Lightways Hospice

04/22/2026

Join us for the Lightways Hospice Guild 39th Annual Card Party & Luncheon ♠️♥️

🗓 Wednesday, May 13, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Cantigny Post #367, VFW – Horseshoe Drive, Joliet

Enjoy an afternoon of cards, lunch, and community while supporting a meaningful cause.

🎟 Tickets available now!
To reserve your spot or get more information, 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟴𝟭𝟱-𝟯𝟳𝟬-𝟰𝟰𝟰𝟯.

💵 Please note: Payment is accepted by cash or check only.

We hope to see you there!

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day 🌍🌿

At Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, we are reminded today of the beauty and fragility of the world around us and the importance of caring for it with the same compassion we extend to those we serve.

Earth Day is a time to reflect on connection. Connection to nature, to one another, and to the moments that give life meaning. Whether it is a quiet sunrise, a walk outside, or time shared with loved ones, these simple experiences often become the most cherished.

As we care for patients and families facing serious illness, we see every day how deeply people value time, presence, and the natural world around them. It is a reminder that every moment matters.

Today and every day, we honor our commitment to care that is grounded in dignity, comfort, and compassion for people and for the world we share.

04/21/2026

Advance care planning is an important process that helps ensure your healthcare wishes are known and respected.

It is not a one time conversation, but an ongoing reflection of your values, beliefs, and preferences for future medical care. Through this process, individuals can document their wishes in an advance directive and may also choose a trusted healthcare agent to speak on their behalf if they are unable to make decisions.

Just as important as completing the documentation is having open conversations with your loved ones. Sharing your wishes helps ensure they are understood and can be honored when it matters most.

Advance care planning is valuable at any age and at any stage of health. Taking time now can bring clarity and peace of mind for you and your family in the future.

Learn more or get started here: www.lightways.org/advanced-directives/

04/20/2026

It’s-a 5K Time! Let’s-a go! 🏁

Get ready to power up for a day of fun, family, and fitness at the Super Heart Family Walk and 5K Fun Run 💙

Join us as we come together to support the Pediatric Program of Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care because every step makes a difference.

📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
📍 St. Joseph Catholic School, 275 E. North Street, Manhattan, IL
⏰ Check In: 8:00 AM
🏃 Yoshi’s Mini Dash for ages 13 and under: 8:45 AM
🏁 5K Run and Walk Start: 9:15 AM

Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, this is a day for the whole family!

Registration is now open! Be sure to sign up by May 14, 2026, to guarantee your race T shirt and goodies.

👉 Visit www.lightways.org/lightways5k for more information.

04/17/2026

A Time to Remember ❤️

Last week, we gathered for a beautiful and meaningful evening at our Luminary Event at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate, coming together as a community to honor and remember those we have lost.

Families lovingly decorated luminary bags in tribute to their loved ones, each one unique and filled with meaning. These luminaries were then placed on stage, creating a powerful and heartfelt display of remembrance that illuminated the space with love and memory.

As the lights glowed, the evening offered space for reflection, connection, and healing, reminding us all that no one has to navigate grief alone.

We are deeply grateful to our dedicated grief team for bringing this special event to life for the fourth year in a row. Their compassion and commitment continue to create opportunities for healing and support for the families we serve.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared in this heartfelt evening. Your presence made it truly special.

If you or someone you know is in need of grief support, we are here for you. Learn more about our services www.lightways.org/grief-support/

04/17/2026

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS! 💙

This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating the incredible individuals who make the Lightways mission shine brighter each and every day:

🏥 To all our IPU Volunteers, thank you for your Commit“Mint” and Involve“Mint.” Your dedication brings comfort, care, and compassion when it matters most.

🏡 Our Home Visit Volunteers are truly remarkable! You bring connection, kindness, and support right to where it’s needed most.

☕ Thanks a “Latte” to our dedicated Nursing Home Visit Volunteers! Your time and warmth make every visit meaningful and uplifting.

✨ Our Vigil Volunteers are one in a million. Your presence brings peace, dignity, and comfort during life’s most tender moments.

