News Stories

It was a picture-perfect day out at Grayhawk Golf Club for Hospice of the Valley’s 2024 Pro-Am Golf Tournament, presented by Cigna Healthcare. The March 28 event in Scottsdale raised over $53,000 for the nonprofit’s charity care programs.

Paradise Valley resident Dain Calvin organized the fundraiser to support the nonprofit that provides services at no cost to many residents in the town. Hospice of the Valley cared for Calvin’s wife’s father who passed away in his home about a year and a half ago. They were a close family and he knows other friends and family who both used and worked for hospice.

You see it at every symphony performance. People so enraptured by the music — their eyes close and their fingers dance in the air.

Gillian Hamilton, M.D, Ph.D., has been fascinated with aging for as long as she has been in medicine. Gerontology, or the study of medicine in our aging population, is core to treating dementia. This specialty piqued Dr. Hamilton’s interest when she was a young volunteer at a local nursing home, eventually inspiring her to enter the medical field.

We are honored to share that Hospice of the Valley is now serving patients and families in Tucson. Our nonprofit agency was founded by a group of volunteers in 1977 and our mission has never wavered: Bringing comfort, dignity and compassionate care to our community.

Nancy Kelso, a pet therapy volunteer, and her adorable Havanese, Coco Chanel, kick off our new volunteer and staff spotlight series. Kelso and Coco chatted about their background, their favorite memories from volunteering at the Dementia Care and Education Campus, and the importance of volunteerism.

National research shows that only about a third of Americans have created a living will or advance health care directive.

Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as ALS, has changed John Rosso’s life, but not in the way one might imagine. This cheery-natured Scottsdale resident doesn’t focus on what he can no longer do. Instead, the 73-year-old channels his energy into pushing boundaries and overcoming challenges posed by the neurodegenerative disease.

For the second year in a row, Sandpiper Scottsdale held a holiday food drive to benefit Hospice of the Valley patients and families in need. The community donated $4,000 in nonperishable food, along with $200 for extra groceries.

Arizona's largest health system is closing down its hospice operations and is transitioning its staff of 100 over to continue their work for a nonprofit hospice organization.

It was a slam dunk surprise for a North Scottsdale senior community when the Phoenix Suns Gorilla popped in for a visit. The team mascot wanted to thank a hospice patient for being a devoted fan for over 50 years. He bounded into ClearWater Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale with arms full of team swag for 88-year-old Lee Kragenbring.

SRP has named 14 local businesses Champions of Sustainability for achievements in electrification, energy efficiency and clean energy through participation in its Business Solutions Program.

Mercy Care, Hospice of the Valley and Contexture are collaborating on a community education campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of making and documenting advance healthcare decisions. This initiative, called Choose Your Person, encourages Arizonans to start the process by selecting a healthcare power of attorney.

The Arizona Healthcare Directives Registry, which houses living wills, power of attorneys’ forms and medical care directives for pre-hospital and end of life care, has grown by about 22,000 accounts in the past two years.

It’s a little magical how a small theater troupe can walk through the door and instantly transform the space around them. That’s exactly what five talented actors do so effortlessly as part of Phoenix Theatre’s Partners That Heal program.

First responders have no idea what they’ll encounter on any given day, so they strive to be prepared for every possibility. That includes responding to emergencies that involve someone living with dementia. This challenging disease is the fourth leading cause of death in Arizona and is projected to affect 200,000 Arizonans by 2025.

A Mesa Community College foreign exchange student discovered the perfect way to feel at home in a new city. Buhari Abdulai signed up for the College Partners Program offered by Hospice of the Valley.

At first glance, it looks like “Grandparents’ Day” at preschool — a roomful of giggling seniors playing peekaboo with a dozen adorable toddlers. Welcome to a one-of-a-kind Intergenerational Enrichment Program, where people living with dementia enjoy activities, social engagement, and the excitement of interacting with young kids.

Hospice of the Valley unveils intergenerational enrichment program. Hospice of the Valley’s (HOV) Dementia Care and Education Campus helps people with all types and stages of dementia, providing support from diagnosis through hospice care.

It’s a special honor to care for people at all stages of life. Whether it’s a child or adult, whether it’s care for chronic illness or hospice services, our goal is the same: to provide comfort, dignity and compassionate care. An important part of achieving comfort comes from knowing your medical affairs are in order well in advance.

In early May, Lin Sue Flood returned to 12 News. For one night only, though some viewers were hoping for more. The station brought back former anchors and reporters as part of its 70th anniversary. Flood joined her former co-anchor, Mark Curtis, and her replacement, Caribe Devine.

Growing up in the Babe Ruth era, Myra Blaker has been a lifelong baseball fan. After moving to Phoenix from Chicago, she pledged loyalty to her hometown Arizona Diamondbacks — even posting their game schedule on her front door. In the weeks leading up to their home opener at Chase Field, all she talked about was baseball.

Dr. Evar Nering’s passion for numbers has only grown stronger over a century of living. The 101-year-old began his career as a young man at Princeton, earning his Ph.D. in Mathematics.

David Roberts loves Styx so much he’s seen the rock band in concert 10 times. His dream was to see them once more. He bought tickets to their performance in March at Celebrity Theatre, knowing he might not make it. David, 73, is battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Jacobo Dieppa’s fondest memory is spending time with family and friends in the Cuban household in Miami where he grew up.

The incredible generosity of the community was displayed in grand fashion at Hospice of the Valley’s annual art auction “Aaha! Art. Food. Wine,” where the nonprofit raised a record $650,000 to support innovative dementia care programs for families across the Valley.

