Hospice of the Valley volunteers visit Tucson patients

Lovin' Life in Tucson
May 2024
by Lin Sue Flood

One of the most comforting aspects of hospice care is the compassionate support provided by a skilled team of doctors, nurses, social workers, nursing assistants, chaplains and bereavement counselors — all working together to customize a care plan to meet the unique needs of every patient and family. The other essential part of that team is a volunteer, who makes home visits to provide companionship to patients and give caregivers a little time to nurture their own well-being.

Hospice of the Valley is honored to have 1,600 dedicated volunteers visiting our patients in Maricopa County and we are thrilled to share that our first group of volunteers is now serving our patients and families in the Tucson area.

“These volunteers are filled with compassion and will truly make a difference in the lives of so many,” said Stacia Ortega, volunteer services director. “They are over the moon that Hospice of the Valley is now in their hometown.”

It takes no special talent to volunteer, just a kind and caring heart and a few hours of insightful training that helps volunteers better understand what patients and families may be feeling.

“I am so excited and honored to be a new volunteer for Hospice of the Valley,” Barbara Cooper said. Now retired from a long career as a nurse midwife and hospice nurse, she is eager to start a whole new kind of service. “This is an organization that is renowned for its history of serving those in need, and for being a not-for-profit.”

Volunteers founded Hospice of the Valley in 1977, with a mission of bringing comfort, dignity and compassionate care to our community. That means turning no one away, regardless of financial circumstances. That promise to serve all in need is exactly what drew new Tucson volunteer Ted Chester to give of his time.

“Being a volunteer means showing up and helping out, just like you would for a neighbor. But you’re establishing that rela-tionship for the whole journey — opening your soul up to connect,” he said. “Plus, we get to be fresh ears for some really interesting life stories. How many of us have met a World War I veteran?”

"Being a volunteer means showing up and helping out, just like you would for a neighbor. But you’re establishing that relationship for the whole journey — opening your soul up to connect"

Education and Special Programs coordinator Eileen Dullum was inspired by the passion and enthusiasm of these new Tucson volunteers. “This first group will be great ambassadors to spread the word about Hospice of the Valley’s beautiful care. We hope more will join our volunteer family.”

Interested in volunteering? Please contact our Tucson volunteer coordinator, Patricia Johnson, at pjohnson1@hov.org or 480-594-7334.