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“Through her listening skills, compassion, and understanding of how sick people actually feel, Raggedy Ann fans the flame of hope that is such a necessary part of the healing process.”Michael B. Fisher, M.D., Nephrology
“This past February I was in the hospital – scared, lonely and very ill. Raggedy Ann came into my room and spent much time with me. She helped to quiet me down and to reassure me that I was going to be fine.”
- a heart patient
“I was afraid that I could be spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair. Raggedy Ann helped me, in my despair, to find a ray of hope. Her unconditional love in my darkest hour, carried me through.”
- a patient paralyzed in an auto accident
“We have more residents than ever with dementia, who do not make sense. But they can communicate with Raggedy Ann, even if it’s only with body language. And that’s what is wonderful – they are being validated. Raggedy connects directly with each person.”
Ann Katz, former Activities Director, Vista Del Monte
“The Raggedy Ann & Andy Program is pioneering a new approach to patient care, from which every hospital in the United States can benefit.”
James L. Ash, former President & CEO
Cottage Health System
“I continue to be impressed by the service that the Foundation provides to the patients requiring hospitalization and surgery or intensive medical care. At a time when technology seems to be the most visible aspect of medical care, your personal attention to the emotional needs of patients should not go unrecognized.”
Joseph R. DiBartolomeo, M.D.
Ear Diseases and Related Disorders
“When our residents receive a visit from Raggedy Ann, amazing changes take place. Residents who are lethargic perk up and smile. Those who are withdrawn decide to go for a walk with Raggedy Ann. Residents who are bedridden feel loved and cared for by the remarkable skills of active listening, the smiles and personal attention that Raggedys give so freely.”
Suzanne Hollrah
Former Resident Service Director, Solvang Lutheran Home
“Raggedy Ann & Andy are fulfilling one precious, irreplaceable slice of this need (for tender loving care) in a well thought out, discrete, highly sensitive manner. The Raggedys provide an opportunity for some patients that no other person or program can fulfill. The Raggedys also imbue the professional staffs with some of the much needed love and satisfaction they need along the way.”
John M. Ackerman, M.D., Psychiatry
“What I particularly appreciate about Raggedy Ann & Andy volunteers is that they are so well trained. They respect the privacy of the patients and are courteous to every one they meet. It’s essential that volunteers have respect for the medical environment and for the patients, who are usually feeling vulnerable. Raggedys do this so well, and so consistently.”
Anna Bissell, R.N., Director of Nursing, Oncology,
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
“Raggedy Ann became a special part of the last month of my mother’s life which was spent on the sixth floor of Cottage Hospital. At a time when neither my family nor my sister’s family could be with my parents Raggedy Ann spent time with them both, a ministry I especially appreciate because I could not be there. I do not have the words to express what Raggedy Ann’s caring attention means to us.”
A Daughter of a Terminal Cancer Patient
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“I applaud your efforts to teach volunteers how to interact with people who are suffering… I did view the video and the program is obviously a labor of love on your part… I am sharing your work with my staff, especially those involved in finding ways for young people to serve their community and fellow citizens.”
Colin L. Powell, General, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Chairman, America’s Promise
“As I reflect on the widespread need in our frantic, fractured society for people with a healing touch, I cherish a fervent hope that this resource will become available to the countless people who could use it to learn how to enhance their caring attitudes and skills.”
Howard Clinebell, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor,
Pastoral Psychology & Counseling Claremont School of Theology
“The best educational resource I have ever seen for teaching compassion. It’s inspiring, and shows exactly how to give the psychosocial support that patients need. Everyone in the health professions should see this video.”
Paula Yurkanis Bruice, Ph.D., Senior Chemistry Professor
University of California, Santa Barbara
“An artistic and uplifting video that gives us the tools to enhance the lives of those who are suffering, from whatever cause.”
Robert A. Reid, M.D., President
California Medical Association
“Your video touches both the head and the heart. It flows and the teaching points are made so naturally. I cried at several places. Thank you for an effective and beautiful video.”
Elizabeth Wu, Management Development, Kaiser Permanente
“I was impressed by how the film spoke to such a wide variety of people. Students and nurses aids easily understand the material, yet medical doctors also find it valuable.”
Dr. Richard Brand, Assistant Dean
Washington University School of Medicine
“Anyone who wants to increase their ability to communicate with compassion, empathy and caring, will benefit from this video. Communicating with Compassion is a special blend of practical know-how and sensitivity to the unique needs of individuals who are ill. It is a “must see” for all health care providers.”