Enjoy a beautiful evening out while supporting a wonderful cause at Hospice of the Valley’s signature fundraiser: aaha! art. food. wine. In 45 years, no one in need of care has been turned away by the not-for-profit agency, and that is largely due to community generosity.

When Artino Sims was born, his father was so sure he’d grow up to be an artist that he gave him a name to seal his destiny.

When Steve Harnden brought home a beautiful ebony baby grand, he envisioned his wife learning to play an instrument she had always loved. Monica was thrilled. The piano even had a “player piano” feature so it could play tunes by itself.

Foster was Arizona's first sky broadcaster, bringing families the news from a helicopter to their homes between the 1970s through the early 1990s.

It’s not easy to rattle a firefighter, but that’s exactly what Hospice of the Valley did to a roomful of first responders from the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department who had signed up for a training exercise.

When Melissa Alvarado’s oldest daughter, Gloria, died in May, she quickly realized her family needed professional support and to be around others who could fully grasp their pain.

It’s staggering to think that 6.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. You may even know a relative, friend or neighbor who has it.

She was 60 years old when her husband asked if there was anything in life she wanted to do, but hadn’t tried. MacDonald chose two things: play the piano and take up painting. Before she knew it, he’d bought her a piano and paint supplies.

Forget bingo. Forget “old movies.” Ron Parmley has no interest in the activities his housemates enjoy at Lincoln Heights, an assisted living home in Phoenix. “I’ve always liked to work with my hands,” the 82-year-old explains.

From a statistics standpoint, the trajectory of people in the U.S. at risk of Alzheimer’s disease is sobering. According to a 2022 report released by the Alzheimer’s Association, “By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s or dementia is projected to reach 12.7 million.”

Hospice of the Valley is proud to be celebrating a very special milestone this year. It was 45 years ago in the fall of 1977 when a group of volunteers founded our not-for-profit community hospice.

Bright and early, every weekday morning before she heads to work, Meredith Bartlett shows up at her friend Larry Lambert's house. The Navy veteran is always waiting with a smile and a hug. Together, they take his dog for a walk around his Phoenix neighborhood.

One of our longtime Mesa White Dove Thrift Shoppe volunteers had a hunch that several donated posters had historic value. Her research led her to the Orpheum Theatre​. Suffice to say, the posters are back where they belonged!

The Glendale White Dove Thrift Shoppe has been a favorite destination for bargain shoppers since 2015, thanks to the dedication of its friendly staff and compassionate volunteers.

The global pandemic highlighted not only the skill and compassion of health care workers, but also the stamina and resilience it takes to do their jobs.

Arcadia High School teacher Darcy Brodison knows the best way to drive a lesson home is to touch a student’s heart.

A $25 million campus created to serve a fast-growing population of Arizonans with various forms of dementia has partially opened on 3.2 acres in Phoenix.

When Tim Shaffer’s wife was diagnosed with dementia, both their lives changed. In the blink of an eye, he became her caregiver. Suddenly, Tim was the one responsible for keeping her safe and meeting her daily needs. “I was looking for answers, trying to figure out why certain behaviors were occurring,” he confesses. “I was extremely frustrated and angry.” 

As Mayor Kate Gallego addressed the crowd at the ribbon cutting on April 19 for Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Care and Education Campus in Phoenix, she shared that she had a grandmother who had dementia.

As a hospital chaplain, community mentor, teacher and volunteer, Earl Cooper was known for his compassion for those in greatest need. “His second love was horses,” Hospice of the Valley social worker Samantha Teddi Deetz said of her 83-year-old patient.

Most of us have difficulty accepting the death of someone we love, but that’s especially true for a child. At just 6, Milan Coraggio-Sewell didn’t understand how her best friend could suddenly vanish from her life.

Our community turned out in spectacular fashion to raise a record $514,000 for Hospice of the Valley’s innovative dementia care programs.

This workshop is an eight-minute experience that presses participants to perform some daily living tasks as if they were living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Members of Hospice of the Valley’s dementia team visited Benevilla, which serves older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers in the West Valley.

Bright and early, every weekday morning before she heads to work, Meredith Bartlett shows up at her friend Larry’s house. The Navy veteran is always waiting with a smile and a hug. Together, they take his dog for a walk around the neighborhood.

We are so grateful to local businesses and individuals whose donations make this event shine with beautiful pieces of art and memorable experiences ranging from a fabulous trip in Greece (Athens, Crete, Santorini) to a private dinner for friends prepared by local chefs.

When a loved one has an illness like dementia, it affects the entire family. Spouses and adult children often step into the role of caregiver, unprepared for the challenges ahead.

It’s astonishing to think that right this moment, there are 5.8 million Americans living with dementia. Arizona currently has the nation’s highest growth rate for the condition, with more than 200,000 cases predicted by 2025.

Since 1977, Hospice of the Valley’s experienced care teams have been tending to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and supporting their family members. As one of the largest not-for-profit hospices in the country, HOV provides a safety net for those with no insurance, turning no one away for lack of financial resources.

It was 1939, and Monroe Wingate was just 9 years old when his father returned home from a business trip with a little package of German stamps.

Arizona is known for a warmer climate attractive to late-career workers and retirees, but experts believe it will soon also be known for having the largest population of people with dementia.

We are humbled by the outpouring of community generosity that helps expand our nonprofit mission. Since 1977, we have remained focused on bringing comfort, dignity and compassionate care to our community, and we could not do it without the people, businesses and volunteer groups who give their time, talent and donations.

