Kristine Cicchetti
Rita's Robes
Fundraising for HopeHealth
Story
Update:
It's March 2023 - Hospice is nearing the end of its "Rita's Robes" supply yet again!! We are hoping you can support this project with a tax-deductible donation. When we started this project, we knew it would impact the families - what we didn't expect was how it would impact the staff of the Hospice.
"Usually, the family will step out during personal care, and the nurses get so excited because they do this as a surprise so when the family comes back in the room, there is their mom all cleaned up, groomed, and in a beautiful Rita's Robe," said Flaxington. "Anything we can do to ease this journey for the family is a plus; that little bit of lightness in a dark situation is helpful."
Our Story:
In February 2020, our mom Rita spent her last week of life in the HopeHealth Hospice Center in RI. The staff at Hospice were terrific - the nurses, doctors, caseworkers, Chaplin, and care teams. They ensured that our mom and family had what we needed for those last days with her.
For those who knew our mom Rita – she spent many years making women feel pretty. From her early years in the 1960-70s doing numerous home parties selling women's fashions/jewelry to the 1980s when she owned Essentials Boutique (a fine clothing/lingerie store in Cranston). When she retired from working with the City of Cranston (at age 74), she would spend countless weekends every year at local festivals setting up her booth, "Rita's Fashion & Accessories," where she sold sparkly tops, jewelry, and accessories. She was famous for making her clothes unique by bedazzling them with rhinestones or sewing sequins. During her last days, it was only fitting that we didn't want to see her in a traditional hospital johnny. My sister Karla bought her some pretty cotton sleepwear with lace trim, and with the help of the staff at Hospice – we made sure that she looked her prettiest during her last few days, knowing that's how our mom would want to be.
After mom passed, we honored her by raising funds from family/friends to purchase adaptive women's nightgowns, "Rita's Robes." These are unique nightgowns open in the back for the nurses and care teams to care for patients effectively and are made of soft pretty cotton fabrics. We donated over 120 of them to Philip Hulitar Hospice Center to give to other families so they could also ensure their loved ones had something pretty to wear in their last days.
In November 2021, we did another donation drive as Hospice had run out; this time, we raised over $5,000, and we were able to donate over 250 Rita's Robes (and a few men's versions).
They cost approx. $24.00 each, and we would love to purchase more and need your help!
Over the few years, we have heard from several families and staff on how "Rita's Robes" have made an impact:
"My mother is a resident at Hattie Ide Chaffee nursing home in the hospice care program and recently received one of the adaptive nightgowns. Arriving in her room one day, seeing Mom in the pretty blue gown (her favorite color) made me smile. What a lovely way to honor and remember your mother and my family. Thank you very much. - The family of G. Heaney."
"Good Morning! My mom is currently on hospice services and has transitioned to end-of-life care. Kim, her hospice nurse, just came to visit and left her a "Rita's Robe." It's just beautiful and so appreciated (and unexpected). Best to you all!"
How Can YOU Help?
Support this project with a tax-deductible donation. All donations go directly to HopeHealth Hospice Center. Our family works with Hospice to order and pack and deliver the
robes to them.
You can donate online through the JustGiving online platform or mail a check directly to HopeHealth. All donations are tax-deductible!
If you prefer to Mail a check:
Philanthropy Department
HopeHealth
1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904
Please have the memo read: Rita’s Robes
We appreciate your donations; thank you!
Cal, Karla, Krissy & Anthony
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