Their Sacrifice, Our Promise: Dignified Care for Veterans
One of the greatest sacrifices an American can make is to answer the call to join the Armed Forces to serve our country. These brave men and women unselfishly serve our country to allow our freedoms to continue. As they return from war and possibly multiple tours in various countries, the missed time with loved ones is something that can never be replaced and yet, their sacrifice may continue to go unappreciated. While our Veterans are promised comprehensive benefits, they are not always able to get the care they need close to home.
Quiet Oaks is creating a Veterans Compassionate Care Fund that will ensure that any Veteran seeking end of life care will not be turned away. The need is great and will continue to grow as our Veterans age. Donations contributed to this fund will ensure Veterans receive the best care possible, giving them the highest honorable discharge from this life.
The commitment to create the Veterans Compassionate Care Fund was solidified with the admission of Matthew Strong on Veterans Day - November 11, 2024, to Quiet Oaks. Matt, a 30-year-old Veteran, was at the end of his medical journey, with no resources to pay for care and no benefits available for the last days of his life. Matt's story is not just about loss, but about the profound impact of compassion when our nation's heroes need it most.
Matt's life was forever altered when as a 3rd grader, he witnessed the Twin Towers fall on 9/11. While this day is forever imprinted in our memories, this young boy made a commitment, "Bad men have done horrible things, but don't worry mom, I'm going to help when I grow bigger." This was a commitment Matt kept, joining the National Guard in high school, becoming a sharpshooter in the infantry, serving his country with pride until 2014.
His Spirit
"Matt received a heartbreaking diagnosis of testicular cancer at the age of 28. He fought courageously through surgeries, chemotherapy, achieving remission twice, embodying the same determination he showed during his military service. Even when doctors said he had no more options, Matt's spirit remained unbroken. "Matthew's will, determination and spirit throughout his cancer journey was inspiring. He was a supportive friend, loving son and he adored his pets. He was wise beyond his years and he had the best sense of humor."
-Kimberly Waltman, Matt's friend
Despite Matt's service, the Veteran's Administration could not provide him with the support he needed as he neared the end of his life. His mother, Maura, exhausted her life savings supporting him, paying his bills and ensuring he had a place to live during his most challenging days. This is a reality too many Veterans face, fighting for their lives with no safety net. Through the generosity of our donors, Matt's 16-day stay was fully funded by Quiet Oaks.
The Peace He Deserved
"Matt was a protector with a generous spirit. To have had so many compassionate people rally around him at the end of life was truly incredible and I know it brought him a semblance of the peace that he so deserved." shared his friend, Randall Oldenburg.
Quiet Oaks remains committed to our Veterans and the team is grateful to have had the experience of caring for Matt and his family. On a crisp November morning in 2024, Matthew Strong took his final breath at Quiet Oaks, surrounded by his parents, love, dignity and care. Quiet Oaks was a sanctuary of hope, love and genuine human connections, His mother shared, "You nourished our souls, you truly cared about me and Matt."
The Quiet Oaks Promise
At Quiet Oaks, we believe no Veteran should face their final journey alone or without dignity. Our Veterans Compassionate Care Fund ensures that warriors like Matt receive the support they deserve, regardless of their financial circumstances or VA eligibility. We are launching the Veterans Compassionate Care Fund with an ambitious goal: to raise $250,000, which will be matched dollar for dollar up to $60,000 by these generous donors; Dave & Karen Blattner, Kate Hoflund, VFW 4847 and Bob & JoAnn Thueringer in memory of Jerry Thueringer, Traut Companies and Mike & Sharon Bauerly.
Matt's Legacy Lives Through Your Generosity
Maura reflects, "Matt would never ask for help. He was proud, brave and selfless." Today, we speak up for him and for the many Veterans who deserve compassionate end of life care. Please consider a donation to support our Veterans and ensure that more families can find peace, comfort and exceptional care during life's most challenging moments.
"All Matt wanted was to do the things that so many of us take for granted; he wanted to work, buy a house and raise a family. Every time he got a job; he had a setback with his cancer. When I wake up in the morning and don't feel like going to work, I remember Matt and then think how lucky I am to be able to work. I miss him so much. He fought his cancer like a soldier with integrity and bravery like I have never seen before. Quiet Oaks was a blessing and my family will never forget the kindness and care they gave Matt."
-Don, Matt's stepfather
Why Quiet Oaks
The mission of Quiet Oaks Hospice House is to provide high quality, personalized care, comfort and dignity to our residents and their families in the remaining days of their lives together.
The Quiet Oaks Veterans Compassionate Care Fund provides the utmost end-of-life care exclusively to those that have served our country. Donations contributed to this fund will ensure veterans receive the best care possible, giving them the highest honorable discharge from this life.
20% of our residents served at Quiet Oaks are Veterans.
Only 33% of Veterans receive VA benefits.
Only 4% of Veterans die under the care of the VA.
We Honor Veteran Ceremony At Quiet Oaks
"Words cannot express the profound gratitude I feel for the incredible honor you bestowed upon my beloved husband during his final days. The We Honor Veterans salute you arranged was a moment of immense pride and healing for our entire family.
As my husband, a dedicated veteran who served our country, approached the end of his journey, your team recognized the depth of his service and sacrifice. The military tribute was more than a ceremony - it was a beautiful acknowledgement of his life's most meaningful commitment. Seeing him surrounded by respect, with veterans and staff paying tribute to his military service, brought tears to our eyes and warmth to our hearts.
In what could have been the most difficult time of our lives, you transformed a moment of sorrow into one of celebration and profound dignity. The salute gave my husband - and our family - a sense of peace and closure that we will forever cherish. Your compassionate approach to honoring veterans is a gift beyond measure."
-The Family of Leo Sand
Quiet Oaks is a residential home for residents and families facing terminal illness. At Quiet Oaks, we provide an experience that honors and respects the dignity
of our residents and their families by focusing on a team approach to provide comfort and support for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Quiet Oaks is a 501(c)(3) Tax ID 20-3905841