Judith G. Berg, R.N., Senior Vice President, Cottage Health System
“Communicating with Compassion is by far the best teaching tool I could use in the area of listening and communication skills. Thank you for your great effort to teach us all that compassion is the key element to a healing encounter.”
Dana VanderMey, R.N., Supervisor of Parish Nursing
Saint Francis Medical Center
“A genuinely touching piece of work – it goes right to the heart. I have all staff view it on a regular basis and prn in times of stress or despair. This video is a powerful reminder of the human component in patient care.”
Liz Duffy, R.N., Nurse Manager
Medical Intensive Care Unit
Reading Hospital and Medical Center
“When I saw Communicating with Compassion it was love at first sight. I use it with new trainees and at monthly in-service meetings. This video is an education for the heart as well as the head.”
Timothy Larson, former Coordinator of Volunteers
Hospice of Santa Barbara
“This video is one of the most outstanding training tools for staff and volunteers that I have ever seen. I know I’ll be using it often.”
Pat Wheatley, Director Senior Services
Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital
“All of the volunteers, nurses, administrators, and chaplains I have shown your video to, found it very valuable. It is now a part of the annual orientation for all of my volunteers. And the Leader Guide is gold — it gave me everything I needed to lead a first-class learning session.”
Sandi Knowles, Director of Volunteers
Twin Cities Community Hospital
“I have been very touched by the compassion and humanity conveyed by your video. It is appropriate for anyone who works with schools, churches, health agencies, youth groups or families.”
Betty Krause, President
Ventura County Volunteer Coordinators Council
“Communicating with Compassion is a quality program. I find it valuable in refining the skills of supportive presence needed by lay volunteer and clergy alike. It is a complete package, educationally sound and stimulating to use. This one is a keeper!”
The Reverend Faye Hogan,
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Ventura
“The effect of Raggedy Ann & Andy on boosting patient morale is indispensable for optimum care and healing of the patient. The Raggedys pay attention to the patient’s spirit, where we tend to get distracted by caring for their bodies. The Raggedys lift my spirit too.”
Stephen Hosea, M.D., Infectious Diseases
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"The Medicine of Compassion can be used by all health care educators to show the central elements of the “art” of medicine; compassion, listening, and communication. The multiple patient video clips are an excellent way to illustrate these key points. In our fast paced, high tech health care system we must be reminded that health care is about people and relationships. Bravo!"
Lanyard K. Dial, M.D.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine
Medical Director, Ventura County Medical Center
“Throughout history, compassion, caring, and love have been the
foundation of healing. Without them, medical science and technology are inadequate. The Medicine of Compassion reminds us that these factors remain crucial in healthcare, as the greatest healers have always known.”
Larry Dossey, MD. Author: Reinventing Medicine and Healing Words
Barbara Dossey, PhD, RN
Author: Florence Nightingale: Mystic, Visionary, Healer and Holistic Nursing:
A Handbook For Practice
“I love the way this video gives a clear organization to the elements of compassion. The hunger for the human touch is well demonstrated and the family healing segment is very poignant. The pace and feeling of the video is just right, and the instruction is clear – beautiful work!”
Anthony A. Allina, M.D.
Internal Medicine and Family Practice
“Unequivocally, The Medicine of Compassion will deepen staff awareness of our patients’ needs. Examples of staff and patient interaction throughout the film clearly illustrate the keys to skillful and sensitive communication. Implementing these skills will enhance our professionalism and make us better human beings at the same time.”
Rev. Kevin Jones, M.Div., Director, Spiritual Care And Education
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
“This video will be a great help for people in the health care profession to communicate with patients and their families and friends. I strongly believe that using these skills in communication greatly assists the healing process.”
Tokie Shynk, RN, MHA, Director of Critical Care Services
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
“Your film is very much needed and will be a great asset to any health care training program. When I became ill with cancer I learned what it was like to be treated as a disease and not a person. Your lessons in empathy are an excellent way to ensure that practitioners are more aware of the impact that their behavior has on healing.”
Judy Mahoney, Ph.D., Psychologist
University of California, Irvine College of Medicine
“Terrific! For the first time compassion is presented as a skill which any health care professional can learn.”
Jane Metiu, RN, MSN, Professor of Nursing,
Santa Barbara City College
“A valuable tool for any educator in health care. The principles shown are powerful. I have consistently seen my students’ lives transformed by putting such compassion into action. Not only does this benefit their professional lives in the field of health care, it also improves their relationships with friends and family.”
