A Tribute to Our Volunteers

A Tribute to Our Volunteers

Hospice Austin volunteers bring companionship to our patients and their loved ones. They visit and read with patients, write letters, listen to music, play cards or games, take walks, assist the patient and family with projects, and give the caregiver time to get away...
Thank you, St. David’s Foundation!

Thank you, St. David’s Foundation!

St. David’s Foundation, one of the largest health foundations in the country, approved $75.9 million in grant investments back into the Central Texas community in 2023. These grants reflect the Foundation’s commitment to advancing health equity in Central Texas...
A Look at 2023

A Look at 2023

As we look to the year ahead, I want to thank you all for your support in the year just past. In 2023, Hospice Austin cared for over 2,000 of your neighbors in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties, which resulted in 123,000 days of care. Your...
His Legacy Lives On

His Legacy Lives On

Austin Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Travis Maher spent his life serving others – 23 years with the Austin Fire Department, 25 years with the Wimberley Fire Rescue, 21 years as a member of Texas A&M Task Force 1, and task force leader of the TX-TF1 Water Rescue Team....
The Power of Gratitude in Grief

The Power of Gratitude in Grief

After losing my husband to cancer, I didn’t find much to feel grateful about. He had died way too early – we were supposed to grow old together. With catastrophic loss, of course, comes catastrophic grief. I felt cleaved in two, invisibly hemorrhaging pain, fear,...
Volunteering at the end of days

Volunteering at the end of days

Having re-retired after teaching English for a year at a local high school, I am trying to fill my time with activities that keep me busy, healthy, and productive. One of those things is a return to volunteering at a hospice, working with the sick, the dying, and...
A Tribute to Jack Harrison and Mark Roeder

A Tribute to Jack Harrison and Mark Roeder

Hospice Austin recently lost two beloved employees, Maintenance Coordinator Mark Roeder, and Certified Nurse Assistant Jack Harrison. They both died unexpectedly, leaving the rest of us – usually so accustomed to death – feeling unmoored. Mark was with us a little...
Reflections on Camp Brave Heart

Reflections on Camp Brave Heart

This summer was my 26th time to attend Camp Braveheart.  Over the years I’ve played many roles:  director, small group facilitator, floater, trouble shooter, home-sickness whisperer.  Every year there is a moment at camp that pulls my heart so wide open I can barely...
How to support someone with a serious illness

How to support someone with a serious illness

Supporting a family member, friend, or client with a serious illness can be a daunting, painful, brutal, unrewarding task for anyone. It can also be one of the most connective, loving, engaging, and life-changing opportunities a person can experience. The difference...