such warmth and dedication that her presence brought genuine comfort and support to their lives.
The wife said that Tiffany approached every visit with warmth and kindness, never treating it as simply a “job.”
The wife described how Tiffany listened, talked, and truly cared, going the extra mile to ensure the family felt seen and supported beyond her official duties. The wife’s grief and gratitude were palpable, and I couldn’t help but shed a tear filled with both happiness and sadness. The wife also praised the entire Pikeville team for their professionalism and heartfelt compassion.
Moments like these remind me of the profound impact our team has on families, renewing my faith in the difference we make and leaving me grateful to serve alongside such dedicated colleagues.
Bluegrass PACE Participants Celebrate the Holiday Season
The Bluegrass PACE Care team and participants kicked off the holiday season with their annual Thanksgiving lunch. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and joy, as everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and each other’s company. The PACE team continued to celebrate the holiday season with fun activities in the weeks to come. These cherished events are just one example of the supportive environment Bluegrass PACE Care provides for adults 55 and older. Through PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), older adults receive comprehensive health care, social activities, and personalized support to help them remain independent and engaged in their communities. The Thanksgiving lunch and Holiday celebrations reflect PACE’s commitment to fostering connection, well-being, and dignity for all participants, ensuring that everyone feels valued and cared for not only during the holidays, but all year round.
We love to hear how our services have touched your family’s life. Please take a quick moment to tell us how our staff, our services or our support has made a difference in your life or the life of someone you love.
Lexington-Based Volunteer Receives National Volunteer of the Year Award
Bluegrass Care Navigator’s Lexington-based volunteer Kate Fresca has been honored by the National Alliance for Care at Home, receiving the national Volunteer of the Year award at the Alliance’s Annual Meeting & Exposition in New Orleans in November. The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes outstanding volunteers or teams whose contributions have made a meaningful impact on care in the home.
“We celebrate Kate for embodying the spirit of service, compassion, and dedication that has a meaningful impact on our patients and families,” said Melanie Hagan, CVA, BCN Volunteer and Community Liaison in the Lexington region.
Congratulations Kate and thank you for being a valuable part of team!
BCN and Rohs Opera House Host Movies Are Medicine Series
Bluegrass Care Navigators recently hosted free movie afternoons at the historic Rohs Opera House in Cynthiana, uniting community members for joyful gatherings made possible by the venue’s generous hospitality. Attendees enjoyed not only fantastic films, such as Driving Miss Daisy, Rear Window and White Christmas, but also the opportunity to connect with Bluegrass Care Navigators’ staff and volunteers. Our team was thrilled to share information about the many ways we support individuals and families, answering questions and forming new connections with local residents. Events like these highlight the importance of community partnerships and remind us of the power of togetherness. We extend our sincere thanks to Rohs Opera House and everyone who joined us for making the matinee events truly special!
Leave a Legacy of Compassion: Planned Giving with Bluegrass Care Navigators
The connections we nurture throughout our lives have the power to shape not only our present, but also the future of our communities and the well-being of those we hold dear. Many friends of Bluegrass Care Navigators have already made a wonderful impact by supporting our mission to provide compassionate care and guidance through life’s most challenging journeys.
Some supporters choose to extend their legacy further by making a thoughtful, deferred gift, such as including Bluegrass Care Navigators as a beneficiary to their IRA or life insurance, establishing a bequest in their will or trust, or creating a charitable gift annuity.
Ready to Learn More? If you’d like to discuss how your planned gift can make a difference, or if you’ve already included us in your estate plans, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact Laura Klumb, VP of Philanthropy, at 859.296.6865 or lklumb@bgcarenav.org to start a conversation about your legacy. Thank you for considering this lasting gesture of love for our mission and those we serve.