About Us
The Suncoast Hospice Foundation is a member of Empath Health, the country’s largest not-for-profit health system delivering non-acute care and services through its skilled, medical and holistic programs to individuals with chronic, advanced and terminal illnesses or experiencing grief throughout North Central, West Central and Southwest Florida.
Our Story
Since 1977, Suncoast Hospice has provided expert and compassionate end-of-life care and support services for Pinellas County residents of all ages and their families. This care includes medical, palliative, personal and spiritual care, therapies, social services, emotional and grief counseling, volunteer support wherever they call home. We help our patients manage their pain and symptoms and cope with their diseases to live more comfortably and meaningfully.
Founded in 1982 to support the mission of Suncoast Hospice, the Suncoast Hospice Foundation works to ensure the programs and services of Pinellas County-based Empath Health members continue so that anyone who needs their services can receive them. These programs include Suncoast Hospice, Empath Home Health, EPIC, Suncoast PACE and the Auer Szabo Empath Adult Day Center.
See Your Impact
Because of you, veterans receive the honor, dignity, and specialized care they deserve. Our dedicated care teams are trained to understand the unique medical, emotional, and spiritual needs that often accompany military service, and walk alongside each veteran to help them live with comfort, purpose, and peace. Families, too, are embraced with compassion and connected to vital resources, recognizing the sacrifices they’ve made in service to our nation.
Watch how WWII veteran Bill and his daughter Anne received care when they needed it most.
From a Supporter Like You
Helen and Scott shared a beautiful life. Helen worked as a bookkeeper. Scott drove a tractor-trailer. They raised two daughters, Jenn and Ashley, creating a life filled with love and beautiful memories.
Sadly, Helen’s lung collapsed after years of smoking. She quit and enjoyed good health for a few years. Then they got the news—chronic lung disease.
Read more of their story
After multiple hospital visits, Helen was fitted with a machine to assist her breathing.
“We thought she would go home at that point,” Ashley said. “They were talking about her going home.”
But Helen didn’t want to live that way. She just wanted to be comfortable. She was admitted to Suncoast Hospice North Pinellas Care Center.
Her room was anything but gloomy.
During the holiday season, her husband, Scott, and daughter, Ashley, filled the room with warmth and joy, decorating it with festive cheer to brighten Helen’s days.
“We had the room set up nice,” Scott recalled.
Helen’s health fluctuated. But the Suncoast Hospice care team provided continuous support.
They encouraged Helen’s family to make themselves at home, even serving Scott homemade cookies and offering comfort in every way they could. Ashley shared, “They explained the whole process.”
These are some of the many ways Suncoast Hospice, a member of Empath Health, is here for all stages of care, for all areas of well-being, and for all aspects dear to one’s life.
The care team gave loving support to Helen and her family during an incredibly challenging time.
Helen’s family was by her side for her final moments.
“I was in bed with her. It was 10:30 pm, and all of a sudden, I looked over and thought, ‘Yeah, she’s going,'” Scott remembered.
Soon after, Helen took her last breath. She passed away just before Christmas at the age of 72.
Your continued generosity enables us to deliver this level of compassionate care and support to thousands of patients and their loved ones every day, making a profound difference in their lives.
Ashley was inspired to give back to Suncoast Hospice after experiencing extraordinary care during her mother’s final days.
In memory of Helen, the family organized a team, Helen’s Crew, to walk in the Suncoast Hospice Beach Stroll and has done so each May since her passing.
“We will continue through the years to donate to hospice in one way or another because it means that Mom’s legacy lives on,” Ashley said.
Since 1977, Empath Health has provided compassionate care for all. Your gift enables us to serve everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
Ashley shared, “By supporting hospice, we ensure her spirit of compassion and care touches the lives of others. Each contribution helps provide comfort and dignity to someone else’s mom, sister, friend, or wife, just as Suncoast Hospice did for our family.”
Useful Legal Information
Legal name: Suncoast Hospice Foundation
Address: 2675 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Federal Tax ID number: 59-2252045
I’m here to help
Adam Olson, CFRE
President
Suncoast Hospice Foundation
AOlson@EmpathHealth.org