ComforterA publication of Hospice of the Panhandle July 2026 A Love Story, A Final Journey The Also inside: Marley Bolyard is awarded the Hospice of the Panhandle scholarship Elmdea Adams details her journey in taking care of her late husband, John, in his final months. A personal story of love, grief, and acceptance.
2 The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org Contents Contact Protecting What Matters 3 Honoring What Matters Most 4 Community Highlights 5 Scholarhsip Award 7 Behind the Scenes 8 A Love Story, A Final Journey 10 Celebrating a Legacy of Service 12 Hollywood Nights Shines Bright in Support of Hospice Care 13 Volunteer Impact Report 16 Hospice of the Panhandle Celebrates Compassion and Dedication of Volunteers 17 Honoring the 2025 Volunteer of the Year 18 Sharing Gratitude During Heart Month 20 Thank You, VFW Post 4019 22 Lighting the Way Through Love and Rememberance 23 Impact Report 24 Celebrating Compassion Through Hospice Hugs 25 330 Hospice Lane Kearneysville, WV 25430 Phone: 304 264 0406 www hospiceotp org The Comforter is published by Hospice of the Panhandle for friends and supporters. If you wish not to receive The Comforter, please contact Jen Stanely at (304) 264-0406 or jstanley@hospiceotp.org.
Nikki Franklin W hen serious illness or loss enters our lives, most of us long for the same things: comfort, dignity, compassion, and the presence of the people we love most. For more than 45 years, Hospice of the Panhandle has had the privilege of walking alongside individuals and families during some of life’s most meaningful moments. We have celebrated milestones, honored final wishes, shared tears, offered guidance, and provided comfort when it was needed most. These experiences remind us every day that hospice and palliative care are about far more than healthcare: it is about human connection. Today, hospice care is facing a level of scrutiny unlike anything we have seen before. Across the country, concerns related to fraud, program integrity, and the rapid growth of for-profit providers have brought increased attention to the hospice industry. While this heightened oversight can create challenges for providers, it also presents an opportunity to demonstrate what quality hospice care should look like. For Hospice of the Panhandle, that means remaining grounded in the values that have guided us for more than four decades: compassion, integrity, excellence, and respect. As our community continues to grow and evolve, so do the needs of the people we serve. Families are navigating increasingly complex healthcare decisions while often balancing caregiving responsibilities, work, and everyday life. In response, we are continually looking for new ways to support our neighbors with compassion, expertise, and innovation. Over the past year, we have strengthened our hospice and palliative care programs, expanded transportation resources, and explored new ways to meet the growing needs of our community. These efforts are not about growth for growth’s sake. They are about ensuring that patients and families throughout our region continue to have access to high-quality, mission-driven care when they need it most. At the heart of every strategic decision we make is a commitment to protecting the hospice benefit and preserving the trust our community has placed in us. Guided by our values of compassion, integrity, excellence, and respect, we remain focused on delivering exceptional care and honoring every individual with dignity. From the bedside to the boardroom, these values guide every interaction, every decision, and every step forward. None of this work would be possible without the extraordinary support of our staff, volunteers, donors, community partners, and supporters. Their dedication allows us to continue serving our region with purpose while navigating an increasingly complex healthcare environment. While much may change in healthcare, our mission remains steadfast. We will continue to stand beside families during life’s most difficult moments, provide exceptional care with dignity and respect, and advocate for a future where every person has access to compassionate end-of-life care. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and for helping us protect what matters most. 3www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter Protecting What Matters Warm Regards, Written By Nikki Franklin CEO
4The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org Honoring What Matters Most Making Meaningful Moments Possible At Hospice of the Panhandle, we are privileged to walk alongside patients and families during some of life’s most meaningful and vulnerable moments. While our mission includes providing expert medical care and comfort, it also extends far beyond symptom management. It is about helping patients live fully, finding peace, strengthening connections, and honoring the moments that matter most. Recently, we witnessed a powerful example of this mission in action. One of our patients had carried a deeply personal wish for more than ten years, to be baptized in the river. Thanks to the compassion, dedication, and thoughtful coordination of our Chaplain, Hayley, that wish became a reality. Through her support and commitment to honoring the patient’s spiritual journey, he was able to experience a profoundly meaningful milestone surrounded by care and dignity. Moments like this serve as a reminder of the extraordinary work that happens every day across our organization. While Hayley played an instrumental role in making this special moment possible, stories like these reflect something even greater: the collective commitment of our entire team. From the care provided at the bedside to the behind-the- scenes decisions, resources, and support systems that allow our staff to serve patients in deeply personal ways, every team member contributes to creating experiences that truly make a difference. This is what hospice care means. It is not simply about providing medical care at the end of life. It is about listening, understanding what matters most to each individual, and doing everything we can to help bring comfort, meaning, peace, and joy during life’s final chapter. We are grateful to every member of our team whose compassion and dedication make moments like this possible each and every day. By Julie Sayre Director of Advanced Illness Operations
