"My Promise" by Joe Richardson II
In 2004, Sharon, my first wife of nearly 53 years, died. But her dream and mine of a Hospice home in Sheboygan County is becoming a reality.
Let me share with you how this happened. Sharon's doctor during the final 7 years of her life was Dr. Matthews. He would see her every other week and I would make it a point to also be present. During one of these sessions, Dr. Matthews mentioned the need for a hospice home in our county, and how he had been trying to make this happen.
Sharon and I looked to each other, and without speaking we knew that this was the kind of project we had been looking for. When we left Dr. Matthew's office we confirmed our unspoken thoughts. We would help plan and build a hospice home in Sheboygan County.
Sharon's condition worsened in 2004 and she agreed to enter a home hospice program. We were both impressed with the love and the care rendered by the wonderful caregivers in the home hospice program. Our ambitions to help build a hospice home were strengthened when we realized that many terminal patients couldn't die at home as Sharon was able to do. The only alternatives were a hospital or a nursing home.
A few days before Sharon's death, we were visited by Dr. Marshall Matthews, MD and Mary Mueller, RN. They shared with us some of the preliminary plans for a hospice home. Sharon and I both resolved to help make it happen. I promised Sharon that I would see this through and make sure it would happen and that it would be called Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
In the almost three years since Sharon's death on May 4, 2004, the Hospice Facility is well on the way to becoming a realty. The building is under construction on 10 acres on Hwy 28 in Sheboygan Falls with anticipated completion in time for our Grand Opening Celebration on September 24th, 2007. We have raised nearly $5 million of the $7 million needed to cover building and start-up costs.
My children, current wife Betty and I are grateful beyond words for the support received from the entire community for this important cause. The support of the over 750 contributors of gifts large and small will make the dream of a few, a reality for many will for years to come - a legacy of love.
Making a Vision a Reality
Joe Richardson II, who lost his wife, Sharon , to cancer in 2004, is committed to bringing a hospice home to
Sheboygan County. Local oncologist Dr. Marshall Matthews, who treated Sharon for 7 years, has had a dream
for a local residential hospice home for many years. Joe Richardson II and his children have pledged $1.5 million
toward making the dream of a hospice home a reality. Total cost for the building is $7.2 million. The design
will create a setting that feels more like a home than a hospital, but will offer all the latest state-of-the-art health care
features necessary to deliver the utmost care. The plan allows for an 18-bed facility (28,000 sq. ft.) in a quiet,
peaceful, garden-like environment.
A country location, just outside Sheboygan Falls and overlooking the Mullet River, has been selected for the Hospice Home.
The building will be sited adjacent to the Richardson property, ensuring a tranquil and peaceful
atmosphere for years to come. Therapeutic gardens, nature trails, and destination points will be incorporated into
the property. The Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice will be one of the most innovative of its kind in the nation.
Patients and families alike will enjoy the atmosphere of a country retreat.
The one-story structure creates a smaller-scale, less institutional appearance. Resident suites are designed with
two orientations to the exterior, extra space for families, maximized privacy, and control over the environment.
Each room will have access to private patio and garden spaces. A number of other accessible spaces, such as
a great room, dining room, chapel, library, children's play area, spa, and kitchen will be available to both residents
and family members.
The Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice will provide services based on need, regardless of financial resources.
