A Lifetime of Living; A Future of Giving

A loving caregiver known for her compassion and dedication, Pat Darger not only spent a lifetime working as a nurse for Avera McKennan, she also spent the last few years caring for her ailing husband, Lloyd Erickson. But after a long and couragous battle with cancer, Pat enlisted in the care of home hospice. Having been told her husband of 26 years had only months to live, Pat was able to spend those last precious moments knowing her husband was getting the best possible care possible thanks to Avera home hospice. Two days before passing, Lloyd was taken to Dougherty Hospice House where its tranquil settings allowed the large family to pray, visit and provide comfort. Pat and her family remain grateful for the care both Lloyd and their family received throughout his journey.

Recently, Pat made the decision to make a future gift to assist the Avera hospice programs in Sioux Falls by doing a charitable gift annuity. Charitable gift annuities provide a way for someone to make a gift by giving money to the charity up front in exchange for a stream of guaranteed payments over the remainder of her life.

“I couldn’t be happier with the care my husband received through home hospice and the Dougherty Hospice House. As a retired nurse, Avera McKennan has been part of my life since I was 18. Today I’m 83 and proud to know my gift will continue supporting Avera McKennan well into the future. Thank you to everyone who has made gifts to benefit hospice care.” - Pat Darger