Jacquie Stuart dedicated much of her life to working with Monroe County youth through the 4-H program.
In January of this year, Jacquie passed away just 10 weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was a sudden loss for her family and the 4-H community.
Seeking to honor Jacquie’s memory, 4-H kids this summer started a “change war” at their annual camp and collected more than 70 pounds of spare change, totaling $291.22. On Oct. 1, they brought a huge sack of coins to Boone Hospital Center, donating them to the hospital’s Supportive Care program.
“We are very honored that they all came together and did something like this during their week at 4-H camp,” said Jess Stuart, Jacquie’s daughter and an occupational therapist at Boone Hospital.
Due to her dedication to the 4-H community, one of Jacquie’s longtime friends joked that when the hospital checked her blood, he was surprised it wasn’t green. She had served 4-H for more than 25 years, reaching hundreds of young people in her community.
“I don’t even know if I could add up how many kids she mentored over the years,” Jess said. “She taught leadership and instilled a lot of values as Monroe County’s Youth Executive Assistant.”
Jacquie Stuart
The 4-H members chose to donate to Supportive Care because the service helped Jacquie and her family find comfort during her time at Boone Hospital.
Supportive Care provides services such as massages, spa treatments, healing touch and music and aroma therapy. For patients facing the end of life, the service also provides comfort bags with a soft blanket, stuffed animal, journal, photo album and visitor log.
Supportive Care Coordinator Dorreen Rardin said the generous donation would help fund more comfort bags for patients.
“This is awesome. It’s going to help a lot of patients,” Rardin said. “We certainly appreciate this gift.”
Boone Hospital Center
Jacob Luecke
Woo Hoo I am very proud of MOnroe County 4-H!!!!