On Thursday and Friday, April 26th and April 27th, 2012, the Tar Heels for SECU Family House BBQ and GolfTournament hosted by Coach Roy Williams and new Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham will take place at SECU Family House and UNC Finley Golf Course. All proceeds from the tournament benefit SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals, a hospitality house providing comfortable, convenient, and affordable housing and support services for patients undergoing treatment for critical illness or trauma.

We are excited to have Coach Williams and Bubba Cunningham’s support to SECU Family House. Coach Williams and the basketball team have been annual donors to Family House.

Having recently moved to Chapel Hill the new Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham was honored to be a part of co-hosting this event. We are fortunate to have this dynamic duo.

Invited and registered guests will gather for a tailgate barbeque ($75 per person) on the grounds of SECU Family House the night before the tournament. There will be a short program, live music, a raffle and auction of thoughtfully selected gifts, featuring sports memorabilia.

An invitation to attend the BBQ and play golf will follow. Golf foursomes fill up quickly, so we encourage you to register now by calling (919) 932-8001 or registering online at www.secufamilyhouse.org.

George and Trudy’s son, Ken Hall, 55, of Plainville, Ga., received a bone marrow transplant at UNC Hospitals in early August. Since the transplant, George and Trudy have stayed with Ken when his wife, Susan, could not be here.

After Ken’s leukemia diagnosis last spring, doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant. Ken’s sister was a 10 out of 11 match and agreed to be the donor. As of Oct. 5th, the transplanted bone marrow had assimilated by 98 percent, meaning it had almost fully integrated into Ken’s body.

Because of reduced immunity following the transplant, Ken has to be careful to avoid infection. Ken has to wear a surgical mask and avoid getting cuts or scrapes because of the increased risk for infection. Ken is not even allowed to shave with a bladed razor.

Though Ken is on a long road to recovery, George and Trudy said they are happy to be with their son. Because of the distance between Pennsylvania and Georgia, Trudy said she and George do not get to see Ken as often as they would like. “It gave us a real visit,” she said.

George and Trudy also said they could not be happier with their stay at Family House. George described the house as being comforting. “It’s sort of an aura,” he said.

Trudy added, “It’s more than that.”

George and Trudy said one of the best aspects of the house is the sense of community. “To have a group around you that is essentially sharing your plight—it’s been good,” George said.

Not only did the staff and guests at Family House share in George and Trudy’s struggles, they also shared in their joys. George and Trudy met on a blind date in January of 1951 and were married in October of 1952. The couple celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary while staying at the house. Staff provided the cake and candles.

In addition to the staff and other guests, George and Trudy said the physical surroundings of Family House add to the sense of community. They said their favorite room is the kitchen because of the relaxed, social atmosphere. “You make friends,” Trudy said.

The kitchen is also where the couple discovered their new-found love for Southern cooking. George and Trudy said they enjoyed Carolina BBQ and sweet potato dishes the most. They purchased several North Carolina cookbooks to take home to Pennsylvania.

Ken has recovered enough to return to Georgia, so the family’s stay at the house is coming to a close. George and Trudy said leaving the house will be bittersweet. Despite the difficulties of their son’s illness, George and Trudy said their experience with Family House was a positive one. “The surroundings have made the circumstances more than bearable,” George said. Trudy agreed. “It is a home away from home,” she said.

With his trademark grin, George said he hoped he would never see the Family House staff again. But, he did say he would miss us. It has been our great fortune to get to know these wonderful, kind people.

Among our many guests from down that way are Capt. (U.S. Army, retired) John Shoemaker and his wife, Motsie, who recently stayed with us while John underwent radiation treatments for thymic and hip cancer. John, originally from Fayetteville, was awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars for his heroism while serving in Vietnam.

Despite having been married for 46 years, the Shoemakers sound and act like newlyweds. During their three week stay at Family House, Motsie and John gained a great deal of comfort by sharing their story with other guests here. In their words, Family House is a “community where everyone supports one another. You know that the person sitting next to you at dinner is hurting, too, so you start with a common bond before even knowing the person’s diagnosis. Everyone takes care of each other here.” What impressed Motsie the most is that “the staff and volunteers always greet you with a smile. It’s like an extension of the hospital.  Family House is an answer to our prayers. It’s a special place.”

The Shoemakers know that they’ll be dealing with John’s cancer for awhile. But, thanks to Family House and a great team of doctors and nurses at UNC Hospitals that includes Dr. Tom Stinchcombe, oncologist, and Dr. Larry Marks, radiologist, the Shoemakers consider every day a gift. Determination and character pulled them through the injuries John sustained in Vietnam and through 46 years of marriage. That same determination will help them weather this latest storm: the ups and downs of fighting cancer. Fortunately, John has the moxie (and the Motsie) to see him through.

