MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A conversation about life’s most difficult moments took center stage tonight with a focus on culture, compassion, and community. Dr. Sophina Calderon, Chief Medical Officer for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, held a free public presentation titled “Fear and Hope”, an indigenous perspective on illness and health. Dr. Calderon is widely recognized for her work in rural health care, bringing both medical expertise and cultural insight into how people experience serious illness and end-of-life care.
“Not so much of focus on the actual end and getting to that point, but just making sure the entire phase itself is of good quality, not just for the patient, but also for the rest of the family as well,” said Dr. Sophia Calderon, the Chief Medical Officer for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
The event was hosted by the Cedar Tree Institute, a nonprofit focused on mental health, interfaith collaboration, and environmental initiatives. Organizers say conversations around illness, caregiving, and loss are often avoided, but they are essential.
“You know, this is a hospice awareness program. We are looking to help more people understand all the aspects that are involved with hospice care and palliative care,” said Doug Russel of The Cedar Tree Institute.
The presentation is part of a larger community learning series exploring hospice care, grief, and the end-of-life journey with additional sessions scheduled throughout the year.
“Palliative care simply means taking comfort care and taking the symptoms that patients have seriously and treating them, no matter what the disease is, keeping people comfortable, keeping the families connected,” said event organizer, Dr. Mike Grossman.
Organizers say the goal is simple: helping people face life’s most challenging moments with greater connection, resilience, and hope.