5www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter Community Highlights The Power of Generosity In Action At Hospice of the Panhandle, we are reminded every day that our mission is strengthened by the incredible generosity and support of the communities we serve. Throughout the year, local businesses, organizations, churches, and community members continue to show their commitment to ensuring compassionate hospice care remains available for patients and families when they need it most. We are honored to share a few recent examples of that support in action. Bank of Romney Gives Back Aheartfelt thank you to the dedicated employees of Bank of Romney for their generous support of Hospice of the Panhandle. Through an employee dress-down day fundraiser, their team raised and donated $1,000 to help support our mission of providing compassionate care and comfort to patients and families throughout our community. A Tradition of Giving at Timber Ridge Christian Church There is something truly special about a community gathering around a cause that impacts so many lives. For the past 15 years, Timber Ridge Christian Church has faithfully hosted their annual Benefit Breakfast in support of Hospice of the Panhandle, a tradition rooted in generosity, remembrance, and service to others. Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast featuring homemade pancakes, buckwheat, savory sausage, crispy bacon, and the crowd favorite, sausage gravy. On a foggy Saturday morning filled with warmth and fellowship, 104 community members gathered and helped raise nearly $1,700 in support of hospice care. This dedicated congregation continues to make an incredible impact, honoring loved ones while helping ensure patients and families receive compassionate care during life’s most difficult moments. We are deeply grateful for their continued commitment and support.
6 The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org Supporting Community through Connection At Hospice of the Panhandle, community involvement extends beyond the care we provide. It is also about showing up, building connections, and participating in the events that bring our communities together. In April, members of our Hospice team proudly participated in the Ranson Civic Center 5K, joining friends and neighbors for a fun and meaningful community event. Adding a special touch to the day, one of our talented team members designed custom t-shirts for our staff to wear as we represented our organization. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together outside of the workplace, support a local community event, and celebrate the spirit of teamwork that continues to define who we are. These moments remind us that the work of hospice is never done alone. It is made possible through partnerships, generosity, and a community that continually shows up to support one another. To everyone who gives their time, resources, and heart to support our mission, thank you. Together, we continue making a difference. Community Highlights The Power of Generosity In Action VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
7www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter The Hospice of the Panhandle Nursing Scholarship was established in 2021 in memory of Taylor Spigler-James. This fund awards an annual scholarship to a student who is studying to be a nurse.
Behind the Scenes The Unseen Challenges and Unwavering Dedication of Hospice Care In September, I will celebrate my 14th year working as the Medical Director of Hospice of the Panhandle. It has and continues to be my professional calling. Throughout the years, I have had the honor and privilege to hear hundreds of stories about how my patients lived their lives and how they would like their final chapter to end. Storytelling is therapeutic; it connects us, it provides closure, and it is a form of communication and reflection. The lessons I have learned from those I have served are valued and cherished. I have written articles in the past sharing some of the stories and lessons gained from interactions with patients, but today, I would like to share a different story… a behind-the-scenes story, not about the patients my colleagues and I serve, but about my brave, relentless, and dedicated colleagues. The hospice landscape is rapidly changing, and the challenges we are facing are paramount. A few months back, our CEO, Nikki Franklin, wrote an article for the Journal surrounding the fraud and abuse occurring in the hospice space nationwide. There are, without a doubt, bad actors wreaking havoc in the hospice industry. These entities are and need to be under aggressive investigation from the governing bodies. Unfortunately, to catch those being fraudulent, the net must be cast very wide. It should not come as a surprise that all hospices are now under the microscope. What does this mean for your local Hospice of the Panhandle? It means intensive audits, withholding of billing, requests for thousands of pages of medical records, countless hours preparing reports, involvement of legal counsel and associated costs, all while continuing to run business as usual. Let’s talk about what business as usual means… it means providing high-quality end-of-life and palliative