Life’s Big Moments Stories
The Roots of “Two Oak Trees”
Long before hospice and home care were widely understood, Lois Jelneck and Ingrid Deininger were quietly shaping what it meant to care for people at home in Ann Arbor, advocating for comfort, dignity, and being surrounded by those you love.
Bedside Vigil: A Special Volunteer Reflection
Listen as Hospice of Michigan volunteer Wanda shares what it means to be present during a bedside vigil, in conversation with Volunteer Coordinator Margo. She is one of more than 700 volunteers across the NorthStar Care Community whose compassion we are so grateful for each day.
Wood TV 8 Life’s Big Moments
Life's Big Moments in The News GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – For decades, Hospice of Michigan, a member of the Northstar Care Community, has been walking alongside patients and their families through the final months of their lives. They’ve recently launched a new...
Fox 17 Life’s Big Moments
Life's Big Moments in The News By: Nicole Stoner Posted 12:24 PM, Jun 05, 2025 Life is full of big moments, but often times, what can be perceived as "little" moments can become significant milestones in life. NorthStar Care Community's ongoing mission of providing...
More Life in Your Days
Hospice of Michigan social worker Christine Woloszyk shares heartfelt wisdom gathered over more than 30 years of helping others live fully, even in life’s most tender moments.
In a moving conversation with Jordan Carson, she reflects on what truly matters—and helps bring to life one patient’s extraordinary wish: Sheri’s dream to skydive.
A powerful reminder that even now, there is still so much life to be lived.
When a Child Says Thank You
There are moments in this work that do not fade.Moments that do not grow quieter with time. Moments that live in the heart long after the visit ends. For Dr. Bradd Hemker, pediatric hospice physician with NorthStar Care Community, one of those moments is simple. Profound. Sacred. It is when a child looks at him and says, “Thank you.”
Enduring Love
From the first “I love you” to the last goodbye—and beyond—love carries us. Jim shares his beautiful love letter and the legacy of love with his wife Judy in this February 2026 Life’s Big Moment’s story.
A Halloween Memory with My Dad
A Halloween Memory with My Dad This is a picture of my dad and me getting ready for a Halloween party. I am four years old. We must have decided to dress up as the Lone Ranger and Tonto. In the neighborhood I grew up in, my dad was always the designated parent to...
Jordan Carson named National Spokesperson for NorthStar Care Community Life’s Big Moments
Jordan Carson is a nationally award-winning journalist and television host with experience hosting live lifestyle talk shows, live reporting, red carpet coverage, and nationally acclaimed storytelling. Jordan's multicultural background allows her to connect with a...
NorthStar Care Community Partners with Beads of Courage, Inc.
New Beads of Courage® NorthStar Bead acknowledges the bravery of individuals and families navigating hospice care; now accessible to 200+ children’s hospital partners across the nation
Dr. Fahner- Life’s Big Moments (Video)
"We know there's so much yet to be accomplished. But as long as there are children anywhere that do not have immediate access to pediatric hospice, then we have unfinished work. Every child deserves access to that care." ~ James Fahner, M.D. Pediatric Hematology...
She Thought She Could, So She Did
The Story of Brittany Naylor Brittany Naylor was a dreamer—and a fighter. Diagnosed with cancer at 19 years old, she spent nearly a decade navigating hospitals, treatments, and life as a girl in her 20s with a serious illness. But Brittany was never defined by her...
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