The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.s) made a big ‘splash’ this year. The group and 76 donors raised more than $16,000 at the 2023 Polar Pig event. But the event almost didn’t happen.
“We weren’t sure we’d have the volunteers to do the event this year,” said the current H.O.G.s President Duane Anderson. “But all the motorcycle clubs and jumpers came together and made it happen.”
H.O.G.s understand the impact Jamestown Regional Medical Center’s Hospice program has on a community. This year, 22 individuals walked the pirate ship plank, jumping into a pool of water in support of the cause.
Jumpers like Morgan Blaskowski of Flex & Flow in Jamestown shared personal stories and tributes. Blaskowski’s workout class participated this year and plans to jump again next year.
“We are jumping for health and wellness and to support our community,” she said at the event.
Jumpers also celebrated surviving cancer, in memory of loved ones and even getting drafted by the New York Mets.
“We are grateful for the H.O.G.s’ ability to bring back this tradition,” said Lisa Jackson, JRMC Foundation Director. “Everyone worked hard to fundraise and make it a great event.”
JRMC Hospice offers compassionate end-of-life care for individuals and their families in the last stages of an incurable disease.
“Hospice’s mission is to help individuals and their families through the special challenges of life’s last season. Our goal is to provide comfort through symptom control and support of the individual and their family throughout this process,” said Shar Trevithick, Home Health & Hospice manager. “We can’t thank the H.O.G.s enough for making this care possible.”
HOSPICE CARE AT HOME
The JRMC Hospice team provides care in the patient’s home, whether that is a home address, nursing home, assisted living community, independent living community or other location.
“With these gifts, JRMC Hospice also provides medical, emotional and spiritual care. Our caregivers know how to anticipate patient and family needs to comfort people when they need it the most,” Jackson said.
Jackson also extended a special thank you to the H.O.G.s, Stutsman Harley Davidson, Jamestown Individuals M.C., Ladies Individuals, M.C., Blue Jay Volleyball, Flex & Flow, El Zagal Clowns and all the individual jumpers and their sponsors.
“Hospice is so important and makes a difference for patients and their families,” said Marla Wegner. Wegner and her husband, Don, started the event with the motorcycle group in 2007. In that time, they’ve raised more than $260,000.
The JRMC Hospice team focuses on comfort by controlling pain and other systems so patients can remain as alert and comfortable as possible. Hospice also has a social work team that helps the patient and family understand and cope. The chaplain provides additional spiritual support and grief counseling.
“We’ve supported patients, family and long-term care facilities for more than 25 years,” Trevithick said. “When a patient needs us, we can be by their side in 30 minutes. We are grateful for this support to provide the best care.”
LEARN MORE