Dear Hospice Austin Family.
As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting on the countless moments of compassion and courage I witnessed in 2025. One moment that stands out took place during Thanksgiving at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House.
What made this moment truly special was the 52 family members, all gathered at once to visit their mother, grandmother, and sister. Over 10 hours, they shared thoughts and messages, navigating how to say goodbye while giving thanks for the legacy she was leaving behind. They described the experience as a “beautiful death,” expressing gratitude for the exceptional care provided by the team. It was heartwarming to see family members enter with anxiety and leave with peace and contentment. Moments like these remind me why our mission matters so deeply.
Hospice and palliative care are more than medical support; they are about creating space for dignity and connection when it matters most. Every one of you—patients, families, staff, volunteers, and supporters—makes that possible.
Last year, we provided over a million dollars in care for Central Texans who were facing the end of life alone, without the ability to pay for medical care. With your help, we hope to help even more people this year.
Looking ahead in 2026, we are committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact. This means:
- Enhancing staff education through new resources and programs as we continue training all of our clinical staff to become Certified Dementia Care Practitioners. This will allow us to provide specialized care for our patients with dementia.
- Strengthening partnerships with local facilities to ensure seamless care.
- Developing specialized programs to address the unique needs of veterans and ensure they receive compassionate hospice and palliative care. In 2025 Hospice Austin became a level one partner with We Honor Veterans, by providing veteran-centric education for staff and volunteers. In 2026, we plan to expand this program.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your trust and dedication inspire everything we do. May the new year bring you peace and hope. Together, we will continue to make a difference, one family at a time.
With gratitude and hope,
Herb Dyer
Chief Executive Officer Hospice Austin