care to over 400 people in our community daily. It means being available 24/7 for these patients and their families to ensure the most optimal and consistent care possible. It means managing a staff of over 120 people. Which brings me to the next challenge: I watch my fellow leadership team tirelessly face, the staffing shortages and frequent turnover. I recently heard a speaker say that the COVID-19 pandemic ripped the Band-Aid off the already growing nursing shortage issue. This has continued to snowball and is one of the biggest challenges facing healthcare entities today. There are fewer people entering the nursing profession, more people leaving it than ever, and intense competition for those in the field. Recruiting and retaining nurses has been an ongoing battle. There is an additional challenge surrounding orienting and onboarding in the field of end-of- life medicine. This field of medicine is a specialty and requires specific training. It takes around a year to fully train a nurse who has not had hospice experience to feel fully comfortable providing end-of-life care. The amount of time, energy, and resources it takes to help a new nurse become confident and skilled at providing high-quality end-of-life care is significant, and turnover has a momentous negative impact. If this doesn’t sound daunting enough, the hospice industry continues to face yearly rate cuts, continuously being told to do more with less, future changes in benefit and payment models (transitioning from a fee-for-service model to a value-based model), and ongoing regulatory scrutiny. Written By Dr. Sarah Phillips Medical Director 8 The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org
It is not an easy time to work in the field of end- of-life and palliative medicine. There are unknown changes on the horizon that require us to stay nimble and resilient. We are tired. I watch my colleagues working overtime, investing their time, energy, and dedication to ensure this sacred service remains viable and available to the deserving people of our community. Showing up to work these days no longer means business as usual. It means business as usual and juggling the unknowns and new, evolving challenges. Despite the current industry status, I can wholeheartedly say I have never seen a more dedicated group of individuals. I am so proud and honored to work alongside them. I keep this quote by Ira Byock (a leading physician in palliative care) on a Post-it at my desk… “If there were billing codes for honoring and celebrating people who are ill, they would be a source of income for this field.” It reminds me that we do this work because it is the right thing to do, not because it’s lucrative or easy. We show up every day to help those facing pain, fear, and suffering. We will continue to do that despite the additional and, at times, seemingly insurmountable challenges. In writing this article, I hope a broader audience can appreciate the current chapter in the story of Hospice of the Panhandle and the heroes who work here. www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter 9 VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
10 The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org A Love Story, A Final Journey In August of 2010, my husband John and I met through Match.com. We were both at the point where we were ready to give up on online dating altogether. We decided to meet for what John jokingly called our “inspection dinner” at a restaurant in Winchester. I remember seeing him for the first time and thinking it would at least be a free dinner, but within about fifteen minutes of talking, I realized something extraordinary was happening. After dinner, we sat outside in front of the Winchester Courthouse talking for another two hours. We found ourselves sharing things that people normally don’t reveal until much later in a relationship. There was an immediate connection, one that neither of us expected. When the evening ended, John was so distracted driving home to Berkeley Springs that he accidentally drove the wrong way and had to turn around. I nearly ran a red light myself. We both knew from that very first night that what we had found was something incredibly special. It was exciting and it was also terrifying because the connection felt so deep, so quickly. John proposed the end of December. I said yes. Not long after, John told me that, months earlier, he’d booked himself a ten-day cruise in February for his birthday. He never cared much for February and saw it as a chance to escape the cold. He asked if I wanted to join him. I happily accepted the invitation, thinking that if two people could survive traveling together in close quarters for ten days and still enjoy each other’s company, it was a good sign for being able to live together. We were married in May of 2011. We first had a private handfasting ceremony surrounded by a few close friends, followed by a formal wedding celebration a week later with family and loved ones. We shared eight beautiful years together, years filled with love, companionship, and the kind of connection many people spend a lifetime hoping to find. Then, in mid-2018, everything began to change. John started feeling unwell, and by Thanksgiving, I knew something wasn’t right. I had prepared Cornish game hens for dinner, but after only a few bites, he had to leave the table. I could hear him becoming sick in the bathroom. He came back and quietly said, “It’s not the food. Something’s wrong with my stomach.” We began searching for answers, though unfortunately, his doctor was not proactive in helping us understand what was happening. By the end of December, he had switched to my primary doctor and things started moving quickly. By the end of January, we had strong indications that John had esophageal cancer. On February 15, 2019, we traveled to the University of Maryland Medical Center because John had researched extensively and felt that was where he wanted to go. The oncologist confirmed it was Stage III, likely Stage IV. The cancer looked like it had spread into his lungs and spine, but, because of the locations, they felt getting biopsies would be too dangerous. At that point, John’s esophagus had narrowed to only the size of a pencil, making it almost impossible for him to eat. Before beginning chemotherapy, he had a stent placed so he could try to get more nutrition into his body. He endured an aggressive chemotherapy regimen beginning in late February, followed by a second round in March, but his body never truly recovered. John & Elmdea