Leading the coordination of the church’s “Mission Month for SECU Family House” were Jacquie Terry and Billy Terry, both former guests and relatives, who often stayed at the House at the same time while facing the daily challenges of their spouses’ treatments. Billy’s wife (and Jacquie’s sister), Lisa, passed away in April, 2009, after nearly a year of intermittent stays at SECU Family House and a 5 ½-year-long fight against leukemia. Jacquie’s husband Danny (Billy’s brother) passed away in May, 2009, after several months of treatment for pancreatic cancer at UNC Hospitals.

Although the extended Terry family had been supporting Family House from afar since Danny and Lisa had passed away, Jacquie and Billy encouraged their fellow church members to devote May’s “Mission Month” to in-kind support of Family House, a place that had been such a welcome retreat at a painful time in their lives. Earlier in the year, Jacquie invited Yvonne Knutson, our director of marketing and community relations, to speak at her church. Yvonne says that, when she arrived that Sunday evening for her presentation, she “quickly realized it was more of a family than a group of church members.” Billy shared his story about what Family House meant to him when his wife Lisa and his brother Danny needed treatment far from home.

What started as an initiative to collect a few toiletries for guests became a much larger venture, including a sizeable collection of welcome bags, pantry staples including boxes of Splenda, sugars, baking goods, Ziploc bags, toilet paper and paper towels, a blender and a food processor. It was an added treat that these good folks from Hope Mills prepared a meal that night for Family House guests and stayed to visit with the families.

The Terry family’s continued involvement exemplifies the positive impact families have on Family House even after they have left. The generosity and kindness shown by this group is remarkable and will make a difference for many families who need Family House this summer and into the fall.  This church embraces its call to love their neighbor.

If your church or community group would like to conduct a collection of Wish List items on behalf of Family House or invite a Family House staff member to share more information about what we offer, who we serve, and how you might help, please contact Yvonne Knutson, director of marketing and community relations, at Yvonne@secufamilyhouse.org or 919-932-8001.

July 24-30 marks National Hospitality House Week, and the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill and SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals want to recognize and affirm all the work accomplished by their wonderful volunteers and donors who make our homes such special places.  Thousands of families and patients of all ages and walks of life have found a haven within the warm home-like environments provided by our neighboring hospitality houses.  Ronald McDonald House serves seriously ill children up to the age of 17, together with their families. SECU Family House provides lodging and support to seriously ill patients 18 and above. Across the country, homes that help and heal have become community assets, adding significant value to the medical centers and rehabilitation facilities whose patients and families they serve.

Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill and SECU Family House at UNC are both active members of the National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses (www.nahhh.org) and will be co-hosting NAHHH’s 25th Anniversary and Conference in Chapel Hill, NC, from October 10th-13th.  If your business would like to take part in or learn more about the conference, please contact Conference@nahhh.org or 1-800-542-9730.

For more information about the Ronald McDonald House, visit www.rmh-chapelhill.org. For more information on SECU Family House, visit www.secufamilyhouse.org.

Volunteer group serves delicious meal to SECU Family House guests

Full dining room at SECU Family House enjoying meal prepared by volunteers

Contacts:

Elizabeth Hullender, Director of Marketing and Special Events, Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill,   919.913.2045,  Elizabeth.hullender@rmh-chapelhill.org

Yvonne Knutson, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals, 919.932.8001, Yvonne@secufamilyhouse.org

There’s no place like home at the holidays. At Family House, we know our guests yearn for home. But, for those patients and families who do spend the holiday season with us here, we try to keep it as homey as possible.   Fun events and performances throughout December will help to make the holidays merry and bright for guests. See what’s coming up:

Thursday, December 1

The Triangle Tuba Quartet will play at 7 p.m. The quartet will kick off the holiday season at Family House with a variety of holiday music.

Tuesday, December 6

The Swift Creek Band will play a mix of bluegrass, country, folk, and rock songs at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, December 7

The pre-professional young musicians of the Mallarmé Youth Chamber Orchestra will perform orchestral and chamber music at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 8

Deck the Halls holiday event begins at 6 p.m., and will include a performance by Cadence, a glee club from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Monday, December 12

Pianist Erich Lieth will play jazz music at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, December 13

A Brass Ensemble will perform at 7 p.m.

Thursday, December 15

Haw River Elementary School Gospel Choir will perform at 7 p.m.

