A Celebration of Life
In 2005, Michael E. Dougherty's remarkable gift of $1 million to the Avera McKennan Foundation in honor of the Dougherty family was the financial catalyst for the building of a new hospice residence, and the reason Avera McKennan was honored to name the new building Dougherty Hospice House. Michael said he and his wife Kathy made the gift in honor of their family and their close ties to Avera McKennan.
Michael was born the youngest of four children, all delivered at Avera McKennan. When he was just 6 years old, Michael's mother received care at Avera McKennan before she passed away from breast cancer. When Michael was 14 years old, his father died of a heart attack. His older brother Bill and sister-in-law Billie took him in and cared for him as a son. When Billie passed away suddenly in July 2004, Michael sought to honor his family and show his gratitude to the physicians, nurses and care providers he held in esteem at Avera McKennan. "We [Kathy and I] want families to have an environment where they can continue to receive fabulous care as their life on earth ends," Dougherty said. "We want to give the dedicated Avera McKennan Hospice employees a facility that complements their care so they can provide even better care, if that's possible, to people who are making the great transition in life. It is something the employees deserve and the people making the transition deserve."
The Dougherty Hospice House is designed for the comfort and solace of patients and their families, making each experience as home-like as possible. The house is located in a beautiful natural setting, designed to celebrate life with an emphasis on daylight and open views onto gardens and courtyard space. Each room has large, low-level windows to give patients a wide view of the world outside. Cabinets and closets offer plenty of space to hold personal items and supplies. Suites are furnished with a bed, sofa sleeper, chairs, table, lamps and entertainment center. Each suite has its own bathroom and a door large enough to accommodate bed movement.
The new hospice house common areas allow families a beautiful, tranquil and quiet setting to gather and share precious time in a setting that's comfortable and convenient. A library serves as a sanctuary for reflection or a family meeting. A fully equipped kitchen and celebration area keep loved ones nearby during mealtimes, and a living room provides a homey place to sit and chat.
