Mother Teresa once said, “It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.”

This remarkable nun, teacher and leader loved her fellow human beings and devoted her life to charitable service. She cared for so many people who were in despair and shunned by society, including those suffering from poverty, homelessness, alcoholism and HIV/AIDS. Many volunteers and financial supporters joined and furthered her mission.

September 5 is International Day of Charity – designated in honor of the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death on September 5, 1997. On this day, we reflect on Mother Teresa’s great empathy for the community, which served as the inspiration for our Empath Health name.

“Empathy reflects concern and understanding for others. Our name says we walk with you while anticipating and meeting your needs with expert care, support and compassion. We support uplifting people’s spirits. It’s all an honor,” expressed Empath Health President and CEO Rafael J. Sciullo, who named Empath Health after reading the book, “Mother Teresa, CEO: Unexpected Principles for Practical Leadership.”

Empath Health has cared for the Pinellas County community for more than 40 years through Suncoast Hospice. In addition to the care and comfort we bring to hospice patients and families in their journeys of illness, loss and grief, we provide many other longtime programs and services for people living with HIV/AIDS, seniors with chronic health conditions, individuals and families making advance medical decisions and much more.

Like Mother Teresa’s work, we are a nonprofit charity that relies on community support to keep our mission going strong.

“It’s all about touching as many lives as we can,” Sciullo said.

Ways to Support Empath Health

We hope you can take a step to support care and services for our community in need.

1. Sign up to become a volunteer
2. Make a donation in honor of your loved one’s care to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation
3. Shop or drop off household goods, furniture or clothing at one of the three Suncoast Hospice Resale Shops
4. Donate non-perishable food and hygiene items to the EPIC HIV services organization
5. Register for an event
6. Sign up for Suncoast Hospice Foundation’s e-newsletter for news and events

Thank you for caring and making a difference!