With Arizona having the highest growth rate of people living with dementia, there is a critical need for healthcare workers specializing in geriatrics and dementia care. See how Hospice of the Valley’s dementia team is working with medical students to help meet this need… now and in the future.

Dementia is simply a decline in cognition interfering with daily functioning involving one or more areas: learning and memory, language, executive function, complex attention, perceptual-motor, and social cognition.

Inside 87-year-old Shirley Myers' house, many things point to her love of music. She has a wall full of performance pictures, wears a necklace of medals, and lives with a husband who can't help but rave about her voice.

The holidays are upon us… and so is the frenzied search for gifts to delight all the special people in our lives.

Healthcare is quickly evolving these days and providers, hospital groups, and private and government health plans are all looking toward value-based care as a way to improve outcomes and lower cost.

For over 40 years, Hospice of the Valley has served families of people with severe and chronic illnesses. The not-for-profit, community-based provider is now ready to expand with their brand-new campus in Arcadia, located at 44th St. and Indianola Ave.

The holidays can be both enjoyable and stressful. The hustle and bustle may cause fatigue and overstimulation in someone living with dementia, leading to confusion, anxiety or agitation. Caregivers may become overwhelmed, particularly with the additional challenges posed by COVID-19.

Hospice of the Valley chaplain Ken Collins remembers visiting a patient with ALS who was no longer able to speak but used eye contact to type on a computer. Ken had no idea she would pass away soon afterwards and was stunned when the woman’s husband revealed one of her last wishes — I want Ken to lead my memorial service. 

One of the most fulfilling things we can do in life is serve others. Ideally, the happiness we derive is all the thanks we need. But an amazing program called Legacy Corps is making it even more rewarding to help others.

When a child dies, parents struggle with profound grief. New Song Center for Grieving Children helps families pick up the pieces and move toward healing.

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society presented Hospice of the Valley with the prestigious Copper Eagle Award for compassionately supporting veterans in the community.

When you arrive at Royce Manuel’s home on the Salt River Reservation near Scottsdale, the first thing you notice is the hundreds of colorful ribbons tied around several willow staffs lining his front yard.

In just four weeks, Griffin organized Classic Cars for a Cause to benefit Hospice of the Valley patients and families in financial need. More than 110 one-of-a-kind cars participated in the May 1 event at Cooper Crossing Executive Suites in Chandler, where he works.

Most of us observe Veteran’s Day in November, but the celebration came a bit early for a very special World War II veteran turning 100 years old.

When nurse Gina Day showed up at Golden Heritage Assisted Living in Scottsdale to care for Joan Cullen, she noticed right away that her sweet patient’s hair had been set and styled for a special occasion: her 91st birthday party. Her immediate response was to tell Joan how pretty she looked.

Charles Zhang, a 17-year-old student at Hamilton High School, has volunteered at Hospice of the Valley since February 2019, the nonprofit’s teen volunteer coordinator Laurence Sinn said.

It was an emotional day to remember for veteran Kenneth Hamrick. Not only did the staff at The Groves in Goodyear invite family and friends to a patio party to celebrate his 89th birthday, his Hospice of the Valley care team had another surprise in the works: a Salutes visit to honor his military service. Kenneth served as an Army private for two years during the Korean War. 

Lots of fun under the sun at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale for the 23rd annual Pro-Am benefitting Hospice of the Valley’s patients and families. Thanks to volunteer chairman Jay Hoselton, 24 fabulous foursomes, and 25 talented pros from the Southwest Section of the PGA, $31,000 was raised, bringing the 23-year total to over $914,000.

The silver lining in these challenging times is a collective recognition of the amazing work our healthcare workers do day in and day out. They deserve all our accolades and prayers, for this crisis is far from over.

Alzheimer’s disease has robbed 82-year-old Brendan “Eamon” Treanor of day-to-day memories. Yet he can vividly recall his childhood in tiny Monaghan, Ireland, where he went to school, played soccer and lived on a street called St. Patrick’s Terrace.

Ron Haholy had given up on a motor scooter, since his insurance didn’t cover it. Only his Hospice of the Valley social worker Kim Boersema realized how sad that made him. The 70-year-old had endured a lot — he had lost his wife and was struggling with serious illnesses that severely affected his mobility.

Legacy Corps, a national organization based at Arizona State University that provides caregiver support services for veterans and military families, has welcomed Phoenix-based Hospice of the Valley as its latest partner organization.

Liz Hughes believes in everlasting love. In Kent, she found a truly devoted partner who has been by her side for 25 years — for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer and, inevitably, in sickness and in health.

As a child, Paul Corbani spent hours in his room constructing intricate shoebox-size models of fabulous backdrops he conjured up in his head. He spent many more hours daydreaming about actually stepping inside those miniature scenes.

The most magical thing about the holidays is the way we so joyfully give to others. Not just our friends and families — but to complete strangers who are in need. At Hospice of the Valley, we look forward to some annual traditions that remind us how blessed we are to be able to bless others.

Penny Bankhead says a prayer and spends a few minutes centering herself. She sits at her desk in her spare bedroom in northeast Phoenix, powers on her laptop and logs on to Zoom, where she is greeted by a screen full of familiar faces: volunteers in a grief support group.

It was a perfect day to tee up some fun — and fun-raising — out at Grayhawk Golf Club’s Talon Course in Scottsdale! The 2020 Hospice of the Valley Pro-Am Golf Tournament, presented by Cigna Healthcare of Arizona, raised over $31,000.

Hospice of the Valley patient Melba Deal and her husband, Bob, were surrounded by family as they heard — for the first time — “A Song for Melba.” The soulful lyrics, written and recorded by New York City musician Emily Cavanagh, capture the love between two people who have shared 64 years together.