Monday, December 19

The duo Jan and Julie will perform Christmas music at 7 p.m.

Thursday, December 20

Stella, a female a cappella group, will perform at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, December 21

Gabriel Pelli from the band The Old Ceremony will play solo Christmas pieces on the violin at 7 p.m.

In addition to the holiday performances and events, community members will provide dinner for families and patients every Monday through Thursday and several weekends during December. The Jester Group and volunteers will provide a special Christmas dinner at 2 p.m. on December 25.

108 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514; (919) 918-3801

3.2 miles from the House (about 7 minutes)

Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00am-10:00pm

1. Take a left out of the driveway.

2. Turn left on Raleigh Road.

3. Turn right onto Country Club Road.

4. Take 2nd right onto Battle Ln.

5. Turn left onto E Franklin Street.

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Kerr Drug Pharmacy (Store #303)

1106 Environ Way Chapel Hill, NC 27514; (919) 942-8737

2.5 miles from the House (about 5 minutes)

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-10:00pm, Sat 9:00am-9:00pm, Sun 10:00am-6:00pm

1. Take a right out of the driveway.

2. Turn right onto Fordham Blvd S.

3. Turn left onto S Estes Drive.

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CVS Pharmacy (Store #3833)

200 North Greensboro Street Carrboro, NC 27510; (919) 929-2181

3.9 miles from the House (about 9 minutes)

Pharmacy Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-12:00am, Sat 8:00am-8:00pm, Sun 10:00am-8:00pm

1. Take a right out of the driveway.

2. Take first left onto N Carolina 54 W/Fordham Blvd S.

3. Take the Merritt Mill Road exit.

4. Turn left onto Merritt Mill Road.

5. Take 2nd right onto S Greensboro Street.

6. CVS will be on your right.

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Rite Aid Locations (Closest to Farthest)

Store #11367

1218 Raleigh Road Chapel Hill, NC 27516; (919) 968-3777

1.9 mile from the House (about 4 minutes)

Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am-9:00pm, Sat 9:00am-6:00pm, Sun 10:00am-6:00pm

1. Take a left out of the driveway

2. Turn left onto Raleigh Road

3. Rite Aid will be on your right

Store #11365

1800 East Franklin Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514; (919) 929-1178

3.4 miles from the House (about 7 minutes)

Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am-9:00pm, Sat 9:00am-6:00pm, Sun 10:00am-6:00pm

1. Take a right out of the driveway.

2. Turn right onto Fordham Blvd S.

3. Turn left onto Ephesus Church Road.

4. Take the 2nd right onto E Franklin Street.

5. Rite Aid will be on your right.

Store #11358:

602-G Jones Ferry Road Carrboro, NC 27510; (919) 942-0933

4.1 miles from the House (about 9 minutes)

Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am-9:00pm, Sat 9:00am-6:00pm, Sun 10:00am-6:00pm

1. Take a right out of the driveway.

2. Take first left onto N Carolina 54 W/Fordham Blvd S.

3. Take the Jones Ferry Road exit toward Carrboro.

4. Turn left onto Jones Ferry Road.

5. Rite Aid will be on your right.

Store #11406

1311 NC State Highway 54 Durham, NC 27707; (919) 489-5814

4.4 miles from the House (about 8 minutes)

Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am-9:00pm, Sat 9:00am-6:00pm, Sun 10:00am-6:00pm

1. Take a left out of the driveway.

2. Drive about 1 mile, then turn right onto N Carolina 54 E/Raleigh Road.

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All listings are for information purposes only. No endorsement by the SECU Family House is intended or implied. Information here was believed to be accurate when it was compiled. However, it is subject to change. We suggest that you contact the individual businesses to confirm all details. The SECU Family House assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. And we welcome any additions, changes or deletions.

116 W Barbee Chapel Rd, Chapel Hill; (919) 932-5020

1. Turn left out of the driveway on Old Mason Farm Rd  (it becomes Finley Golf Course Rd), go 0.7 mi.

2. At light, take a right onto Raleigh Road/NC-54.

3. Take 1st left onto W Barbee Chapel Rd.

4. Harris Teeter will be on the left.

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Food Lion

1720 Fordham Blvd, Chapel Hill; (919) 967-2613

1. Start out going west on Old Mason Farm Rd toward Highland Woods Rd.

2. Turn right onto US-15 N/US-501 N/NC-54 E/Fordham Blvd. Continue to follow US-15 N/US-501 N/Fordham Blvd. US-15 N is just past Highland Woods Rd.

