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Testimonials
What Our Community Has to Say About Hospice of Anchorage
Mary Heiner
Client and Volunteer
The staff cares very much about me as a whole person; spiritually, physically, emotionally and nutritionally. They help me with every step along my new journey and I appreciate it so much. Many people give of their time and talents to make HOA what it is. What it is not is a group of people who sit with you while you die and hold your hand. It’s a group of people who show you how to live your best life, and believe me, I AM!
Sue Martin
Client
Sue Martin, an 81-year-old originally from Pittsburgh, PA, faced a difficult decision earlier this year when it became clear that changes were necessary for her to continue living independently. With no other living relatives besides her niece in Anchorage, she found the courage to make a life-changing move. In March 2023, her niece flew to Pittsburgh, helped close her home, and brought her to Anchorage, AK.
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Aside from her niece, Sue knew no one in the state—until she found Hospice of Anchorage. Though they were initially unable to take her on as a Lifeways client due to team training, they did not let that stop them from offering support. Since her arrival, Sue has received a care package from them twice a month, every month. These “Sparks of Joy” have included fresh peonies in full bloom, letters from elementary school children, and heartfelt postcards. She proudly displays every piece of mail on her kitchen cupboards in her assisted living room, where they bring her immense happiness.
The Executive Director personally delivers these packages, and Sue has even formed a pen pal friendship with the Operations Manager, who responds to each of her thank-you notes. Hospice of Anchorage has also provided her with essential equipment, including a toilet riser and a wheelchair—both of which allow her to maintain her independence and dignity.
Sue is deeply grateful for the kindness and generosity of Hospice of Anchorage. Every time she looks at her “Sparks of Joy,” she is reminded that she is loved and supported in her new home.
Anonymous
Client
Hospice of Anchorage (HOA) has been a source of support and comfort throughout his life’s most difficult moments. He first turned to HOA’s grief services after losing his 39-year-old daughter in a car accident. In 2003, when his wife was diagnosed with cancer, their family once again relied on HOA’s grief and nursing services. A dedicated volunteer visited several times a month, offering companionship and care until Sharon passed away in 2007.
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Following his loss, he received individual grief support and participated in grief groups, where he found solace in shared experiences and coping strategies. Now living in an Assisted Living Facility, he continues to receive support from HOA, with his Compassionate Companion visiting him every week.
His message about Hospice of Anchorage is simple: “They were there when I needed them.” The grief group helped him realize he was not alone, and he hopes his story will inspire others to volunteer and support HOA, just as he has over the years
Linda Beckworth McCarthy
Volunteer
Linda moved to Alaska in late 1999 and began volunteering with Hospice of Anchorage (HOA) in 2000. While she provided some caregiving, her true passion was grief support. She worked one-on-one with individuals, facilitated group counseling, and assisted young children through the monthly Forget Me Not grief meetings and Camp Erin.
Over time, Linda took on additional roles, eventually helping with office work and a variety of other tasks.
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She cleaned, stocked supplies, purchased materials for Camp Erin, organized quilts for each child, and helped set up and manage the camp for the weekend. She also worked extensively with Donor Perfect, HOA’s donor tracking system, managing data entry and cleanup projects.
For several years, Linda played a vital role in the Heroes of Healthcare annual event, handling almost every aspect—from soliciting nominations and auction items to securing table sponsors, designing programs, setting up the event, and managing donor and sponsor communications.
Her dedication extended to serving on the HOA Board of Directors, including a term as Secretary. Through her many contributions, Linda became known as “Team Linda,” a title that reflected her unwavering commitment and invaluable impact on the organization.
Hospice of Anchorage has served the greater Anchorage community since 1980. It is our privilege to be able to truly know the people we care for, learning what is important, and honoring the path each person chooses to take at the end of their lives.
Visit
Office Hours
Mon-Thurs 11AM-4PM
Clients & Caregivers:
Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM
Location
2612 E Northern Lights Blvd Anchorage, AK 99508
(We're in the brown house between Wendler Middle School behind the First Congregational Church.)
Connect
Phone: 907-561-5322
Fax: 907-561-0334
info@hospiceofanchorage.org
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