Hospice chaplain sends thanks to her families

Two years ago Willis Broughton came to Nevada to become Barton Hospice's new chaplain.

She traveled between Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe to work with hospice patients she refers to as her families.

Willis was easy to spot driving around the Valley, with her Nevada tags, "YES2HIM."

In August 2007, she helped organize a day out for James Lamb Jr., who was paralyzed by a congenital disorder and was suffering from cancer before his death.

She arranged for James to get a haircut, ride along with the sheriff's office and at the end of the day he had birthday cake with two dozen of his biggest fans, members of the Douglas High School football team, cheerleading squad and Block D Club .

But in October, Willis, 53, had a stroke while she was driving to work from her home in the Gardnerville Ranchos, and had to be hospitalized.

She found herself on the other side of the health care system.

"I couldn't move or do anything," she said. "I couldn't speak, and I couldn't tell my families what happened to me. I want to send out the message that hope still lives, even in tough times. I have hope that I will work again."

Willis was released from Renown Regional Medical Center for the holidays, but her three children were unable to visit her. Barton is providing support personnel for her, but she said paperwork is being prepared for her to return to the hospital in Reno soon.

"They don't want me living by myself," she said. "They're afraid I'll fall down during the night. I've been through many adversities. I appreciate the hospital staff from Barton and Renown."

She sent her thanks to the Valley's Christian community, including pastors Pete Nelson and Leo Kruger, for their prayers.

"I won't stop loving people whether I'm on four wheels or as I am now, down to two wheels," she said referring to her wheelchair.

A proposal by Nevada Magazine to feature a town an issue based on the number of e-mails it receives has already prompted a campaign. Former Genoa Town Board member and resident Sue Knight said she's telling everyone she knows to e-mail the magazie at editor@nevadamagazine.com and suggest Nevada's oldest community for a feature.

The January edition of the magazine features Verdi. Voting for the May edition closes on Feb. 20. But, if I know the folks down at Nevada Magazine, my bet is the next town is somewhere in the south. Vegas and Reno are excluded from the voting, but nothing says Paradise, Winchester and Galena are.