Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

National Volunteer Week is April 15-21, a time to recognize and celebrate the thousands of men, women and young people who volunteer in communities across the country. I am the manager of volunteer services at Hospice Care of Kansas, and want to honor all of our volunteers who are dedicated to providing care and support for the patients and families we serve in our community who are nearing the end of life's journey.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, across the country more than 458,000 trained volunteers provide more than 21 million hours of service to hospice organizations. More than 1.58 million people receive compassionate care from hospice every year and hospice volunteers are an integral part of the care team.

Hospice Care of Kansas would like to thank the 120 volunteers in our communities who help us every day by spending time with patients, providing pet or music therapy, assisting in the office and much more. The work these volunteers do for us and the patients we serve is invaluable.

It is a mistake to think that hospice is giving up -- hospice is about living as fully as possible, even at the end of life. Hospices provide care, support and dignity.

I encourage others to learn more about hospice by contacting Hospice Care of Kansas at 1-800-HOSPICE, or by visiting our website or Facebook page.

Dave Pfannenstiel,

licensed baccalaureate social worker Manager of Volunteer Services

Hospice Care of Kansas