Brenda Basso was one of many members of the Women’s Board of Aultman Hospital who worked on the fundraising campaign to create the Aultman Women’s Board Compassionate Care Center (CCC), which opened in 2011.

“I understood the significance of bringing Stark County’s only free-standing, inpatient hospice facility into existence, but I never imagined just how personally this center would touch my own family,” Brenda said.

In January 2014, Brenda’s father-in-law, Dave, was receiving inpatient care in the Cleveland area.

“Though we prayed for healing, we learned that his cancer had spread, and we faced the heartbreaking decision of where to place him for the final stage of his life,” Brenda said. For Brenda and her family, choosing the CCC was easy.

“Even though he spent only 24 hours there, the care he received was nothing short of extraordinary,” she said. “The team didn’t just provide him with exceptional medical attention, they also supported us in ways I will never forget. Being so close to home made all the difference, and the compassion shown to our family left an indelible mark on my heart.”

In 2021, Brenda’s mother-in-law, Diane, underwent open-heart surgery followed by a difficult rehab process. She became unresponsive, and the family made the decision to move her to the CCC.

“During her week there, we were able to hold her hand, tell stories, share precious moments and say our goodbyes,” she said. “The staff didn’t just care for her; they cared for us, providing the support we needed as we navigated the pain of our loss. The team at the CCC is truly exceptional.”

Brenda and her husband, Matt, wanted to share their stories not only to honor the memory of Dave and Diane, but also to help others facing difficult decisions.

“We will all experience the loss of loved ones at some point, and in those moments, the Compassionate Care Center is a place of solace, love and professional care,” she said. “The Center is as close to home as it gets – providing comfort when you need it most.”