Another Way Of Empowering End Of Life Choices

At the end of life, choices can be made.

Sometimes when a big name star becomes involved with a health care organization, it is a great help to that organization fulfilling its mission. It was with that hope that NARUS HEALTH, an organization that combines managed care with palliative care, joined forces with country singer Tim McGraw. This company's founding CEO, Michael Burcham, cuts a fairly large figure himself within Nashville's health care and entrepreneurial arena. But adding Mr. McGraw to the board of directors does provide additional star clout.

You see, by adding Tim McGraw, Narus Health has now combined country music with health care and expanded its audience at the same time. Besides his fans, Mr. McGraw also brings in the resources from the TUG MCGRAW FOUNDATION, his personal foundation.



Tim McGraw's father is well-known baseball pitcher Tug McGraw, who died from brain cancer. So, pairing with this palliative care organization was a good fit. Tim said, "When I learned of Narus Health's patient-focused approach, helping people with serious illness live their lives, it struck a chord. I remember all the decisions my dad had to make along the way, and the support system he needed throughout his journey."

Mr. McGraw continued, "When you are facing a serious illness, you need a dedicated team to ride alongside you. People who will listen, provide support and guidance for you and your family, and give you a voice in your health care decisions. That's the kind of care everyone deserves, and it's why I'm partnering with Narus Health."

Having had the experience of a loved one who required that type of support will certainly enhance the contribution that Tim McGraw can make as a board member. Even CEO Michael Burcham has had personal experience in losing a beloved friend and family member, Tommy Cato, before he launched Narus Health last year.

In fact, Mr. McGraw and Mr. Burcham had already met through some friends and had been discussing their shared experience in supporting loved ones who were facing terminal illnesses. Both Narus and the Tug McGraw Foundation are hoping to work collaboratively in some shared initiatives within the next few months.

Mr. Burcham discussed their relationship, "When Tim and I shared our personal stories of loved ones who faced a serious illness and the incredible amount of stress it placed on our families, we quickly realized we shared a passion for making a difference. We talked about ways we could give consumers a voice in their health care choices, support their families, and provide them the guidance and resources they need to make informed decisions. We both knew at that moment: we could combine our teams and our talents to do something meaningful for families all over America."

Tug McGraw pitching for the Phillies.

Giving patients and families a voice in their care is something that nurses everywhere will recognize, since we try to do that every day in patient care. Making sure patients and families have all the information and resources that they need to make complex decisions is empowering. The end of life presents choices in how that important life passage happens. I think it is something for which we all have our wishes.

Joe Gibbs and team in front of The Brain Food Garden, funded through Tug McGraw Foundation.

Thanks for information from this article on Tug McGraw Foundation: http://www.tugmcgraw.org/tmfnews/Tim_McGraw_Joining_Forces_to_Further_Improve_Quality_of_Life_for_others; and the above links.

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