Artwork Adds to Comfort For State of the Heart Care Center

Pictured with one of the pieces of artwork, are left, Ryan Gathard and Heather Wogomon, Director of Inpatient and Palliative Care for hospice, and right, Cindy McCallister.

A new “homey” touch has been added to the State of the Heart Hospice Care Center with the addition of artwork throughout the care center which is located on the fourth floor of Wayne HealthCare in Greenville. The artwork was a capital campaign gift to State of the Heart Hospice by Cindy McCallister in memory of her husband Karlh who passed away under the care of State of the Heart in 2009.

“Early on in the development of the Care Center, I knew I wanted to do something for the Care Center,” explained McCallister. “It has the homelike atmosphere, and I wanted to add artwork to carry out the serene, comforting feeling that you get in the Care Center.” She was a floral designer for several years, she said and she “loves to decorate.”

She selected artwork for the common areas of the Care Center and placed a piece of artwork in each of the five private patient rooms. She also added beautiful clocks to the patient rooms. “All of the pieces are nature scenes that have a calming, peaceful feel,” she said. Just outside the entryway to the Care Center, she placed some greenery and a trickling water fountain which gives a welcoming, pleasant entrance into the care center.


McCallister, who is a State of the Heart board member and has been on the board for several years at different times, said she and her husband Karlh became supporters of State of the Heart Hospice in the early 2000’s. “The Care Center is a great asset to our community,” she said. “We have needed it for a long time.”

Ryan Gathard, Fund Development Director for State of the Heart, said “The gift from Cindy in memory of Karlh will be enjoyed by patients and families who will be in the care center over the coming years. It will bring comfort to many.”

Gathard added that the campaign to fund a variety of items in the Care Center is still underway. There are several “naming opportunities.” The price range for naming opportunities is $7,700 (nurse call system), to $1,150 for room curtains. Other naming options include blanket warmer, $4,000; patient room, $5,200, patient supplies, $2,500 and patient room televisions, $1,930.

For more information about any of the naming opportunities, contact Gathard at rgathard@stateoftheheartcare.org or call him at 1-800-417-7535. The State of the Heart Care Center is available for patients throughout the nonprofit agency’s area of care. State of the Heart cares for patients and families in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are confronting a life limiting illness. For more information visit the agency web site at www.stateoftheheartcare.org.