MercyOne Genesis Annual Hospice Remembrance Tree-Lighting: Honoring Our Loved One’s Memories
Bettendorf, Iowa, October 29, 2024 – For two decades, the MercyOne Genesis Hospice Remembrance
Tree-lighting has been a community tradition to usher in the holiday season and celebrate the memories
of loved ones who have passed. The tree-lighting also illuminates the region's continuing need for access
to quality hospice care.
This year’s tree-lighting will be on Monday, November 4, at 6 p.m. outside the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice
House, 2546 Tech Drive, Bettendorf. Family and friends are welcome to attend the emotional service,
which will include readings, music and moments of reflection.
Parking will be available at 2535 Maplecrest Road, adjacent to the hospice house. Attendees are
encouraged to arrive early and dress for the weather. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available. A
shuttle will be available from the parking lot.
2023 MercyOne Genesis Annual Hospice Remembrance Tree-Lighting at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, 2546 Tech Drive, Bettendorf.
“The MercyOne Genesis Hospice Remembrance Tree program allows family and friends time to come
together, along with their hospice team, to remember their loved ones lost and to honor their memory,”
said Julie VanMelkebeke, BSN, RN, MercyOne Genesis Hospice Care manager.
“The number of people in attendance continues to grow, and it's truly a privilege and quite humbling to
see the response every year. MercyOne Genesis Hospice remains committed to supporting the families
and friends left behind. The holidays can be difficult for grieving loved ones, and we hope this provides a
bit of comfort during a difficult time.”
Since 2004, Genesis Hospice Remembrance Trees have honored more than 7,000 individuals and raised
more than $100,000 for hospice care services. For some, the tree lighting has become a family tradition –
a way to pause during the busy holiday season and gather and remember with the support of others.
The tree-lighting also has become a tradition for MercyOne Genesis Hospice team members, who share
pride in all the Remembrance Tree represents and plan the event to honor the hospice patients who have
touched their lives.
2023 MercyOne Genesis Annual Hospice Remembrance Tree-Lighting at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, 2546 Tech Drive, Bettendorf.
Sponsor a Light to Illuminate Remembrance Tree
MercyOne Genesis Hospice has partnered again with Isabel Bloom to create a limited-edition ornament.
The sale of the ornament helps support MercyOne Genesis Hospice Care.
Ornaments are available for purchase online until Sunday, November 3 rd .
Pick-up will be on Monday, November 4, at the Remembrance Tree event.
After the event, they will be available for pick up at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.
Honor loved ones' memories and support our community's continuing need for hospice care by donating
to illuminate the MercyOne Genesis Hospice Remembrance Tree. To purchase an ornament online or
sponsor a light, visit genesishealth.com/tree or text RTREE to 41444.