You are the heart of Lightways. Your compassion, generosity, and commitment make an incredible difference in the lives of our patients and their families.

From all of us at Lightways: THANK YOU for all that you do! 💐

Make 2026 the year you make a difference.
Learn more and sign up today: www.lightways.org/volunteer/

04/16/2026

🗓️ April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD)

This day is a powerful reminder to have meaningful conversations about what matters most your values, your care preferences, and your voice in healthcare decisions.

NHDD brings individuals, families, and healthcare professionals together to encourage open, honest discussions about advance care planning. Whether you are just starting to think about it or revisiting existing plans, it is always the right time to make your wishes known.

Let us continue to inspire, educate, and empower one another to make informed decisions about the care we want at every stage of life.

✨ Your care. Your choice. Your voice. ✨

➡️ Learn more and start the conversation today: www.Lightways.org/advanced-directives/

04/15/2026

Some moments are more than celebrations. They are dreams fulfilled.

At 17 years old, Iliana has faced an incredibly difficult journey living with pulmonary hypertension following a heart and double lung transplant. Through it all, she carried a wish close to her heart. To have a Quinceañera and celebrate her life in a way she never had the chance to before.

This past Saturday, April 11th, that dream became reality.

Through the Lightways Joyful Moments Program, Iliana and her family were able to create a beautiful Quinceañera surrounded by loved ones. Dressed in a stunning princess gown inspired by Princess Belle, Iliana truly embodied grace, strength, and joy.

One of the most powerful moments of the evening was watching Iliana greet each guest from her throne chair, smiling, animated, and fully present in every interaction. She was determined to make the most of her night and chose to stand and dance with her mom. In another deeply meaningful moment, she shared time on the dance floor with her dad, reconnecting in a way that made the evening even more special.

Iliana’s joy, resilience, and spirit lit up the entire celebration. Her story is a reminder of how meaningful it is to create moments of connection, love, and celebration, especially when they matter most.

Help us continue bringing moments like this to life for other families. Learn more about our pediatric care and how you can support
www.lightways.org/pediatric-care/

04/15/2026

💬 A Conversation That Matters

At Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, we believe some of the most important care begins with a simple conversation. Advance care planning is not just about documents, it’s about making your voice heard, honoring your values, and supporting your loved ones when it matters most.

By reflecting on what matters to you, choosing someone you trust to make decisions, and sharing your wishes openly, you can bring clarity and peace of mind to life’s most difficult moments. These conversations don’t have to be perfect; they just have to begin.

One family member shared, “Having these discussions ahead of time made all the difference. We didn’t have to guess—we knew we were honoring what mattered most.”

This is the power of advance care planning: reducing uncertainty, strengthening connection, and ensuring your wishes guide your care.

To read more and explore helpful insights, visit www.lightways.org/light-the-way

04/14/2026

Congratulations to a Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Board member, Michael Mutterer, RN, MA, LCPC, CADC, LNHA on being named to the Crain's Chicago Business Notable Leaders in Healthcare!

Congratulations to our President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Mutterer on being named to Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Leaders in Healthcare!

This well-deserved recognition reflects Michael’s collaborative, values-driven leadership style and his relentless focus on quality and patient safety.

Throughout his remarkable tenure at Silver Cross, Michael has continued to shape a culture of excellence, and we’re proud to see his impact recognized across Chicagoland.

We're so proud of you, Michael, and grateful for your leadership!!

04/14/2026

🌟 Grow with Purpose at Lightways! 🌟

We’re honored to be named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for five years running — and as we expand into the northern region, we’re looking for compassionate professionals to join our team!

Whether you’re beginning your career or bringing a wealth of experience, Lightways offers more than a job — it’s a place where every day makes a difference.

💛 Why Choose Lightways?
🌱 Meaningful, mission-driven work
💫 A supportive and compassionate culture
💰 Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
👩⚕️ Opportunities in hospice, serious illness, and pediatric care
🌼 A workplace where purpose and passion thrive together

If you’re ready to grow in a career that touches lives, we’d love to meet you.

👉 Apply today: www.lightways.org/careers