Providing care and support to terminally ill children and their families.

Keystone Hospice has established The George Fund, named in memory of George Hedges Pappert, who died on January 12, 2008, eight days before his fifth birthday and 18 months after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The fund is dedicated exclusively to providing care and support to terminally ill children and their families.

An extraordinary response by friends of the Pappert family led Keystone Hospice to establish the memorial fund in George’s honor. Jerry Pappert, George’s father, stated, “We are so grateful to everyone who has supported the establishment of The George Fund. George was a special child who made a tremendous impact on everyone who met him. Through his Fund, he will continue to touch other children and their families as they face life’s greatest challenge.”

Said Gail Inderwies, Keystone’s President and Executive Director, “Establishing a fund that is dedicated solely to pediatric care is both invaluable and timely. It will be a Godsend for families who need assistance with this very specialized care, medication or equipment. That the fund should be named after George, a darling, active little boy, who stole the hearts of everyone who knew him, is very fitting. We are deeply indebted to The George Fund donors and to the Pappert family for continuing the tradition. Many children and their families will benefit as a result.”

Keystone Hospice was the first hospice in southeastern Pennsylvania to offer home-based pediatric care, which it has done since its inception in 1995. Additionally, Keystone has successfully petitioned the state on a case-by-case basis to permit it to provide residential care in Keystone House for children and young adults whose care cannot be managed at home.

The specialized nature of pediatric hospice care makes it nearly three times more expensive than adult hospice care. In addition to specialized staff, children must be seen more frequently and Keystone’s comprehensive care includes therapies that are additional to the core hospice program. Music, art and movement therapy are especially effective in enhancing the quality of life for children and families by providing opportunities for play, expression of feelings, reducing stress and creating positive memories. Bereavement counselors are available to work with the family for a minimum of a year and a half following a loss and for as long as their care is needed. Children also require specially sized equipment and specifically compounded medications. The cost of pediatric hospice services may put them out of reach of families who desperately need them. The George Fund will help to make them accessible and affordable.

For more information about the George Fund, please contact Rosemary Twomey, Vice President of Development, by e-mail at rtwomey@keystonecare.com or by calling (215) 836-2440.

To make a donation to The George Fund, please click on the link below and follow the steps as described within PayPal to process your donation. Should you experience any difficulty or have any questions regarding the donation process, please contact our Finance Department by calling (215) 836-2440.

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