April 15 through April 21 is National Volunteer Week.

The gift of volunteering is so important in hospice.

I am a hospice volunteer with Hospice Advantage, and I am privileged to be one of many who offer support, companionship, and hope to those near the end of life’s journey.

During the years of my life, I have helped care for several family members as they moved though the last years of their lives.

In particular, a cousin lingered with cancer, and the family needed help with extra care, advice, and encouragement.

Hospice was called and supplied these needs and more to ease the loving burden of care for this loved one.

Many misconceptions about hospice exist –that it means “giving up” or that there is “nothing more that can be done.”

I can say from my experience that the benefits of hospice are great, both for the families and the volunteers. 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 in Troy at 334-566-4357.

Nellie Sue Helms

Volunteer

Hospice Advantage