Dear Editor:

National Volunteer Week is April 15 through 21, a time to recognize and celebrate the thousands of people who give selflessly of their time and talents in service to others. Nowhere is this more important than in our nation’s hospice programs.

At our Hospice Advantage offices across the country, we have over 900 trained volunteers who are dedicated to making sure those in our communities have the support and care they need when facing the journey at life’s end. This journey can often be lonely and frightening. Knowing that there is a caring neighbor to give a hand, lend an ear, and share his or her heart can make all the difference to patients and families. In fact, nationwide, more than 550,000 volunteers give 25 million hours of service every year.

Hospice volunteers understand that every person they care for is a unique individual with a lifetime of experiences, relationships and gifts to share. Hospice brings comfort, dignity and peace to help people live every moment of life to the fullest, leaving loved ones with memories they can treasure.

Many misconceptions about hospice exist—that it means “giving up”, or there’s “nothing more than can be done.” Nothing could be further from the truth, hospice is about living and making sure those with a life-limiting illness are surrounded by love and support. I encourage others to learn more about hospice and volunteer opportunities by contacting Hospice Advantage at 334-566-4357.

Jan Sullivan

Volunteer coordinator, 

Hospice Advantage