Diane Fasching has been an advocate of hospice care since the 1970s, when she helped found South County Hospice, which later merged with HopeHealth. Fasching was a member of HopeHealth’s Board of Directors for decades and now serves on the organization’s President’s Council.

An expert on health care leadership and governance and the author of a book on cancer caregivers, Deborah J. Cornwall’s experience brings a unique perspective to her service on HopeHealth’s Board of Directors. “Everyone on the HopeHealth team is so committed to the organization, our patients, and to each other,” she said.

When Ed Jankowski's wife of 25 years, Joyce, was diagnosed with cancer and suffered a stroke, he retired from his career as a federal civil servant to care for her. Throughout Joyce's illness, Jankowski never left her side, even when she received hospice care at home with HopeHealth.

For more than 12 years, you could find hospice volunteer Nancy Rieser at a patient’s bedside at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, co-facilitating grief support groups in South County, or kayaking with teenagers at Camp BraveHeart.

“We are so fortunate to have such exceptional services right in our region,” notes George, “so that we can receive care at, or close to home.”

“Midge and I had been so fortunate,” remembers Jim Lewis. “We had a wonderful marriage of over 45 years, rewarding careers, and were enjoying our two sons’ growing families.”

Denise Filion was a self-taught cook who loved to surround herself with her friends, nourishing them with wonderful meals and passionate conversations.

People who are hospitalized with chronic illnesses like congestive heart failure may be eager to go home, but many are worried, too. Medication schedules can be complicated. Changes to diet and physical activity can feel daunting. Monitoring symptoms and vital signs daily can create concern.

Guy Murgo is a Grief Support Counselor with HopeHealth. HopeHealth provides grief counseling and group therapy sessions in our region free of charge. The program is 100% donor funded, allowing all in need to access emotional and spiritual support.

Daniel was a young man in the Navy when he met a bright first-grade teacher who would change his life—his future wife Janice.

For HopeHealth Board member Mark Tracy, personal loss has inspired him to help others gain access to important end-of-life care and grief support.