This morning a treatment program employee, Keith H., who was in the hospital on life support - died.
A little over a week ago he was working in his position as office manager. Then we got word this weekend that he'd gone to the hospital and not expected to live through the night.
The last time I talked to him he told me that he'd lost 40 pounds and was scheduled to begin chemotherapy this week for a tumor in his throat. I'm not sure what his diagnosis was, but some of us who worked with him were surprised at how suddenly he died, even though we knew he was quite ill.
Because many of our residents didn't take very good care of themselves while using, it seems like some of them suffer more health problems than the average person.
We lose many residents and staff to liver disease, heart problems, and COPD. The majority of them don't have close family ties and if they know they're dying they usually choose to stay with us until they pass on. Our policy is let them stay as long as we're able to care for them.
Thank you Keith for all the addicts you helped while you were with us. May your journey be peaceful.
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