PALM COAST, Fla., March 12, 2019 – On March 8, AdventHealth Hospice Care recognized and celebrated 125 volunteers with an appreciation luncheon overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at the Hammock Dunes Club in Palm Coast.
During the “An Ocean of Gratitude is Not Enough!” themed event, AdventHealth Hospice Care Chaplain David Labrador recognized the efforts of the volunteers and their service to others. Classical pianist Nick Roerig and violinist Paulo Torres provided the entertainment.
“A grateful heart is a happy heart; it has been proven by research that grateful people live longer, happier and healthier,” Labrador said to the volunteers during the luncheon. “We are grateful for your service among us. The fact that you give of yourself willingly to help others is something we appreciate very much.”
Throughout Volusia and Flagler counties, AdventHealth Hospice Care volunteers provide a variety of duties from performing administrative tasks, to providing respite, companionship and spiritual support. AdventHealth Hospice Care volunteers also offer pet therapy for patients and assist in the inpatient units and Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House, creating a supportive and caring environment for patients and their families.
During the event, volunteer coordinator Raeanne Cade and volunteer specialist Barbara Cady presented individual volunteers with awards for their years of service to AdventHealth Hospice Care.
The following volunteers were recognized for more than 15 years of service: Mary Ellen Keck, Elizabeth Klein, Tim Klein, Teri Kowalski, Suzy Suring and Maureen Villiotte.
The following volunteers were recognized for more than 10 years of service: Susan Cole, Diane Gordner, Kiralyna Halchishak, Mildred Jones, Lyn Leitschuh, Kathy Lynch, Maritza Patterson, Nancy Suthard, Sandy Ward, Judith Wendler and Jay Van Rhee.
Sue Doidge was recognized for her 10 years of service.
The following volunteers were recognized for more than 5 years of service: Marti Breehl, Robin Broadfield, Glenna Colley, Elizabeth Cronin, Mary DeGovanni, Joe Driscoll, Doris Edmonds, Diane Gordner, Mary Hormovitis, Cathie Irene, Kay Kerins, Lyn Leitschuh, Bonnie Maguire, Diane Mettler, Bonnie Metz, Maurice Millard, Valerie Millard, Yvonne Monsanto, Liz Piettro, Mary Stevenson, Nancy Toms, Patricia Vath and Sandy Ward.
The following volunteers were recognized for 5 years of service: Lee Anderson, Dorothy Armes, Jill Couch, Laura Fleischer, Richard Haas, Lynn Hecklinger, Dee Henson Governor, Gerry LaPore, Elaine Little, Karen Muir, Nan Resta, Joyce Saunders, Anita Sharpee, Danita Sobeck and Liz Tallarico.
The following volunteers were recognized for 1 year of service: David Bruce, Jo Cervone, Shar Conrad, Cecilia Cutter, Jack Flanagan, Judy Flanagan, Betty French, Rita Gombar, Laura Huerkamp, Janet Jennings, Lynne Kiesel, Laura Morgello, Pam Norris, Norma Rizzo and Carol Saylor.
In addition, AdventHealth Hospice Care also recognized several others for their service including:
- Debbie Bowmer, Muriel Fallon, Lori Parker, Carol Penrose, Marilea Rich, Judy Schlink and Pam Taylor for their on-going support in creating handmade quilts for patients.
- Dr. Fred Brown, Mary Hiemenz and Mary Matson for serving as pianists at the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House in Palm Coast.
- Sue Doidge, Maureen Ford, Jane Grimes, Joy Hudson, Robbie Sebo, DL Ballas, Nancy Booher, Tim Klein, Teri Kowalski and Mary Stevenson for their support of the Friends with Flowers program.
- Ray Abels, Blooming Flowers Florist, Byrd’s Nest Quilt Shop, Flowers Central, Hammock Gardens, Dr. K Kelly Long DVM and Simply Roses Florist for their support of various projects.
AdventHealth Hospice Care is the area’s only faith-based, not-for-profit hospice organization accredited by The Joint Commission. Since 1996, AdventHealth Hospice Care has provided life-affirming care to the residents of Volusia and Flagler counties facing life-limiting illnesses and injuries. With an interdisciplinary team of hospice-trained specialists, AdventHealth Hospice Care provides services to patients, either in their own home, or in one of the AdventHealth Hospice Care inpatients units designed for acute care.
About AdventHealth Central Florida Division - North Region
Encompassing six AdventHealth hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties, the AdventHealth Central Florida Division - North Region is the largest hospital system in the area with 1,178 beds and more than 8,000 team members. The North Region includes facilities in DeLand, Orange City, Palm Coast, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Tavares. Formerly known as Florida Hospital, the organization’s parent company changed the name of all wholly-owned entities to AdventHealth on Jan. 2, 2019. Based in Altamonte Springs, AdventHealth is a connected system of care. With more than 80,000 team members, AdventHealth is one of the nation’s largest faith-based health care systems with nearly 50 hospitals and hundreds of care sites in nearly a dozen states. With the mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth provides whole person care to heal the body, mind and spirit.