Eventually, we transferred his care closer to home and began working with an oncologist in Hagerstown. It was there we were told what I had quietly feared: the chemotherapy approach had been extremely aggressive. Treatment shifted toward palliative care, and we attempted radiation. But eventually, I knew we needed to begin thinking differently. I asked John to consider hospice care. I remember telling him that hospice would not only help him, but that it would help me as well. His response was simple and deeply reflective of who he was. He said, “Okay… if it will help you, as long as I can keep my doctors.” And so, in June of 2019, we began receiving care through Hospice of the Panhandle. From the moment hospice entered our lives, everything changed. When John first received his diagnosis, doctors estimated he had six months to a year to live. John passed away on September 20, 2019, seven months after diagnosis. In those final months, Hospice of the Panhandle gave us something medicine alone could not provide: comfort, support, dignity, and peace. John worked closely with both the hospice social worker and chaplain. The chaplain, in particular, helped John reach a place of grace and acceptance. Watching John find peace in those final weeks is something I will forever carry with me, and for that, I remain deeply grateful. Hospice didn’t simply care for John. They cared for both of us. Early in John’s illness, even before receiving the official diagnosis, I created a private Facebook group for family and close friends. I called them my “kith and kin.” I wanted one place where I could keep everyone informed while also processing everything we were experiencing in real time. John created a similar group of his own. I found myself writing often, sharing updates, journaling, and simply trying to process the unimaginable. Sometime during the summer of 2019, someone in my group told me that what I was writing could help other people walking a similar path. They suggested I publish it. I acknowledged the idea, but quietly set it aside. After John died, I simply could not go back and revisit any of it. The grief was still too raw. The pain was too immediate. It took several years before I could even begin gathering everything I had written and John had written. I needed another year after that to carefully sort through what belonged in the story and what did not. Toward the end of 2024, I found an editor who helped bring the memoir to life, with a beautiful cover, interior design, and editing. In November of 2025, six years and two months after John’s death, it was finally published. The book includes some of John’s own writing from his private Facebook group, along with emails he had written during his illness. I made the intentional decision not to edit any of his words because it reflected how cancer and chemotherapy had affected his thinking and, more importantly, it preserved his authentic voice. It allowed him to still be present in the story. Throughout all of this, I have remained clear about one thing. As painful as losing John was, I would never choose not to have experienced the love we shared. The years we had together were worth every single moment. My purpose in writing this book was simple: I wanted to be of service. I want others walking through caregiving, anticipatory grief, terminal illness, and unimaginable loss to know they are not alone. I moved back to Winchester to be closer to friends and today, I continue that mission as a volunteer with Blue Ridge Care in Winchester. I help co-facilitate grief support groups. I have also begun speaking publicly, sharing pieces of this journey in hopes that others may find comfort and healing in knowing someone else understands. I have both a counseling and coaching background, and I firmly believe life gives each of us gifts meant to serve others. My journey with John taught me that love does not end when life does. From Personal Loss to Helping Others Heal What began as a deeply personal journal through her husband John’s cancer journey became something much greater, a resource for others navigating caregiving, grief, and profound loss. Moving Forward: The Journey of a Cancer Caregiver was written by Elmdea Adams as a hand extended to those who need reassurance that they are not alone. You can read more about the memoir at https:// www.elmdeaadams.com/cancer-caregiving-memoir/, which also includes links to purchase online, with multiple formats available and an audiobook becoming available in late July. 11www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter
Celebrating a Legacy of Service Honoring Maria Lorenson At Hospice of the Panhandle, we know that the heart of our mission is built by extraordinary people whose dedication and compassion leave a lasting impact on the lives of others. Today, we pause to recognize and celebrate one of those remarkable individuals as we honor Maria Lorensen on her retirement after 17 years of service. For nearly two decades, Maria has been an integral part of the Hospice of the Panhandle family, serving as our Director of Development with unwavering commitment, passion, and a deep belief in the mission of providing compassionate care to those facing life-limiting illness and supporting their families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Throughout her 17 years with our organization, Maria played an instrumental role in helping shape the future of Hospice of the Panhandle. Her dedication, leadership, and countless accomplishments have helped strengthen our organization and expand our ability to serve patients and families throughout our community. Through her tireless work and steadfast commitment, Maria helped build relationships, inspire generosity, and create opportunities that have allowed our mission to grow and thrive. But beyond the accomplishments and professional achievements, Maria’s greatest impact can be found in the countless lives she has touched along the way. Her compassion, kindness, and dedication have left an imprint not only on our organization, but on colleagues, donors, volunteers, patients, and families who have been fortunate enough to know her. Seventeen years represents more than time served. It represents a legacy of commitment, service, and heart. Maria, thank you for the tremendous impact you have made during your time at Hospice of the Panhandle. Thank you for your leadership, for the passion you brought to this mission each day, and for the countless ways you have helped shape who we are today. As you begin this next chapter, please know that your work here has mattered deeply, your contributions will continue to be felt for years to come, and the lives you have touched will forever be part of your legacy. Director of Development, Maria Lorenson, left, and CEO, Nikki Franklin, right. Written By Jen Stanely, Director of Marketing & Fundraising 12 The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org
13www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter Hollywood Night Shines Bright in Support of Hospice Care On June 5, the spirit of generosity was on full display as friends, supporters, community leaders, and dedicated partners gathered at the beautiful Bavarian Inn, for an unforgettable evening in support of Hospice of the Panhandle. Hollywood Nights 2026 was far more than a celebration; it was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to care for one another. The evening began with guests being greeted on the red-carpet entrance, setting the stage for a night centered around compassion, generosity, and a shared commitment to serving patients and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments. As guests arrived, sponsors were recognized in a special way, with company names proudly displayed along the entrance walkway leading into an evening filled with connection, gratitude, and purpose. We extend our deepest gratitude to our Presenting Sponsor, Farmers & Mechanics Insurance, whose steadfast support continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of the patients and families we serve. Their partnership, along with the incredible generosity of so many others, helped lay the foundation for an extraordinary evening. Before the first guest even walked through the doors, our community had already demonstrated remarkable belief in our mission. Through sponsorship commitments alone, more than $246,000 had already been raised, a reflection of the trust, compassion, and unwavering commitment our supporters continue to show toward hospice care in our region. Guests enjoyed an evening filled with exceptional hospitality, delicious cuisine, beautiful views overlooking the river, and an atmosphere that perfectly reflected the heart behind the event. Some gathered poolside under the evening sky, others shared conversation under the tent, while many sponsors enjoyed private indoor seating, all coming together for a singular purpose: to ensure compassionate care remains available to those who need it most. The excitement throughout the evening was undeniable. The silent auction featured an incredible collection of unique and thoughtfully curated items, while the live auction brought energy and enthusiasm as guests generously bid on unforgettable experiences including private dinner parties, exclusive baseball suite tickets, country music concert experiences, and many other special offerings. We are incredibly grateful to David and Christian Asam for their gracious hospitality and for helping create such a beautiful setting for the evening. Their commitment, along with the exceptional service provided by the Bavarian Inn team, helped create an experience that was memorable in every way. Written By Jen Stanley Director of Marketing & Fundraising
14 The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org Because of the overwhelming generosity of our sponsors, donors, and attendees, we are honored to share that together, we raised more than $303,250. But this number represents so much more than dollars raised. It represents patients receiving expert care in the comfort of home surrounded by those they love. It represents families finding guidance, peace, and support during one of life’s most difficult journeys. It represents dignity, compassion, comfort, and the reassurance that no one in our community has to walk the end-of-life journey alone. Every dollar raised will directly support the mission of Hospice of the Panhandle and allow us to continue providing compassionate care to individuals facing life- limiting illness while also supporting their families and caregivers every step of the way. Year after year, our community continues to show up for this mission in extraordinary ways. We are deeply humbled by the faithfulness, generosity, and kindness shown by those who believe in the work we do. To every sponsor, donor, volunteer, supporter, and guest who made this evening possible — thank you. Your generosity is not simply funding healthcare. You are providing comfort. You are giving families support. You are creating peace in life’s most difficult moments. You are helping us bring compassionate care to those who need it most. Because of you, our mission continues. And because of you, countless families in our community will experience the care, dignity, and compassion they deserve when it matters most. Hollywood Night Shines Bright in Support of Hospice Care