3. Turn slight right onto ramp.

4. 1720 Fordham Blvd. If you reach Europa Dr, you’ve gone about 0.3 miles too far

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Harris Teeter

2110 S Estes Dr., Chapel Hill; (919) 933-5700

1. Start out going WEST on OLD MASON FARM RD toward HIGHLAND WOODS RD

2. Turn right onto US-15 N/US-501 N/NC-54 E/Fordham Blvd. Continue to follow US-15 N/US-501 N/Fordham Blvd. US-15 N is just past Highland Woods Rd.

3. Turn left onto S Estes Dr, 0.3 miles past Cleland Dr.

4. Your destination is 0.1 miles past Willow Dr. If you reach E Franklin St, you’ve gone about 0.1 miles too far.

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Whole Foods

81 South Elliot Rd., Chapel Hill; (919) 968-1983

1. Head west on Old Mason Farm Rd toward Highland Woods Rd.

2. Turn right at Fordham Blvd S.

3. Turn left at S Elliott Rd; Destination will be on the right.

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Trader Joe’s

1800 E Franklin St # 29, Chapel Hill; (919) 918-7871

1. Head west on Old Mason Farm Rd toward Highland Woods Rd.

2. Turn right at Fordham Blvd S.

3. Turn left at Ephesus Church Rd.

4. Turn left at E Franklin St; destination will be on the right.

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All listings are for information purposes only. No endorsement by the SECU Family House is intended or implied. Information here was believed to be accurate when it was compiled. However, it is subject to change. We suggest that you contact the individual businesses to confirm all details. The SECU Family House assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. And we welcome any additions, changes or deletions.

1.4 miles, 5 mins. from Family House

1. Turn left out of the driveway on Old Mason Farm Rd  (it becomes Finley Golf Course Rd), go 0.7 mi.

2. At light, take a right onto Raleigh Road/NC-54.

3. Take 1st left onto W Barbee Chapel Rd.

4. Turn right into Meadowmont Village.

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza; 919-929-1942

Cafe Carolina and Bakery; 919-945-8811

Firehouse Subs; 919-969-4212

Five Guys Burgers & Fries; 919-942-1515

Lickity Split Ice Cream & Hot Dogs; 919-929-8402

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These 3 are in the EASTGATE SHOPPING CENTER (along with a Trader Joe’s):

3 miles, 7 mins. from Family house.

1. Turn right out of the driveway and right at the light onto 15/501 (away from hospital), go 2.5 mi.

2. Turn left at Ephesus Church Rd. (stoplight).

Carmine’s Italian — sit down.

Eastgate Plaza, 1800 East Franklin St.; (919) 929-4300

It’s tucked into the back corner of the shopping center.

The Loop Salads, Pizza — order at counter and sit down.

Eastgate Plaza, 1800 East Franklin St.; (919) 969-7112

It’s on the left, middle of shopping center.

Owens 501 Diner American — sit down.

1500 N Fordham Blvd; (919) 933-3505

When you turn left at Ephesus Church Rd, take an immediate right onto the service road, it’s on the left.

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Whole Foods Food bar — cafeteria style.

81 South Elliot Rd (very close to Eastgate Shopping Center listed above); (919) 968-1983

3.2 miles, 7 mins.

1. Turn right out of the driveway and right at the light onto 15/501 (away from hospital), go 2.3 mi.

2. Turn left at S Elliott Rd (stoplight), .go 4 mi., it is on the right.

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Nantucket Grill & Bar Varied — sit down.

5925 Farrington Road; (919) 402-0077

3.1 miles, 7 mins.

1. Turn left out of the driveway on Old Mason Farm Rd (it becomes Finley Golf Course Rd), go 0.9 mi.

2. Turn right at 54 E/Raleigh Rd, go 2.2 mi.

3. Turn left at Farrington Rd (stoplight), it’s in the Harrington Bank bldg. on the corner on right.

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These 4 restaurants are next to the ALOFT HOTEL

1 mile, 3 mins.

1. Turn left out of the driveway on Old Mason Farm Rd  (it becomes Finley Golf Course Rd), go 0.7 mi.

2. Turn left at Prestwick Rd, go .1 mi.

3. Take the 1st right onto Environ Way.

Achira Japanese —sit down

East 54 - 2110 Environ Way; (919) 960-2724

Saffron Indian — sit down

East 54 – 3140 Environ Way; (919) 240-7490

Piola Pizzeria

East 54 – 1101 Environ Way; (919) 537 8488

Streets Deli

1118 Environ Way; (919) 537-8414

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Amante Pizza – they deliver to Family House!

