Hospice thanks volunteers for service

Editor:

Two important anniversaries are being celebrated this year.  It was 40 years ago that National Volunteer Week was established and it was that same year, 1974, that the first hospice in America opened its doors in Connecticut.

Even before that first hospice began to serve the community, volunteers were an integral part of the way that hospice brought care, compassion and dignity to the patients and families they selflessly served.

April 6 – 12 is National Volunteer Week and during this important time of recognition it’s fitting that we honor all of our nation’s hospice volunteers for the heroic work they do to ensure people at life’s end find comfort, love and respect.

Right here in our community, more than 150 trained volunteers are working with Hospice of Orleans, Inc., to give of themselves to support people during one of life’s most challenging experiences – the journey at life’s end. These dedicated volunteers are helping patients and families live as fully as possible and our community is better because of their service.

They spend time at the bedside, help out family caregivers, participate with outreach efforts, assist in the office, provide fundraising support, and much more. They are angels among us.

I encourage others to learn more about hospice by contacting Hospice of Orleans at 585-589-0809.

Sincerely,

Christine Fancher
Volunteer Coordinator