15www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter
16The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org Direct Care Volunteer Hours: 1,410 Organizational Hours: 8,453- Volunteers - Total Hours of Service 11,126 Volunteers are the heart of our mission. Through their compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment, they bring comfort, dignity, and connection to patients and families when it matters most. This year, their selfless service has strengthened our community and expanded the reach of our care in ways that statistics alone could never capture. VOLUNTEERS – Together we make a difference Medicare Match 16% Wage cost savings: $387,108 1,360 Patient Visits23% of Patients Received a Volunteer Visit Veterans Honored: 75 27 New Volunteers 92% Volunteer Retention Rate 175 Active Volunteers
17www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter Hospice of the Panhandle Celebrates Compassion and Dedication of Volunteers Every year, we are reminded of the hardworking and compassionate volunteers who serve our patients, their families, and our staff. In 2025, our volunteers collectively contributed 11,126 hours of service, helping us meet 16% of our Medicare match requirement and saving the organization an estimated $387,108 in wage costs. While these numbers are significant, the true impact of our volunteer program cannot be measured in statistics alone. The compassion, dedication, and support our volunteers provided throughout the year were reflected in the 1,360 patient visits they made. Our volunteers are the backbone of Hospice of the Panhandle, helping us fulfill our mission and continue serving our community with care and compassion. We were also proud to welcome 27 new volunteers to our organization, bringing fresh perspectives and inspiring energy to an already dedicated team. Through our We Honor Veterans program, volunteer services also recognized 75 veteran patients, ensuring they received the appreciation and acknowledgment they deserve while in our care. On Wednesday, April 23, our annual Volunteer Luncheon provided an opportunity to express our gratitude in person. During the event, we recognized volunteers with five or more years of service, announced the 2025 Volunteer of the Year, and celebrated the unwavering commitment our volunteers demonstrate in support of Hospice of the Panhandle’s mission. Written By Samantha Fridley Digital & Marketing Engagement Coordinator VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
18 The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org Honoring the 2025 Volunteer of the Year - Randi Dufresne One of the most special moments during our annual Volunteer Luncheon was the presentation of the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award, given to Randi Dufresne. In 2025, Randi gave 340 hours of her time to patients and their loved ones. When Hospice of the Panhandle announced her as the recipient, her first reaction was simple— shock. “I figured I was new,” she said. “I had only just started volunteering in the spring. I thought it would be somebody who had been with the organization a lot longer.” What followed that initial surprise was a deep sense of gratitude and humility. “I was just happy to be one of the volunteers,” she reflected. “Standing there, I thought what a complete honor it was to be among that group.” Despite joining Hospice of the Panhandle in 2025, she quickly became an invaluable member of the volunteer team. After completing her training in March, she eagerly sought opportunities to get involved, beginning at the Inpatient Facility reception desk. From there, her commitment and willingness to learn led her to serve in multiple roles throughout the organization. During periods when staffing vacancies left gaps at the front desk, she stepped in alongside fellow volunteers, dedicating countless hours to ensure patients, families, and staff continued to receive a warm welcome into our facility. Her willingness to help wherever needs allowed her to learn the organization inside and out while building meaningful relationships throughout Hospice of the Panhandle. Yet it was grief support that truly captured her heart. Even during volunteer training, she found herself drawn to conversations about grief and bereavement. While others might shy away from those conversations, she recognized an opportunity to make a difference. “I felt like not very many people can do grief work, and since I can, I wanted to do it,” she said. She found her way into the Grief Support Center, where she soon became involved in facilitating grief groups and improving resources for participants. She reviewed and updated program materials for groups such as Grief in Progress and Common Bond, ensuring participants receive current, meaningful support as they navigate loss. Her dedication to grief support extended beyond volunteer hours. She completed a 12-week grief education course led by renowned grief expert David Kessler, earning certification as a grief educator. The experience, she says, was life changing. Written By Samantha Fridley Digital & Marketing Engagement Coordinator