300 E. Main St. , Carrboro (next to the ArtsCenter); (919) 929-3330

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CHAINS

The K&W Cafeteria

201 South Estes Drive; (919) 942-7809

2.2 miles, 6 mins.

1. Turn right out of the driveway and right at the light onto 15/501 (away from hospital), go 1.7 mi.

2. Turn left at Estes (stoplight, BP Gas at corner), go about 100 yds.

3. Turn right into University Mall.

4. Stay to the right, go around and past Southern Seasons.

5. K&W is straight ahead, it stands alone.

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These 3 are in the same shopping area, opposite side of the road from Wal*Mart,

(NEW HOPE COMMONS SHOPPING CENTER):

5.3 miles, 12 mins.

1. Turn right out of the driveway and right at the light onto 15/501 (away from hospital), go 4.5 mi.

2. Turn left at Mt Moriah Rd (stoplight), .1 mi

3. Take the 1st right onto New Hope Commons Boulevard Ext (stoplight), go 387 ft

Red Robin

5324 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham; (919) 419-4980

McAlister’s‎

5318 New Hope Commons Blvd., Durham; (919) 490-0120

Carrabba’s Italian Grill‎

5312 New Hope Commons Blvd., Durham; (919) 401-5950

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Golden Corral

4055 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham; (919) 489-2072

7.3 miles, 15 mins.

1. Turn right out of the driveway and right at the light onto 15/501 (away from hospital), go 6.9 mi.

2. Turn right at Tower Blvd, 436 ft.

3. Turn right, go 266 ft.

4. Turn right, turn left.

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FAST FOOD

Chick fil A

University Mall, 201 S Estes Dr.; (919) 968-0126

1. Turn right out of the driveway and right at the light onto 15/501 (away from hospital), 1.7 mi.

2. Turn left at S Estes Dr (stoplight, BP Gas on diag. corner), and a right into the mall.

Burger King

450 Elliott Road; (919) 929-4391

2.7 miles, 6 mins.

1. Turn right out of the driveway and right at the light onto 15/501 (away from hospital), go 2.3 mi.

2. Turn left at S. Elliott Rd (stoplight), it’s on the left.

McDonald’s

1748 N. Fordham Blvd.; (919) 969-7944

~3 miles, 7 mins.

1. Turn right out of the driveway and right at the light onto 15/501 (away from hospital), go 2.6 mi.

2. Just past Ephesus Church Road (stoplight), stay right onto Service Rd, go .4 mi., it’s on right.

(if you miss this right, it’s OK, you’ll be able to make a right at 2nd light and loop back)

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All listings are for information purposes only. No endorsement by SECU Family House is intended or implied. Information here was believed to be accurate when it was compiled. However, it is subject to change. We suggest that you contact the individual businesses to confirm all details. SECU Family House assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. And we welcome any additions, changes or deletions.

Orange County Visitor’s Bureau’s general list

Link to Web site

Most of the staff at SECU Family House have been together since March 31, 2008, the day when we finally opened our doors to our guests, after a very successful capital campaign.   Over the years, we’ve become each other’s extended family –sharing, caring, and listening, with the singular goal of making our hospitality house a warm and loving place that our guests can call home while caring for their loved ones.

Holly Modlesky and her family called SECU Family House their “home” for several months last fall.  Holly took a leave from her job as a senior quality control specialist in New Jersey to help care for her mother, Ann Marie, who underwent double bypass and valve replacement surgery at UNC Hospitals last September.   Ann Marie and her husband, Doc, Holly’s dad, live in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  While she received post-surgical treatment, the Modlesky family days were spent at the hospital and at SECU Family House.

Holly is a true Type A personality.  She’s driven and she simply can’t sit still, so when she wasn’t caring for her mom in the hospital, she found things to fix in the House.  Thanks to Holly, our guests can access their food lockers more easily because she added handles to each of the 40 lockers.  Thanks to Holly, several locks have been repaired and a door was put back on its hinges.  When something needed fixing, we Holly insisted that we call on her—and we did.

Holly says that the guests, volunteers and staff are like family to her now.  To be able to come home to a hot meal, exhausted from being in the hospital all day long, is a true blessing.  “You can sit in the dining room and cry and talk” to people who understand exactly what you’re going through because they themselves are experiencing similar pains.  “People here make you feel comfortable when you’re upset and crying.  People will hug you when they sense you need a hug,” Holly says, with a big smile. “Strangers become family here.”

Guests like Holly make our jobs easier. It’s a privilege to house a guest who lifts the spirits of those around her and insists on doing her part to extend the circle of caring.