Paula Bruice, Ph.D. Senior Professor,
Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara
Advisor to the UCSB Health Professions Association
“A great video for those who are just starting out in health care – and an excellent training tool for instructors who want to encourage compassion. The art of conveying compassion to patients is clearly shown as a practical, learnable skill.”
Anna Bissell, Clinical Manager, Oncology Unit
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
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“Nothing is more important than the human connection between the patient and caregiver. This video shows step-by-step how to give compassion even in difficult situations. Congratulations on a job well done, I think it's terrific.”
Doug Stone, Harvard Negotiation Project
Author: Difficult Conversations
“Compassion in Action is a beautiful, practical demonstration of how to infuse difficult conversations with love.”
Candace B. Pert, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Biochemistry Researcher
Author of Molecules of Emotion and Everything You Need to Know How to Feel Go(o)d CandacedPert.com
“I love this video! It’s a wonderful, candid example of compassion at work in a variety of health care settings. It shows the humanity and joy we can find – even in the tougher situations – if we approach them in the right way.”
Abbey Gaske, M.D., Urology Group of Southern California
“What is so special about this video is seeing actual situations in real-time. To see spontaneous reactions is so valuable because that is how situations will happen. I tell my students that there are hints and tips I can give them, but in the end it comes down to trusting their own judgment and ability to be present and observant in each situation. This video demonstrates and inspires that."
Louise Sipos, RN, Patient Representative
Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles
“A wonderful follow up to The Medicine of Compassion. It stimulates a discussion on more complex situations where demonstrating compassion can be difficult.”
Craig Luzinski, RN, MSN, CHE, Chief Nursing Officer
Poudre Valley Hospital, Fort Collins, CO
“The sense of revelation that I and my colleagues had while watching this video – what a learning experience! I was moved to tears by one particular scene. I hope all new caregivers see this video, to see the ideal applied to the real. I wish all experienced caregivers could see it to be reminded of why we do what we do – to give LOVE where it is needed most.”
Charlotte Dullea, RN Subacute Unit
Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital
“Compassion is often forgotten in the skill driven curriculums of nursing schools. This program brings some much-needed attention to the core of nursing. The scenarios were informative and nurse "Charlotte" was very genuine! Thank you for providing quality programs for nurses from every generation.”
Joleen Marrufo, Clinical Educator,
Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo, CO
“We live in an imperfect world, and this video helps us explore the complexities of forming compassionate relationships with our patients. Karen and Simon Fox have truly captured the nature of compassion.”
Elliott Ring RN Ph.D. Director of Organizational Effectiveness
Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo, CO
“Incredibly helpful! I was truly amazed and inspired by the nurses and MDs, and their dedication and compassion. We get so involved with the day-to-day stuff, we lose track of the difference we can make in people's lives. This DVD is an excellent and helpful teaching resource!”
Jan Anderson, RN, MSN, Director
Santa Barbara City College Associate Degree Nursing Program
“This series would enlighten not only physicians and nurses, but has a place as a cornerstone of education and training for the entire multi-disciplinary team including students, management, and Hospital Trustees alike.”
P.J. Woods, PhD, MBA, RN Assistant Professor,
University of New Mexico College of Nursing
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"A practical guide filled with the wisdom of experience, which does more than inform, it truly educates."
Bernie Siegel, M.D.
Author: Love, Medicine & Miracles and Help Me To Heal
“A great resource for family and health care providers! Easy to read and uplifting at the same time.”
Allison Mayer-Oakes, M.D., Geriatrics and Internal Medicine
“A wonderful guide to tapping the human potential for understanding and expressing compassion.”
David Chernof, MD
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine
The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
“What Can I Say? presents the best of healthy psychological approaches to illness – in a concise, clearly written, and practical way. This guidance and positive orientation to healing is helpful for both health care professionals and families.”
Anthony A. Allina, M.D., Family Practice and Internal Medicine
“The third edition of What Can I Say? A guide to visiting fiends and family who are ill, is by far the best. I can’t imagine sending volunteers on to patient floors without having the opportunity to read this book. The new size makes if very easy for the volunteers to keep in their uniform pockets for reference. I have received much appreciation by the volunteers that use this tool in helping them during a difficult situation. We have also made this available for purchase in our hospital gift store for staff, patient family members and visitors. I would highly recommend it for all those in health care institutions.
Pat Doherty, Director of Volunteer Services,
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
“It's attractively packaged, and the bookmark is a handy reminder - those four A's have served me well over the years. I spent some time perusing the book. What a wealth of practical wisdom. People are bound to feel more at ease and thus be able to be more present with the one they are serving.”
Christiane Schlumberger, CEO
Karuna Foundation
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The AiC Vision. |
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