“It taught me so much,” she explained. “It gets you in touch with your own grief and your own losses. I think it’s made me more compassionate. Everybody has their stuff, and when you’re involved in grief work, you don’t forget that.” One moment from a grief support group stands out as a powerful reminder of why this work matters. A participant who had lost her adult son shared a conversation she had with her young granddaughter, the son’s child. Drawing lessons learned from the group, she helped her granddaughter understand that grief is a natural part of loving someone deeply. “One of the things we say is that the only way to escape grief is not to love,” she said. “But love and grief go hand in hand.” Watching those lessons pass from one generation to the next was deeply moving to Randi. “If I did nothing else, the moment alone would make this work worth it,” she said. Her passion for hospice care stems from both personal experience and family examples. Years before becoming a volunteer, she attended a community presentation where Hospice of the Panhandle had talked about their organization. She was struck by the compassion and support the organization offered families facing serious illness and loss. Later, after her father-in-law received hospice services, she found herself returning to that memory. At the same time, she was inspired by her mother, who dedicated much of her retirement to volunteering through organizations such as the Red Cross. “She was always involved,” Randi recalled. “Volunteering was something I always had in the back of my mind for retirement.” As Volunteer of the Year, she hopes the community will learn more about the many services Hospice of the Panhandle provides – not only hospice and palliative care, but also grief support and counseling. “I wish more people knew about our grief groups,” she said. “They’re a wonderful resource, and people don’t have to go through grief alone.” Her story is a reminder that volunteering is not measured solely by years of service, but by the impact made along the way. Through her dedication, compassion, and drive, she has already made a lasting impact in the lives of countless families. Hospice of the Panhandle is proud to recognize her as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year and grateful for the heart, energy, and expertise she brings to our mission every day. 19www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION 5YEARS 10YEARS 15YEARS 20YEARS 25YEARS
Sharing Gratitude During Heart Month Each February, as we recognize Heart Month, Hospice of the Panhandle takes time to celebrate the individuals and organizations whose partnership helps make our mission possible through one of our favorite annual traditions — Treat Week. Treat Week is our opportunity to give back to those who continually give so much to us throughout the year. It is a simple but meaningful way for us to say thank you to the healthcare providers, referral partners, community organizations, and supporters who play such an important role in helping us care for patients and families across our region. This year, our marketing team had the privilege of delivering more than 350 treat bags throughout the community to those who support our organization and help us continue providing compassionate care to individuals facing life- limiting illness. While the deliveries may last only a few days, the preparation begins long before the first bag ever leaves our office. This special event would not be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers, who spend countless hours carefully assembling each bag with thoughtfulness and care. From filling every package with an assortment of sweet and savory treats generously donated by members of our community to hand-tying ribbons and attaching personal notes of appreciation from our hospice staff, every detail reflects the gratitude we feel for those who stand beside us in serving others. 20 The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org
21www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter Treat Week is more than delivering gifts. It is a reflection of the relationships that strengthen our mission and a reminder that the work we do is only possible because of the extraordinary partnerships we have built throughout our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, community donors, healthcare partners, and every individual who helps make this tradition possible year after year. At Hospice of the Panhandle, we know that compassionate care is never provided alone. It takes a community working together with generosity, kindness, and heart. Each February, Treat Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate exactly that. To everyone who helps make this event such a success each year, thank you for being part of our mission and for continuing to walk alongside us as we serve those who need us most. BLOOD DRIVE! Pictured left: Inez Jackson Pictured right: Brenda Sandy
Thank You, VFW Post 4019 The generosity and unwavering commitment of VFW Post 4019 continue to make a profound difference in the lives of the patients and families we are privileged to serve. This year, the members of VFW Post 4019 presented our organization with an incredible $15,000 donation to support compassionate hospice care. With this gift, their lifetime contributions have now exceeded $135,000, a remarkable testament to their enduring dedication to our mission. Their support goes far beyond financial generosity. Many of the veterans and families who make up VFW Post 4019 have experienced the comfort, dignity, and compassionate care hospice provides during life’s most difficult moments. They understand firsthand the importance of ensuring that every patient receives exceptional care, and they have chosen to give back so that others can experience the same peace and support. Year after year, the members of VFW Post 4019 have stood beside us as steadfast partners, helping ensure that no one faces the end of life’s journey alone. Their compassion reflects the very values they have upheld through their military service, service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others. We are deeply grateful for their continued friendship, generosity, and belief in our mission. Their hearts for hospice have touched countless lives, and their legacy of giving will continue to bring comfort, hope, and dignity to patients and families for years to come. From all of us, and from every family whose life has been touched by your kindness, thank you, VFW Post 4019. Your service to our community continues long after your military service has ended, and we are honored to call you our partners in compassionate care. 22 The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org
