Fallbrook Hospice hosts volunteer luncheon

FALLBROOK — Fallbrook Hospice hosted a luncheon on January 24 at Café des Artistes in Fallbrook. It was a time for hospice staff to express appreciation to all the extraordinary people who give their time and serve the community so well.

Hospice volunteers are an integral part of the hospice team, rendering care to persons with life-ending illness who have decided on a palliative course. Volunteers represent an important social outreach with a friendly face to listen, a voice to read or sing, hands to assist and a generous heart to give their time.

Volunteer David Larson said at the luncheon, “I get so much more than I give being part of hospice. It is a privilege to be asked into someone’s life, even for a short time.”

As Larson ended, a chiming of voices was heard from other volunteers saying, “Oh, so true,” “That’s right” and “We are privileged to do the work we do.”

Cello music contributed to a festive yet reflective ambience. Barbara Martin, who plays professionally with the Redlands Philharmonic Orchestra, is a hospice volunteer who completed her training with Fallbrook Hospice this year. Martin often brings her cello to patients’ homes and plays music to bring calmness and peacefulness through music therapy.

Ann Fagan, who was not present at the luncheon, was recognized for sharing over 100 hours of patient support time in 2006. Larson was also recognized for donating over 100 hours of patient support.

Volunteer Coordinator Susan Greenley, MSW spoke to the group, recounting how important volunteers are to the caregiver team. Greenley gave accolades to all present for being people who freely give of their time to help patients and families in their time of need.

For further information about hospice or becoming a Fallbrook Hospice volunteer, call (760) 728-1435.