Eustachio Monaco passed away in April 2011 at the age of 87, although saddened by his passing, his family would rather celebrate his life.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer, Eustachio spent his final months of life at St. Peter’s as a patient in the Palliative Care program surrounded by family. His daughters, Angela and Mary and Angela’s husband Emidio are very appreciative of the care Eustachio received and the facilities that St. Peter’s has for their patients.
One space they used frequently was the recently-built Palliative Care Family Room. This space, created through donor support, offers patients and their families an area of comfort and privacy while at the hospital. It includes a kitchen, sitting areas with a fireplace and television, bathroom, private rooms for resting, and even a children’s nook for visiting children. Filled with natural light, Eustachio spent much time admiring the lush gardens of St. Peter’s through the room’s floor to ceiling windows.
Due to Eustachio’s Italian roots, the family often enjoyed putting the kitchen to good use. “We could cook a meal or enjoy a cup of espresso all while visiting with family and friends. I felt like I was entertaining at home,” recalls Angela. “This space is what life should be about, family coming together,” says Emidio.
In addition to the areas designed to make patients comfortable, Angela also praises the staff who work on the Palliative Care floor. “My sister would visit during the evening and I would be here in the day,” says Angela. “I always felt joy in the fact that my dad had such a support system here. All the staff promote such a positive energy that the patients need. It was uplifting that he enjoyed his final days at St. Peter’s.”
Emidio feels the same admiration for the staff as Angela and Mary. “The staff work with their hearts here,” says Emidio. “We are so appreciative to all the donors who help make St. Peter’s such a wonderful place.”
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