Thank you for hopefully supporting me in the  Annual Hospice Memorial Walk in support of Hospice Buffalo. There are only 23 days until the Walk! Yes, May is coming quickly.

Please consider walking with me and our team, the BLUEBOMBERS  as we help honor the life of Bruce Williams as we walk to keep Hospice care going in Erie County! You can also walk or give a donation in memory of your own family member or friend.

If you are not able to walk with us, I hope you'll support my fundraising efforts by making a donation to my walk page.

Hospice Buffalo provides exceptional care and life enhancing services for seriously ill patients and those who share their lives. Did you know? Hospice Buffalo provides comfort and care to more than 900 patients a day in homes, hospitals, nursing homes and at the Hospice Mitchell Campus in Cheektowaga.

My husband, Bruce was one of them. He had cancer in his larnyx. He passed away after 4 days with his loving family surrounding him on Christmas day 2018.

After he passed, hospice did not forget. They called the very next day to see how the family was doing and if there was anything they could do for us. After a few weeks, I got another call and a mailer inviting me and the family to their group grief sessions or even one on one sessions if I felt that would be better. I did go to the group grief sessions. It helped me understand that I was not alone on how I felt as losing one's partner or spouse is one of the major stressors in our lives. The people in the group were feeling the same way I was and we, as a group, discussed how to cope with our feelings. It helped me move on without my beloved partner and it helped me realize how important Hospice Buffalo is to everybody. Even a year later, I received mail about their grief sessions and to still come if I felt I needed to talk more about coping.

I realized a few things over the last few years. It is hard to believe it has been three years already. One, I still miss Bruce so much, but he is still with me. I just can't see him, but I can feel him around. Two, Hospice is an awesome organization that I will continue to support so others get the same support that Bruce did. Finally, it made me realize that I am not alone. That they are there if I need them even though I was not the patient initially. I may feel lonely sometimes and cry (yes, even after three years) and that is okay- that is me being able to cope. It may take months or years, but it is healthy to grief as it attests to my love for Bruce. And hospice will be there if I need them.

So, to honor Bruce and his legacy, I will walk every year for Hospice. I want this organization there for every family and individual who needs them. Will you walk with us?

 If not:

Please consider donating in support of Bruce or a friend or loved one you know who had Hospice there for them toward the end of life. Donate for those people who will need Hospice in the future- it may even be us.  Bruce made such a difference in so many kids' lives with coaching soccer (KenTon Bluebombers) for so many years. He loved those kids and made a difference in so many of their lives.  Donate now and thank you so much for your support!

Debby