Page 22 - May-June-July Life In Naples

LYTHOELMNA W hen Thelma Lyon enters a room you immediately
by Sandra Lee Buxton know that she is “in the house.” A big smile, warm
greetings for everyone, a splash of humor and news
to share. Thelma loves life and hopes that everyone
else does too. Generous by nature, her recent gift to Avow is one
example of her good works. When asked the question: why this
and why Avow her response was simple. Thelma was looking for a
place to belong, somewhere with purpose, shared values and sense
of community, she found it all at Avow. Thelma loves being a part of
something bigger that herself. She definitely cares and shares, she is
a member of the Avow Women’s Board and happily joins with her
peers watching the Palliative Care Center become a reality. Palliative
care is not a new concept but one that not everyone is familiar with.
A short synopsis is that medical care and oversight is provided for
those with chronic conditions and serious illness. A team approach
is used in treating the pediatric and adult patient which will
include the doctor, a social worker, Chaplain and Registered Nurse
Practitioner. Receiving the palliative care service does not mean that
the patients need to abandon their primary care physician, in fact
that relationship must continue. The two story palliative care center
on the Avow campus is in the aggressive building stage. Expected
completion is late fall 2016, the center will have space for the
palliative care team and offers clinical space to see their patients. A
real bonus for the community is that educational presentation can
be provided on-site in the same building. It is important to note
that Avow currently provides palliative care, the Center will then
become the hub of that specialty.

Thelma herself is a fun and engaging conversationalist with a
positive outlook and an interesting background. In her professional
life she worked as a clinical social worker but also has a Masters of
Divinity, and she did serve for a time as a Chaplain. Although she
was born in Texas, once married she lived in the Northeast in both
Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Her now deceased husband
was a rocket scientist, yes it’s true, and they had a glorious life
together. They raised two successful children, a son and a daughter
and for years Thelma felt that she “had it all.” When her husband
became terminal she had to learn “the new normal” and adjust while
determined to make each day count. She celebrated each day then
just as she does now.

Thelma gives credit to many people who have helped her on her
journey in life but is especially grateful for the mentoring that her
good friend Parker Collier provided. Thelma’s life has been one of
gratitude so her gift to Avow is not really surprising, as she wants
to make a difference in people’s life now just as she did during her
professional career. She naturally offers words of kindness and
encouragement to others daily to friends as well as strangers. She
also stresses the importance of letting people know how much you
enjoy them and how much they mean to you while you’re healthy
enough to share it and in turn they’re healthy enough to receive it.
Important words of wisdom from Thelma, “live until you die.” Now
let’s get going and keep up with Thelma!

22 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2016