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It may seem unusual to call hospice a gift, but for our family, during the hardest time in our lives, the extraordinary caregivers at HopeHealth surrounded us with compassion, comfort, and support, and gave us a gift of peace.

Seventeen years ago, my beloved husband, Bob, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. While we shared many wonderful years and made beautiful memories together, Parkinson’s gradually took so much from him and our family. It often left me, my daughter Erin, and my son Brendan wondering how Bob’s story would end.

During my own annual physical, my doctor recognized the toll caregiving was taking on me and encouraged me to reach out to HopeHealth about hospice services for Bob.

Our hospice nurse, Mel, was the first gift. He became a comforting weekly presence, along with our won­derful volunteer, Joyce. They gave us hope that even after such a long and difficult illness, Bob’s journey could end with the peace and dignity he deserved.

As Bob’s illness progressed, caring for him at home became too difficult. Our HopeHealth team recommended the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, the only inpatient hospice center in the region.

We arrived at the Hulitar Center, heartbroken and overwhelmed, but a nurse stopped what she was doing to sit with me and my daughter. She answered questions with kindness and patience, walking us through the process and putting us all at ease.

We were nurtured and cared for as if we were the only family there.

We soon met one of our greatest gifts at the Hulitar Center, Dr. Christine Nevins-Herbert. No matter how busy she was, she always made us feel like Bob was her only patient. “Dr. Chrissy” greeted us with a hug, a reassuring hand, and endless patience.