(Photo courtesy of Hospice of Hilo)

MEDIA RELEASE

National Volunteer Week was April 21 – 27, 2013 and Hospice of Hilo honored its core of dedicated volunteers who provide support, companionship and dignity to members of the community facing serious and life-limiting illness at its annual volunteer appreciation luncheon.

“Volunteers have expressed their gratitude at being allowed to touch the hearts of Hospice of Hilo patients. They continue to set a great example of the honor and privilege of serving. We recognize, acknowledge and honor the 2000+ hours they have given in 2012 towards the service of the terminally ill,” said Pearl Lyman, Hospice of Hilo volunteer manager.

Hospice of Hilo volunteers often serve patients and families at the bedside but they also assist in the office, help raise awareness, contribute to educational programs, and provide fundraising support and more.

“They are truly the heart of our organization. We are so very grateful for all the volunteers give to ensure that each and every member of our community facing a life- limiting illness knows that they don’t have to face the journey alone and that with hospice care they can live better,” Hospice of Hilo CEO Brenda S. Ho said.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports an estimated 450,000 hospice volunteers providing more than 21 million hours of service to hospice programs each year. More than 1.65 million patients in the U.S. are cared for by hospice every year.

“Helping others is what I like to do and I believe there is no better way than to be there for them when they are facing the end of life,” volunteer Susan Pauole said.

For further information or to volunteer, call Pearl at 969-1733 or visit www.hospiceofhilo.org