Suncoast Hospice Volunteer Bob Estes Takes Suncoast PACE Participant Jim Ward to Church

It’s National Hospice and Palliative Care Month in November and we wish to give special thanks to our volunteers!

More than 41 years ago, a group of compassionate volunteers established Suncoast Hospice and its mission of care in Pinellas County. Today, we are nearly 2,000 volunteers strong serving throughout our entire Empath Health network. We couldn’t do it without them.

Every volunteer makes a unique impact through care and support. Many go above and beyond in service, like Suncoast Hospice volunteer Bob Estes. He received our 2016 Volunteer of the Year Specialized Service Award in recognition of his work with special events, support for patients and families (Reiki energy work, aromatherapy and pet visits) and support for patients who are veterans.

Estes’ and his wife, Joy’s, recent act of service uplifted James “Jim” Ward, a participant in our Suncoast PACE care. The three went together to an inspirational Sunday service led by Ward’s son at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in St. Petersburg.

“It was one of the best religious experiences of my life. We picked up Jim and took him to hear his son preach. His son was phenomenal and Jim was excited to be in his son’s presence. It was a real spiritual experience,” Estes reported.

The couple was so in awe of the three-hour service that they took Ward back a second time.

Have a favorite memory of our volunteers?

Please comment and share it with us!