The global pandemic has changed the way we work, play and live…and, no doubt, will alter the way we celebrate the holiday season.

The holidays can be challenging for anyone — but that’s especially true if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Sadness can magnify the stress of the season. Instead of excitement and joy, you may be feeling a little empty and lost. 

There has been a lot of talk about grief recently in relation to COVID-19. Grief about the deaths of those who have died from the disease but also grief about change and missed opportunities. You may be wondering, what is grief? And how does it affect us?

Hospice of the Valley has received a prestigious national certification for its long history of providing culturally sensitive care to Jewish families in our community.

Family caregivers often feel overwhelmed, anxious and isolated while they are caring for a person with dementia. They want to keep their loved one at home for as long as possible but wonder how to make it all work. Thanks to a federal grant, Hospice of the Valley can now help these families at no charge.

Not only have businesses needed to adapt and pivot during COVID-19 but so has the way we interact and take care of each other. This is especially true at Hospice of the Valley, an end of life care facility located in Maricopa County.

Many AZPHC patients confide that they felt helpless and hopeless — until they found Hospice of the Valley’s palliative care program and experienced the full-spectrum care.

The spiritual support that chaplains offer at end of life has always been an essential component of Hospice of the Valley’s holistic care.

Acknowledgment of loss, acceptance of today’s reality, and the advancement of life are the three key principles to the process of cultivating strength and comfort in the pandemic, according to a Hospice of the Valley chaplain.

Hospice may not seem like a natural draw for teens, but the Hospice of the Valley has found many teens are eager to help patients with end-of-life care. The program has benefited both patients and volunteers.

While Hispanic Heritage Month is traditionally celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 30, it’s a year-round priority for many community agencies, including Hospice of the Valley.

Por motivos culturales, muchas familias hispanas todavía consideran los cuidados paliativos como un “lugar” en vez de una filosofía de atención.

Family caregivers often feel overwhelmed, anxious and isolated while they are caring for a person with dementia. They want to keep their loved one at home for as long as possible, but wonder how to make it all work. 

Hospice of the Valley's mission since 1977 has never wavered: We bring comfort, dignity and compassionate care to our community. We're dedicated to providing personalized care to those who suffer advanced illness, are living with dementia or nearing life's end.

Operating Hospice of the Valley is an enormous undertaking. It was founded by volunteers in 1977 as Arizona’s first hospice. Today, Hospice of the Valley has almost 1,500 employees and has become the largest hospice in the nation.

Hospice of the Valley has been awarded a federal grant from the Administration for Community Living to serve more families living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Denny Bash’s military career is one of steely dedication — the Vietnam-era veteran served 32 years in the Navy, spending nearly half of that time providing medical support for the Marines. And when his children joined the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, he joined it too.

This year has been challenging. COVID-19 has forever changed our lives. But in the midst of global uncertainty and sadness over so many lives lost, I am astonished by the kindness and compassion strangers are showing one another. We truly are “in this together.”

Deb Shumway, CEO of Hospice of the Valley, tells how a strong culture helped her staff care for patients amid uncertainty, fear, and daunting challenges.

Few things are as satisfying as stumbling upon something unique, beautiful or charming—and then paying pennies on the dollar for it, because you discovered it in a thrift store! I confess to being an avid thrift shopper who delights in finding one-of-a-kind bargains.

Maribeth Gallagher has witnessed the power of music. As a longtime professional singer, Gallagher moved audiences with her voice, warming up crowds for the likes of Donna Summer, The Beach Boys, Huey Lewis and the News and Frankie Valli.

The purpose of hospice care is to maximize quality of life for patients in the last phases of a disease that cannot be cured. Hospice care provides collaborative and comprehensive care for the patient and the family at a most difficult time.

My dog thinks he’s a person. Probably because I treat him like one. I say “please” when I ask him to sit. I say “thank you” when he pauses at the door to let me go first. He sits patiently when I brush his teeth — and dings a hotel bell with his paw to indicate he’d like to go outdoors.

Hospice of the Valley announces the opening of its fifth White Dove Thrift Shoppe in late May or early June. It is the second store in Phoenix and the fifth Valley-wide. Proceeds from all White Dove stores help provide care for Hospice of the Valley patients and families without insurance or financial means.

Friends, family and Hospice of the Valley staffers congregated to celebrate the 100th birthday of a special Scottsdale resident, Opal Grandon, with drive-by parade.

It’s a staggering thought, but right this moment, there are 5.8 million Americans living with dementia. Arizona currently has 140,000 cases and we also have the nation’s highest growth rate for dementia. Experts forecast a 43% spike between 2017 and 2025.

In times of great stress, we are especially vulnerable; the social distancing we are all practicing to stay safe is taking its toll and we are challenged trying to keep our children mentally and physically active.

En épocas de mucho estrés, estamos especialmente vulnerables. Tener una actitud positiva, mantener una conexión diaria con otras personas y recuperar la sensación de control en nuestra vida puede ayudarnos a aliviar la tensión y el aislamiento.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and Hospice of the Valley is honored to have more than 2,100 dedicated volunteers supporting our mission.

Birt’s Bistro at Benevilla, 16752 N. Greasewood St., Surprise, is the restaurant chosen for the launch of the “Purple Table Project,” to bring awareness on being “dementia friendly” in public places in the local community.

Six months ago, a Valley man was given six months to live. On Monday, he had his “final dream” realized when he took a helicopter flight high above the Superstitions and Roosevelt Lake.

