Read about supporters who are dedicated to providing Full Life Care for All.
Hospice of Marion County
“Thank you, Hospice of Marion County, for the wonderful care my husband received. Our RN and Social Worker were so very caring, kind, and supportive. We truly appreciate all you did to support me and our family in caring for him. His passing was peaceful and he was surrounded by his daughter and grandchildren.”
Sincerely,
Julie
Tidewell Foundation
Dollie & David
Uncle Bruce always went above and beyond in everything he did. It was fitting, then, that Uncle Bruce’s final weeks were spent with Tidewell – an organization that goes above and beyond. The level of care provided to patients and their families is exceptional. From the tenderness with which they shaved his face to the blankets and tea they gave us when we slept in his room… every single touch made those final moments lighter for us and more comfortable for Uncle Bruce.
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A weight was lifted from Uncle Bruce’s shoulders (and ours) the moment we stepped through the doors of the Sarasota care center. After multiple hospital visits, he knew he was finally in a safe and relaxing environment where he could find peace. We could not be more thankful for Tidewell Hospice.
We chose to show our gratitude with a gift to the Tidewell Foundation. We know that it is only with the support of people like us that Tidewell can continue to provide the level of care Uncle Bruce received during his final days to more patients and their families. During his stay, we put photographs around his room to share memories, listened to the jazz music he loved, and visited with the resident horticulturist to bring peace through scents like mint.
The connections made with Tidewell colleagues during that time were so special. From the doctors to the nurses to volunteers, every single person went above and beyond to give Uncle Bruce what we can all hope for in the end – a good death. Thank you for helping more families like ours receive the care they deserve during a time when it is most needed.
Sincerely,
Dollie & David, Grateful Family
Trustbridge Hospice Foundation
“There are truly no words that feel big enough to express the gratitude our family carries in our hearts for each of you during one of the most fragile and overwhelming times in our lives you stepped into our home with compassion, steadiness and grace.
When mom entered hospice, we were lost. We were frightened, unsure and emotionally exhausted. Yet from the very beginning, you brought not only your expertise but also your tenderness. You touched her with kindness. You treated her as someone deeply valued. We truly would not have been able to care for mom in her final months without you.
Your guidance gives confidence and peace. Your presence gave us strength. Because of you, her final chapter was filled with comfort, warmth and humanity. Somewhere along the way, you stopped feeling like “The hospice team” and began to feel like family. You came into our lives at a moment when we were overwhelmed and unsure how we would get through, and you carried us through with compassion and unwavering support.
Please know that the work you do matters more than you may ever fully see. You made a profound difference in mom’s life, and in ours. We will forever be grateful. With heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation.”
Candy
Candy and Curt’s romance began as a long-distance connection, one filled with hope and new beginnings. But shortly after Curt moved to Florida to be with Candy, their story took an unexpected turn when Curt was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
As Curt’s condition progressed, Empath Health’s hospice team stepped in with expert, compassionate care, honoring his dignity and supporting Candy every step of the way. That experience left a lasting impact. Today, Candy channels her grief into purpose, becoming a passionate advocate and fundraiser for hospice, helping others receive the same meaningful care that touched her life.
Helen’s Crew
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.
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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.”
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