Hospice Caring Holds Anniversary Gala

Hospice Caring will hold its 26th anniversary gala on Sept. 26, the date that would have been Legacy Honoree Brendan Ogg’s 26th birthday, according to a news release.

Jackie and Clay Ogg of Silver Spring will accept the organization’s legacy award in memory of their son who died in 2010 after a 14-month battle with brain cancer. A sophomore at the University of Michigan, Brendan was home for winter break when he was diagnosed on Christmas Eve 2008. A gifted writer, he used his talent to express his emotions during his illness.

“It took a lot of courage for Brendan, a 19-year-old young man, to share his experience; to movingly acknowledge mortality while at the same time celebrate and embrace life,” Jackie says. “Fortunately, one of Brendan’s greatest sources of encouragement and comfort came from his remarkable group of friends who were there for him from the moment of diagnosis until the very end.”

“We’re drawn to Hospice Caring because of the wonderful work it does to provide respectful, deeply compassionate, end-of-life care,” Jackie continued. “The organization fills in the gaps where friends and family need help. We know how meaningful this kind of support can be.”

Jackie is the board chairwoman of the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington DC and is working with Hospice Caring to strengthen and develop friendships for young adults throughout the cancer journey. Clay recently retired from a career in the government addressing economic opportunities shared through agricultural and environmental policy.

Jackie and Clay created the Brendan Ogg Memorial Fund to honor Brendan and the issues he cared about, including support for young adults with cancer and their friends.

Hospice Caring’s Silver Linings Gala will be held in Chevy Chase. All proceeds from the gala will go to expanding Hospice Caring Inc.’s caregiving, bereavement support, and community education programs.

Sandra and Pete Bracken of Gaithersburg and Montgomery County based Miller & Long Co., Inc. will also be honored at the gala for their ongoing support of Hospice Caring, Inc.