In June 2005, Bro. Dean Sandoval -- an otherwise healthy, outgoing and gentle man, loved by all who met him -- was recovering from a strenuous round of chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in a Central Florida hospital. His family and loved ones, indeed our entire community were relieved that the chemo seemed to have "gotten" all of the cancer, and he was expected to make a full recovery.

His doctors discovered a small adhesion in his intestinal tract from a previous surgery, and the doctor suggested that a simple, safe and relatively quick procedure be done to eliminate the pain and discomfort this was causing, given the weight loss from the chemotherapy.

Unfortunately, the night after his successful surgery, Dean had a "rotating nurse" on his floor, who was homophobic. She knew Dean was infected with the AIDS virus, and when he rang for her to help clean him up after not being able to make it to the restroom in time, she left him sitting in his feces for two hours. Upon arriving at the hospital, I cleaned him up, along with the charge nurse, who apologised profusely. But sitting in that bacterial stew caused a small decubitus lesion (bed sore) on Dean's backside.

In his weakened state (due to the beating the body takes during chemotherapy), that bedsore quickly became a wound the size and depth of a lemon, which ate away clear down to his tailbone. Doctors said he would not survive surgery to try to close the wound and stop the sepsis that developed. And on July 1st 2005, Dean died.

His death was the result of a nurse's fear of AIDS and homophobia. It was unnecessary, inexcusable and devastating.

Just prior to his death, Dean asked that we establish a centre for compassionate care and healing, so that no one else would ever suffer the indignities he and so many like him suffer each year.

When it's built, the Dean Sandoval Centre for Contemplative Care will provide a safe, nurturing environment of compassionate care, support and education for those facing serious and terminal dis-ease, and for their loved ones.

Through hands-on care partnerships with leading community healthcare providers, hospice volunteers, caregivers and pastoral training programs, as well as by gently advocating contemplative care at a local, regional and national level, we believe that we will positively impact the quality of life for those we serve, relieve individual and family suffering, and effectively create a more courageous and peaceful community that provides compassionate care for all, especially those facing end-of-life issues.

Opportunities exist for individuals and corporate sponsorships, grants and donations to make the Centre a reality in the Greater Washington D.C. area, and later throughout the country. Contact the Development Office for more information.