We can’t afford to lose hospice

Dear Editor:

“You matter because of who you are. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.” ” Dame Cicely Saunders.

Just as the Whos called out to Horton, Roaring Fork Hospice is calling out to every Horton in the Roaring Fork Valley who believes in the hospice philosophy ” who recognizes that death is the final stage of life, but continues to seek to enable individuals to continue an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by loved ones.

No, our society does not relish talking about death ” but it comes to us all, and we cannot allow this precious valley resource to close. Valley View Hospital, thank you for working so hard all these years to keep this valuable resource available, but please do not close it Wednesday, June 25, leaving the community without this dignified choice.

Let all of us who believe that we cannot lose that option, that we must have a provider for humane and compassionate care for all in the last phases of incurable disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible raise your voices. Valley View Hospital, please allow this caring community to find and form community partnerships that will resolve any problems that you face to keep Roaring Fork Hospice doors open. Use your voice. Speak up NOW, TODAY, to save this organization that our community simply cannot afford to lose.

Cheryl Cain

Glenwood Springs