Tree of Life a way of remembering loved ones




LISA ADAMS/The Acorn  LIGHT UP A LIFE-Westlake High School's

LISA ADAMS/The Acorn LIGHT UP A LIFE-Westlake High School’s “A Class Act” performs during the Hospice Tree of Life lighting at the Oaks Mall. Participants pay to display a star for a lost loved one; proceeds help Hospice.


By Heather Milo
Acorn Staff Writer

People gathered on both floors at one end of the Oaks Mall for Hospice of the Conejo’s "Tree of Life" ceremony last week.


The Tree of Life is an opportunity to honor loved ones, and serves as Hospice’s major fundraiser for the year. All funds help provide Hospice’s services at no cost to recipients.


According to Hospice member Teresa Wolfe, Hospice of the Conejo has been around for 25 years to provide comfort and dignity at the end of life, and to provide support for grieving families. "We have over 100 volunteers," she said.


The event began with a musical presentation by "A Class Act," a singing group from Westlake High School. The tree was adorned with red and gold metallic globes along with white paper stars bearing names of honored family members. "Tell your neighbors. There are a lot of people that don’t know about us. Your contributions keep us going," said Wolfe. For more information, call Hospice of the Conejo at (805) 495-2145.


Jean Duffy, Hospice board president, recognized the board of directors, the volunteers and staff. "This is the core of Hospice of the Conejo," she said. Duffy thanked the Oaks Mall and its events coordinator, Chris Bremner, as well as the National Charity League, which assisted in putting up the tree.


Wolfe emphasized Hospice’s commitment to the community, which serves more than 450 families. "Sometimes at the end of life, we see friends back away from us. When the grief is [the worst], we are still there." The organization keeps this commitment, she said, thanks to dedicated volunteers.


Drs. Hema and Vaidy Nathan, a married couple and residents of Conejo Valley for the past 25 years, were invited to speak at the tree dedication and to place the first star. Their story provided a moving introduction to the purpose of the Tree of Life; both of them lost parents to cancer.


"We went through a personal tragedy that was overwhelming for us," said Hema Nathan. The family was so grateful to Hospice for its support that the two decided to host a fundraiser which they called "Celebration of Life." Their daughter, a premed student and also a dancer, performed at the event, which raised in excess of $40,000 for Hospice.


Beth Haynes, Hospice youth coordinator, said that Hospice youth support each other through their grief. She invited several Hospice kids to come forward with stars for the tree.


This is the 19th year for the Tree of Life, which will have a table open every day until the Oaks Mall closes on Christmas Eve, offering patrons a chance to display a star.


Ed Troupe, Hospice executive director, said that the Tree of Life event has changed a bit since its inception in 1983.


"It’s grown as Hospice has grown." Last year, the fundraiser generated $30,000 and 1,600 stars were placed on the tree, 200 more stars than ever before.


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