Never, ever underestimate the power of sharing. If you take the time to explain what you know–or spend some time show­ing what you do–it can literally change lives.

Virtual reality isn’t just for gamers anymore. Doctors who believe it has the potential to create different auditory and visual sensations emulating the sensory experience of those who deal with dementia are also using it.

We’ve all felt that glow in our hearts when we’ve done something to make life better for someone in need.

Bruce Moses may be battling heart disease, but he is not doing it alone. By his side, is his devoted daughter. Looking after his medical and spiritual needs, is his dedicated hospice team. And to nurture his emotional well-being, is a 5-pound bundle of joy who has stolen his heart.

We often hear about the healing powers of music, and the Phoenix Symphony is using their artistic ability to do just that.

Two Hospice of the Valley volunteers, in the Shabbat Blessings program, share their experiences serving Jewish patients and families at such a difficult time of life.

On a shiny Friday afternoon in January, nearly 200 guests gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking of an innovative, one-of-a-kind campus at 3811 N. 44th St., in Phoenix’s Arcadia area.

We embark on a new decade celebrating a huge milestone in our efforts to help families live well with dementia, a disease expected to affect 200,000 Arizonans within just five years.

The day after Christmas, most of us will still be celebrating, but Charlie Wilson will be reflecting upon the hardest day of his life. Dec. 26 marks the 50th anniversary of the deadliest sea disaster of the Vietnam War. Wilson, 87, husband and caregiver of Hospice of the Valley patient Mary Wilson, was the captain of Merchant Marine vessel SS Badger State. The ship was bound for Vietnam in late 1969 when its cargo of bombs tragically detonated.

When Cristiano Artigas visits patient Maria Estrada Hernandez at her west Phoenix home, the Hospice of the Valley chaplain has one goal: To move her focus away from her pain as he comforts her and prays for her in Spanish, their native language.

Hospice of the Valley is making plans to build a dementia care and education campus in east Phoenix.

Hamilton is giving students at Metro Tech High School a crash course in dementia. "You can't really care about somebody unless you understand what it's like to be them," said Hamilton.

Is it possible to teach empathy? That’s what one Arizona doctor is trying to do using virtual reality. The experience aims to help younger people understand what it’s like to have dementia — and encourage them to pursue careers in the aging and dementia fields.

Hospice care is a difficult time and Pet Therapy can help make a difference in the lives of staff and patients.

Much like our touching program that honors military veteran patients, Hospice of the Valley volunteers are helping us grow a similar program called Honoring First Responders.

Fear, guilt and loneliness consumed Jamie Stutzman and Kathleen Muldoon, two working moms whose children require round-the-clock medical care

Steve Sturtz darts across a spacious kitchen of his Everlasting Community Services home in Ahwatukee, grabbing a bag of flour, oatmeal, peanut butter and a rolling pin. 

When Bessie Medigovich visited her beloved patient, Wayne Pomeroy, shortly before he died in April, the Hospice of the Valley nurse had no idea the affable 98-year-old was a bona fide Mesa icon. All she saw was an extremely kind man and “very family-oriented person” adored by his four girls.

Imagine not remembering where you live. Forgetting your name. Not recognizing your own family members. That’s what it’s like to live with dementia.

Los capellanes ayudan a que el paciente se olvide del dolor mientras la conforta y reza por ella en español, su idioma materno

Helen Nicol is a 99-year-old Hospice of the Valley patient who was in the right place at the right time — with a wicked right arm.

El hogar de Mary Lou Salazar en el oeste de Phoenix es un santuario de su arte inspirado en el sudoeste mexicano, que cubre las paredes, las puertas, los muebles, los azulejos, los recipientes de cerámica, la vajilla y hasta las botas favoritas de su difunto marido.

Walter Brown cracks jokes, pets his ‘cat’ Sweetheart, watches Westerns with his buddy, and reminisces about his service in World War II.

Susan Rose was Hospice of the Valley’s very first volunteer in 1977 and has continued to lovingly visit our patients and families for 42 years!

Army veteran Chester Dorr has been honored multiple times for his World War II service, including storming the beaches of Normandy in France on June 6, 1944.

Whether it's Hungarian paprika chicken, sausage lentil soup or Brussels sprouts with pickled onion, Mark Adinolfi loves to try new recipes. He is happiest feeding his passion: whipping up gourmet dishes for his wife, Jeanne, and daughter, Sophia.

During her first State of the City address, Mayor Kate Gallego announced the fire department is on its way to making Phoenix a dementia-friendly city.

With the number of people with the condition expected to grow 45% by 2025, the department has already seen an uptick of dementia playing a role in its calls.

“Dementia is a growing health crisis in our community,” Gallego told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday.

In this episode: PHXTV’s "Phoenix Pets" focuses on therapy and service animals. Hospice of the Valley shows how our volunteer core and animals make a difference in our patients’ lives.

PHXTV’s "Phoenix Pets" premiered on Sunday, June 16 at 7 p.m.

A year ago, Hospice of the Valley invited a group of 15 people to participate in a fellowship program in which they came up with ideas that could improve care for people living with dementia. One of those fellows was a Phoenix Fire Department captain.

Today, Dan Daley is a retired Phoenix fire captain. When he was selected to participate in the fellowship his goal was pretty straight forward: educate Phoenix firefighter paramedics about dementia.

Caring for a loved one with advanced chronic illness is challenging. So is looking after a family member who’s been diagnosed with dementia. Caregiving is an around-the-clock job, and those who do it often have little or no training before it’s thrust upon them. They often feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and isolated. It’s precisely for these struggling families that the unique care programs at Hospice of the Valley, a not-for-profit agency in Phoenix, Arizona, have been designed.

