Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate Hospice on June 9th at Catamount Ranch and Club golf course and The Larson Barn. Over 300 supporters of Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association’s Hospice and Palliative Care program joined us to golf and celebrate. It was a picture perfect day, and a cool Colorado evening, filled with celebration, remembrance and support of the much needed service Hospice provides to patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less.

This year we asked our staff, Hospice Families/Patients and Volunteers how Hospice Helps. Here’s what they had to say:

• We really try and do the things that are important to the patient – sometimes it’s seeing family members or a bucket list item, sometimes it’s the last ski down the hill with a child. I’m very much in favor of people having opportunities to close their life in a way that is meaningful to them. – Carole Milligan, MD, Routt County Medical Director
• Grieving is a complex, confusing and an often overwhelming process.  It is so different for each individual and can impact a person mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Hospice helped me navigate the new and unfamiliar path of grief after the loss of my husband.  – Jean Stetson, Board of Directors President
• It’s an honor to be allowed into family’s home during one of the most difficult times in their lives. We address physical, spiritual, and emotional needs for the patient and their families, which allows the patient to live their last days to the fullest. Hospice also helped me let go of my husband. It allowed me to be my husband’s wife and not his nurse. – Robbie Frentress, RN Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse
• We help by listening, educating, offering encouraging words or even a gentle smile. I believe everyone should have the choice to close their lives in a way that is most meaningful to them. Hospice helps to achieve meaningful closure. – Maria Mosman, RN Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse
• I try to give each patient and their family care, compassion and concern. I’ve been told I’m a blessing, but to me, each and every patient and their families are a blessing.  Knowing that in some small way I can help to make their last days for meaningful is a true feeling of fulfillment.- Billie Jacobs, Volunteer
• Words and shared moments with others are often taken for granted.  Participating in hospice helps remind me to be present for every conversation and experience.   Each patient interaction is a chance to embrace what we have today. – Tom Scilacci, Volunteer
• Hospice is not a place to go and die, it helps you live. – Ken Farmer, Hospice Patient
• We are so appreciative of your compassion, your efficiency, and your honesty. You bring laughter, joy and prayers into our home. You have become a friend and a part of the family. The compassion and understanding of these wonderful people is to be honored…Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Hospice, You truly are a blessing to so many who need you. – Edna (Josi) Thomas, Hospice Patient and Vicky White, Caregiver

I would like to extend a very big thank you to our incredible staff, dedicated volunteers,  committed board of directors, generous event and in-kind sponsors, all of the family members of those that we serve, community vendors and to all who came out to celebrate and with us. The support of this community continues to inspire and to remind us all why this is such a wonderful place to call home.

Hospice Helps patients, families and community members, and would like to thank you for helping hospice.

Lisa Brown, CEO
Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association