Letter To The Editor: Volunteer Appreciation Week

Becky Miller

Dear editor,

This year, Hospice of the Chesapeake celebrates 45 years of caring for families. Our organization was founded by a small group of volunteers who planted the seeds for a not-for-profit organization that would impact the lives of thousands of families. Their work as volunteers forever changed health care in our community.

Imagine the strength of commitment it took for those original volunteers to decide to challenge the norm; to blaze a new and different trail. I spoke with one of the founders, Martha O’Herlihy, and she assures me that they had no idea that 45 years later, their radical ideas would touch the lives of more than 7,000 patients each year, directly impacting how we care for those in our community living with advanced illness and coping with loss every day.

During Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 21 to 27, we honor the thousands of people who have given selflessly to make moments that matter for individuals and families at a difficult yet sacred time in their lives. Many people reading this have volunteered for us in some way over these historic years, helping to shape us into who we are today. Thank you, each of you, for your role in caring for life throughout the journey with illness and loss. Your gifts of time, talent and treasure are cherished every day, but especially during this week of national recognition and in our 45th year.

With gratitude,

Becky Miller
President and CEO
Hospice of the Chesapeake