Two years ago, ASU science students and musicians Megan Taylor and Sabrina Leung had an idea: To bridge the gap between music and medicine by providing a creative way to help those with serious illnesses.

From that idea, their club Music Meets Medicine was born.

April 16 is not just another day on your calendar. This year, it also happens to be National Healthcare Decisions Day. A day when people in all 50 states are encouraged to do some end-of-life planning.

Gerald calls it her “million-dollar smile” because of the beautiful way it lights up her face and the tingly way it makes him feel. He fell in love with the smile and the girl and married both.

Former newscaster Lin Sue Cooney will speak on her transition from journalism and transitions involved in hospice care for loved ones.

Did you know that Hospice of the Valley provides grief support to anyone who needs it in the Valley?

The support groups are free and open to those who are grieving.

The World Health Organization estimates roughly 47 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia. By 2050, that number is expected to almost triple.

John O’Donnell, 77, of Sun City, Arizona, has been living with dementia for the past seven years.

I recently shared a bittersweet experience with hundreds of strangers in a city park.

We didn’t know each other, but it didn’t matter. We were all there for the same heartfelt reason — to honor someone we love who isn’t here anymore.

Ken Jones loved motorcycles his entire life. His social worker helped his dying wish come true: one final ride before he passes on.

Hospice of the Valley wins 2018 Circle of Life Award from the American Hospital Association
Known as the leading provider of hospice care in central Arizona for more than 40 years, Hospice of the Valley has been honored for pioneering innovative programs that serve as models of inspiration for care providers across the country.

For years, Tracy Howell of Scottsdale dreamed of owning a cool gray cat who would walk on a leash with her on hikes.

MARANA, Ariz. - The Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association kicked-off its annual Health Conference Thursday morning.

This year's theme: "Together towards tomorrow." It's an effort to better the health industry in Tucson. At Thursday's event there were hospital CEOs and executives sharing new technology with break-out sessions and roundtable discussions.

Project Humanities event seeks to open up a conversation about death and dying — an experience all humans share.

Her name was Ellie. A beautiful baby with rosebud lips and the sweetest little smile. A tiny bundle of hopes and dreams to last a lifetime. But Kent and Jeanine only got 10 days.

Carolyn and Albert, a Gilbert couple married 43 years, traversed the long, hard road of brain cancer following her diagnosis in January 2017. First surgery, then radiation, then chemo. But the tumor came back.

Arizona State University is helping to educate the next generation of hospice, palliative and dementia care professionals through a unique internship experience at Hospice of the Valley. As Arizona's largest hospice — and the second largest in the United States — Hospice of the Valley serves more than 10,000 patients each year. This partnership with Hospice of the Valley creates opportunities for students to serve their community through volunteer work. Students also have the option to take courses on dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

“A lot of times dementia patients will be very stoic and quiet and kind of lost in their own little world, but you bring one of these mechanical pets and put it in front of them, put it in their lap and it starts moving, maybe it’s meowing or purring, and they just come alive,” explained Lin Sue Cooney, director of community engagement at Hospice of the Valley. “Their faces light up. Their hands start to stroke the fur. They cuddle. They hug. It makes all the difference in their life and there is nothing like that beautiful joy.”

To experience the love of a pet is to know unconditional love. They don’t judge, play mind games or hold a grudge. Your dog is as happy to see you today, as he was yesterday. Your cat purrs contentedly every time she commandeers your lap.

As a high school student, Sandra Villalobos didn’t think she could handle hospice work emotionally when she first heard about a Teens in Nursing volunteer program offered by Hospice of the Valley. But she decided to give it a try.

“After the experience, I knew I really, really, really wanted to do this,” Villalobos said. “I don’t see myself doing anything else. I love it.”

Under Medicare’s current rules, a person who goes on hospice has to stop any curative care they might be receiving, like dialysis or chemotherapy. But now, a nationwide pilot program is looking to see if the old way of doing things really works.

First responders often find themselves in situations involving people with dementia or people with disabilities. These encounters can sometimes end poorly, like in the case of a teenager with autism whose run in with police made headlines.

Two Phoenix agencies are learning how to work with these diverse populations.

At Hospice of the Valley, we are privileged to serve some pretty amazing people. Every patient has a story, but the tale of 106-year-old Victoria Moe is truly remarkable.

ASU now offers two classes that focus on dementia, Alzheimer's and hospice and palliative care. The classes aim to break the stigma surrounding dementia and will give students firsthand experience in specialized healthcare.

As a high school student, Sandra Villalobos didn’t think she could handle hospice work emotionally when she first heard about a Teens in Nursing volunteer program offered by Hospice of the Valley. But she decided to give it a try.

Days before former First Lady Barbara Bush passed away, her spokesman made the announcement she would no longer seek additional medical treatment and will instead focus on comfort care."

We wanted to learn more about that term, "comfort care."

Hospice of the Valley celebrates the lives of military veterans and first responders through volunteer programs that match volunteers with those experiences with patients who have served on the front lines.

Some of the most difficult decisions for patients, their families and their providers involve end-of-life care, especially the decision to forego aggressive medical treatment and focus on palliative care. Patients with complex and multiple chronic conditions typically have many healthcare providers and specialists so it can be time consuming to obtain a complete medical history. Having a single source for patient information through Health Current simplifies the process tremendously for Arizona Palliative Home Care (AZPHC).

AAHA! An Auction of Heirlooms and Art, raised a record-breaking amount of more than $350,000 for Hospice of the Valley at its event on March 3 at the Arizona Biltmore. More than 350 guests attended, bidding on art and one-of-a-kind experiences through the silent and live auctions.