23www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter Lighting the Way Through Love and Rememberance Each year, Hospice of the Panhandle’s Light Up A Life serves as a beautiful reminder that love continues to shine long after loss. Throughout communities in Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan, and Hampshire Counties, families gather during the holiday season to honor and remember loved ones while finding comfort in a shared experience of remembrance, healing, and hope. In 2025, the overwhelming generosity of our community helped make this year’s event another incredible success, raising $72,102 in support of the patients and families we serve. Through the purchase of 1,077 luminaries, 202 angels, 63 circles of light, and 812 lights, hundreds of families participated in honoring those who hold a special place in their hearts while helping sustain the compassionate care our organization provides throughout the year. While the event itself creates a beautiful and meaningful experience for families, much of what makes Light Up A Life so special happens quietly behind the scenes. Each year, our dedicated volunteers spend countless hours preparing for these ceremonies with extraordinary care and attention to detail. From carefully preparing tags and verifying the spelling of every loved one’s name to placing luminaries along sidewalks and pathways, their commitment helps create a truly meaningful experience for families during one of the most emotional times of the year. Their dedication transforms each event into something far greater than a fundraiser. It becomes a place of reflection, remembrance, and connection for families navigating grief while celebrating the memory of those they love. We are incredibly grateful for the community partners who helped make this event possible, including CNB Bank for graciously hosting our Morgan County event and Shaffer Funeral Home for hosting our Hampshire County event. Most importantly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every family who purchased a luminary in honor of someone special and to the sponsors whose faithful support allows this cherished tradition to continue year after year. At Hospice of the Panhandle, we are continually humbled by the generosity of our community. Together, you help ensure that families facing loss receive the compassion, care, and support they need, reminding them that even in grief, love continues to shine brightly. Light Up A Life display at Shaffer Funeral Home in WV. SAVE THE DATE! 2026 Light Up A Life December 4th in Morgan County December 6th in Berkeley & Jefferson County December 8th in Hampshire County Written By Jen Stanley Director of Marketing & Fundraising
175 Volunteers dedicated 11,126 Hours to our Community Total Number of Hospice Patients Served 1,385 636 Palliative Patients Served 368 Grief Support Patients Served 161 Veterans Honored $386,871 Provided in Charitable Careƴ Moments of care. A lifetime of Impact 1,077 Honored and Remembered through Light up a life 477 Transports Provided Hospice of the Panhandle provides compassionate care to patients and families during life’s most meaningful moments. Over the past year, we have continued to meet our community’s needs with unwavering dedication, bringing comfort, dignity, and support to those facing serious illness. Your generosity ensures that no one walks this journey alone. Over 2,030 Panhandle Palliative Services Home visits provided 24 The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org
25www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter Celebrating Compassion Through Hospice Hugs At Hospice of the Panhandle, Hospice Hugs is a special way for us to recognize and celebrate the compassion that surrounds our mission each and every day. Providing care to patients and families during life’s most difficult moments takes far more than one individual; it takes an entire community of caring hearts working together with kindness, generosity, and a shared commitment to serving others. From our dedicated staff and volunteers to the donors, community partners, and supporters who continually give back, each person plays an important role in helping us provide comfort, dignity, and exceptional care. Hospice Hugs is our way of honoring those whose compassion and generosity remind us that the work we do is only possible because of a community that comes together to care for one another.
26 The Comforter • www.hospiceotp.org Celebrating Compassion Through Hospice Hugs
27www.hospiceotp.org • The Comforter Celebrating Compassion Through Hospice Hugs
330 Hospice Lane Kearneysville | WV 25430 phone | 304.264.0406 www.hospiceotp.org Board of Directors Rev. George T. Schramm, President Mark Harrell, Vice President Megan Shives, Secretary Josh Householder, Treasurer Nina Arnett David Asam Alison Cox James B. Crawford Diane Dailey Aaron Henry Leroy James Karen Newell Heather Sigel Dr. Courtney Struthers Bill Stubblefield NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #170 MARTINSBURG, WV