“One month ago, today, I drove my husband, Peter to the ER at Jupiter Medical Center. For two days, he was suffering with excruciating back spasms that we couldn't resolve at home. As his bed was being wheeled to an ER room, I overheard staff members whispering his name in bewilderment.
Blood tests and a CT scan were done immediately. Soon afterward, two doctors and a nurse quietly slipped into Peter's room and one of them kneeled by his bed. It was in that surreal moment I realized something was very wrong, but I never imagined it would be the "c" word.” ~Helena Mariades, 5/18/18
That day was a day that many of you have had. A call. A siren. A talk with a doctor. It happened to me too.
I know Peter Mariades. I know his wife, Helena, too.
Peter’s kidneys and liver were failing. He’d lost weight and muscle mass. His skin had grayed. He’d broken his sternum and spine. A bone marrow sample was taken. Diagnosis: Multiple Myeloma, a rare blood cancer.
Until his diagnosis, Peter Mariades, ThD, MDiv has been the Director of Pastoral Care and Chaplain at Jupiter Medical Center in Jupiter, Florida. He has been on staff there for five years.
He has been instrumental in the development of a hospital-wide Pastoral Care program aimed at providing support to patients during a time of crisis, when physical and mental changes are at work and when the patient is in shock.
A fit and muscular man in his prime, Peter’s illness has left him too in shock. He has lost more than 20 pounds and has undergone several chemo treatments and is responding well. However, he must still have a bone marrow transplant and further chemotherapy.
Rev. Mariades, a highly visible chaplain has personally provided comfort, prayed with hundreds, meeting their spiritual needs, until discharge or even until death’s door opened. For many patients, this has been their first and only experience with prayer and a chaplain. http://kellyjadon.com/blog/2014/10/23/jupiter-medical-center-a-model-for-pastoral-care
It will be several months before Peter is able to return to work. His paid leave of absence at Jupiter Medical Center will be ending shortly; the cut off also means a loss of insurance benefits. His health insurance will run out and $100,000 in funds must be raised as the cost is beyond Peter and Helena’s savings and income.
The former Executive Administrator of Christ for All Nations’ United States operations, Peter has also been Patient Manager/Chaplain to Dr. Chauncey Crandall (Cardiologist), and a pastor at Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens.
Personally, I have seen the work that Peter has done reaching many. My husband and I have chosen to support Peter during this time in his life. It is crucial and expected by God that the church to support her own people during times of affliction. It doesn’t take much. Many hands make for light work. Please give what you can to help a brother and a sister. They need the church body today.
“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:10
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Contact Kelly Jadon at: kfjadon@gmail.com
(C) 2018 Kelly Jadon