Imagine being very ill. Then imagine being unable to communicate with doctors and nurses who are caring for you. How frightening would that be?

Many of our elderly who speak little or no English know exactly how that feels. Without a translator, they can’t ask about troubling new symptoms. They don’t understand the purpose of a new medication.

Hospice of the Valley plans to establish a Dementia Care and Education Campus in east Phoenix at the former site of the Scottsdale Unified School District Office. The campus will provide care for people at all stages of dementia and feature an intergenerational adult and child-care center and an education venue that will bring people together to share best practices in dementia care.

Circle the City has 50 beds to care for the homeless, and several are reserved for hospice patients. James Martz was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017 and hit rock bottom before getting help.

A family needing hospice care for a loved one can be overwhelmed by all the options — there are 80-plus hospices in Arizona!

Although it’s true that many deliver compassionate care, it’s also true that all hospices are not the same.

As the homeless population of Maricopa County grows, it includes more aging Americans who have a unique set of concerns, particularly when it comes to terminal illness and end of life issues. Since 2012, the non-profit Circle the City organization has been providing medical respite care for the homeless and is now providing hospice care.

Dementia is one of the leading causes of death in Arizona, and Hospice of the Valley is planning a new Dementia Care and Education Campus.

In the time I’ve been privileged to serve with Hospice of the Valley, I’ve had countless conversations with patients and family members. It’s not uncommon to hear how reluctant they were to sign up for hospice.

In the time I’ve been privileged to serve with Hospice of the Valley, I’ve had countless conversations with patients and family members. It’s not uncommon to hear how reluctant they were to sign up for hospice. Yet in the next breath, they confide they would have done it sooner, had they known how wonderful the care was.

Here’s the dilemma: In order to receive beautiful care from your hospice team, you must forgo more aggressive treatments such as chemo and radiation and in some cases, rehab services.

But what if you didn’t have to choose?

There are beautiful sights of the season that help bring joy to our lives: the lights, the bells, the music, but in the midst of it all, it can be afflictive.

"She just wanted her daddy back," said Cherie Myohanen.

This is the season of frantic shopping, dashing around the mall, scouring for deals online — checking things off our list — trying to find the perfect gift and not break the bank.

Not to be morbid, but I’d like to suggest a gift that definitely isn’t on your radar. It’s something everyone needs. Even better, it doesn’t cost a penny.

With Black Friday in the rear-view and two-dozen retail days remaining, some West Valley residents are seeking colorful, clever alternatives to finish filling their carefully hung Christmas stockings.

Thanksgiving and the holidays are usually a time to be with family and that can be tough for families who have recently lost loved ones.

Thousands gathered Sunday to celebrate those loved ones at an event called "Light Up a Life."

Hospice of the Valley, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in September, originated serendipitously—or in theological terms, providentially.

Losing someone you love isn’t a one-time hurt.

Grief has a way of sneaking up on us. Just when things seem to be getting better a familiar song, a whiff of perfume, an old photograph can innocently trigger a memory. Instantly, we’re pierced with pain.

Nearly 200 guests attended Hospice of the Valley’s 16th annual Off the Vine Vintage Wine Auction on Oct. 13. For the first time, the event was held at Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley.

One of the most wonderful experiences of my career happened this fall, as I was brainstorming with two colleagues. It was a passionate discussion about inspiring the next generation of young people to care about people with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.

Say the word hero and what comes to mind?

Soldiers risking their lives to protect us.

Police officers, firefighters and other first responders rushing headlong into danger as the rest of us are fleeing it.

Yet these public servants don’t consider themselves heroic at all…

For me, 2007 began like any other year. I was working in an acute care setting that included ER, trauma, adult ICU, medsurg and OR responsibilities when I had the opportunity to care for a family member who was under hospice care.

We became a certified pet therapy team just over two years ago, intending to do something fun and service-oriented for Hospice of the Valley patients. We had no earthly idea how rewarding it would be.

For the past year, I've witnessed two dear friends struggle with the same heavy burden.

One spends hours each day coaxing her 91-year-old aunt to wake up and have a bite to eat. Showers have become a battle of wills. My friend smiles, makes cheerful conversation, doles out morsels of chocolate, gets a friendly dog (mine) to visit — anything to bring a little joy into Darlynne's life.

It’s not surprising that some of the most compassionate people in the world choose a career in hospice care. It takes a special kind of heart to support people on their final journey and I feel privileged to serve alongside them.

As the nation celebrates July 4th, Hospice of the Valley celebrates the lives of our military veteran patients and the volunteers who support them through our Saluting Our Veterans program.

It’s only natural to associate the word “hospice” with end of life—to envision a patient who is elderly and frail—someone who has lived a long, full life.

But what happens when care is needed before a baby draws its first breath—before life even begins?

The 40th annual National Nursing Assistants’ Week coincides with Hospice of the Valley’s 40th anniversary—coincidental timing that aptly fits the week’s theme: Specialists in the Art of Caring.

Coming home after a hospital stay can be a bewildering experience. Beyond simply having to process the question of “what just happened?” patients are faced with an often confusing list of new medicines, instructions and follow-up tests. 

My dog thinks he’s a person.

Probably because I treat him like one. I say “please” when I ask him to sit. I say “thank you” when he pauses at the door to let me go first. He sits patiently when I brush his teeth — and dings a hotel bell with his paw to indicate he’d like to go outdoors.

