18 OCTOBER 2022 By guest contributor Debbie Shumway, Hospice of the Valley executive director Hospice of the Valley is proud to celebrate a special milestone this year. Forty-five years ago, in the fall of 1977, a group of volunteers founded our not- for-profit community hospice. We began with just a few patients, very few staff and virtually no funding. But our commitment to serving was strong. We traveled from one end of the Valley to the other, serving families with volunteer doctors, nurses, social workers, nurse aides and chaplains providing compassionate care and kindness. In the early 1980s, Medicare created a hospice benefit, which allowed us to hire employees and begin serving more patients and families in need. From the early days through today, our mission has always been about delivering exceptional care. As our community grew, we recognized the care needs of those dealing with significant health challenges but not ready for hospice. We began creating innovative programs to support families earlier, helping them manage chronic illnesses like cancer and pulmonary and cardiac disease and providing home-based primary care for high-risk patients with advanced illnesses. Like our hospice care, all these programs are supported by a skilled clinical triage team that provides visit and phone support 24/7, even at night and on weekends. With community support, we recently opened a first-of-its-kind Dementia Care and Education Campus to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families living with all types and stages of dementia. As a not-for-profit, we are honored to be a safety net for our community. Hospice of the Valley cared for more than 22,000 patients and families last year and provided over $12 million in charity care. We could not do any of it without the amazing generosity of our community – which helps us care for all who come to us, regardless of financial resources. Every volunteer makes a lasting impact: Providing companionship to patients and respite to caregivers, bringing a friendly therapy pet to brighten the day, making flower arrangements, paying tribute to veteran patients, and greeting customers at our four thrift stores. Their gifts are endless and so appreciated. Together we are caring for our community. Thank you for your trust and for supporting us these many years. We are excited about the next 45 and beyond. hov.org Celebrating 45 years of compassionate community service Hospice of the Valley began as a community-based nonprofit with administrative offices in a church basement. Today, care teams provide specialized expertise in illnesses such as ALS, cancer, dementia and heart and lung diseases. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY Debbie Shumway Opening Fall 2023 | Grades 5 and 6 Midtown Phoenix Friends Education based in values of: Equality • Service Peace • Community Nurturing the innate goodness, desire to learn, and special gifts in all. Education & Learning for a Lifetime Join us for a Meet & Greet: October 18 – 5:30 PM | November 6 – 4:00 PM October 23 – 4:00 PM | November 15 – 5:30 PM RSVP at phoenixfriendsschool.org or call for complete information (602) 562-2662

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