Lin Sue Cooney became director of community engagement for Hospice of the Valley after 31 years as a newscaster at 12News. She may have changed professions, but her passion to serve is stronger than ever. Instead of connecting our community to the latest headlines, she now connects families to tender and compassionate care.

As I walk through the cereal aisle at Safeway, someone taps me on the shoulder. I already know what’s coming. A lovely compliment about missing me on the news… and a question: How do you like working for Hospice of the Valley?

As I walk through the cereal aisle at Safeway, someone taps me on the shoulder. I already know what’s coming. A lovely compliment about missing me on the news… and a question: How do you like working for Hospice of the Valley?

Although not everyone is comfortable talking about death, Patsy Pearce of Mesa doesn’t mind; she can discuss it without any discomfort at all. She’s a volunteer with Hospice of the Valley and will be in town to give a two-part talk. The first, “Hospice and Palliative Care,” begins at 2 p.m. Thursday and the second, “Advance Care Planning,” will be at 2 p.m. May 18 at the Coolidge Public Library, 160 W. Central Ave.

It turns out there’s a lot of misinformation about hospice.

Larry Bargren sees a growing need for community volunteers to step in as society becomes more mobile and families become more dispersed.

Our guest blog today comes to us from Dr. Ned Stolzberg, executive medical director at Hospice of the Valley. As National Healthcare Decisions Day/Week draws to a close, Dr. Stolzberg shares his thoughts on the importance of that conversation so many of us struggle to have regarding advance directives and end of life care.

Hospice of the Valley raised a record $320,000 at its annual fundraiser in February.

Proceeds from “AAHA! An Auction of Heirlooms and Art,” benefited Hospice of the Valley patients and families from the early stages of care to hospice to grief counseling.

In an effort to get more students involved with caretaking for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, ASU and Hospice of the Valley have partnered to form a new class through the College of Health Solutions.

It’s been quite a month. A coworker was in a car accident and spent days in the ICU, a family member was in a serious trauma and spent weeks in the hospital, and I caught the flu and ended up with a bronchitis that lasted five weeks and made me appreciate how I take breathing for granted. In each of these situations, the person in question was in the prime of life; all three of us had a reasonable expectation of a long life ahead. And yet, with each, it could have ended differently.

AAHA! An Auction of Heirlooms and Art netted $320,000 for Hospice of the Valley, with proceeds benefitting patients and families. It was a record-breaking amount raised in celebration of the not-for-profit agency’s 40th anniversary, up from $300,000 last year.

Hospice of the Valley’s volunteers were the topic of a story aired Tuesday by FOX 10 Phoenix. Susan Rose, our longest-tenured volunteer who started with the agency’s founding in 1977, dances and puts a puzzle together with a patient at Gardiner Home. Volunteer Ann Kendall and her dog Snickers bring smiles and giggles to kids at Ryan House.

A few days ago I had the chance to catch up with my most influential mentor in journalism, one of the most well-known and well-loved TV news anchors in the state of Arizona for over 30 years: Lin Sue Cooney.

Lin Sue and I first met when I began my career as an ASU journalism intern at 12 News, KPNX-TV Channel 12 back in 1989. I was a sophomore in college.

In honor of our 40th anniversary, we have created a new website, designed to make it easy for you to learn about hospice and palliative care, explore our services, get involved through volunteering and participate in many other important ways.

Hospice of the Valley originated serendipitiously – or in theological terms, providentially. Looking back, some might even call it a “hot” idea.

Jean Marie Stockton, director of clinical services for Hospice of the Valley’s West office, is the agency’s longest tenured employee—35 years.

“Christian, Jew, Muslim, shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river, each has a secret way of being with the mystery, unique and not to be judged.”

The convenience of online shopping has fewer people visiting local stores, instead opting to buy from brand names with one click of a button.

Forrester Research Inc. found that consumers spent $335 billion in online sales; a number that they predict will jump to $523 billion by 2020.

With the option of buying all major brands online, why shop locally?

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care month—a time for people to enhance their understanding of end-of-life care and to encourage conversations around that topic.

For many families, it’s a tough subject to discuss.

Many of us have friends and family members who are grieving – either in anticipation of a death or because a loved one has died recently.

Hospice care has become much more common across the country, and Arizona is no exception.

Australia is known for koalas, kangaroos, Crocodile Dundee—and now—Dying to Know Day. August 8 is set aside for families to talk about the really important stuff in life—including death.

Susan Levine retired as Hospice of the Valley’s executive director July 1 after 23 years leading one of the nation’s largest and most highly regarded not-for-profit hospices. Debbie Shumway, senior vice president, assumes the top leadership position.

Debbie Shumway is the new executive director of Hospice of the Valley, one of the nation’s largest and most highly regarded not-for-profit hospices.

She assumed the position July 1, when Susan Levine retired from the organization she led for 23 years with Shumway by her side. Shumway most recently served as senior vice president, overseeing clinical operations, finance, volunteers, fund development, information services and the agency’s thrift store operations.

Susan Levine will retire as Hospice of the Valley’s executive director July 1 after 23 years leading one of the nation’s largest and most highly regarded not-for-profit hospices. Debbie Shumway, senior vice president, assumes the top leadership position.

Season for Sharing has awarded a $30,000 grant to Hospice of the Valley to support the not-for-profit agency’s Palliative Care for Dementia program, serving people with all stages of dementia and their family caregivers.

AAHA! An Auction of Heirlooms and Art netted $310,000 for Hospice of the Valley, with proceeds benefitting the not-for-profit agency’s patients and families.

We realized that in order to support expectant mothers who are told their babies will not survive birth, we needed to create a pediatric team to walk beside them through pregnancy, birth and hospice care.