Hospice of the Rapidan helps community grieve

Some of the best services are ones the general public isn’t aware of until they’re needed.

Hopsice of the Rapidan falls in that category.

Serving families in the Culpeper community for 26 years, the Hospice of the Rapidan helps ease the transition from life to death and they do it regardless of the families ability to pay.

For its service to the community, Hospice of the Rapidan was honored as the inaugural Non-Profit of the Year by the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce at its 95th annual awards banquet Nov. 5. The award was instituted in 2009 to recognize a local non-profit organization for its reputation, track record, effectiveness at working well with area businesses and other community organizations, how it enhances
the quality of life for Culpeper residents and its strong relationship with the Chamber.

Hospice of the Rapidan was selected from among a number of area non-profit organizations nominated by Chamber members.

“We are humbled to be the first recipient of this award. To be selected from among so many other outstanding non-profits in this community is truly an honor,” Kathy Clements, Executive Director of
Hospice of the Rapidan said. “Like the Culpeper County Chamber and its members, we have long understood that enduring partnerships between organizations like ours and the area businesses enhance
the quality of life for all of us. We truly appreciate your continued support and recognition.”

The hospice was honored because they are a strong supporter of area businesses and because of their dedication to helping families grieve during the toughest times of their lives.

Nancy Garrett, of Boston, knows very well of the services a hospice group can provide.

While living in Arlington, Garrett’s roommate Jessie Barton was hospitalized while battling cancer.

During her treatment, Barton was in a coma for 33 days, during which she was under hospice care.

“The hospice checked on her and made sure she was as comfortable as she could be,” Garrett remembered.

But the real impact of the hospice workers didn’t hit Garrett and her other roommates until Barton’s funeral, when the hospice workers came to say goodbye.

So when Garrett and her friends moved to Culpeper, they wanted to make sure they found an organization to help honor Barton’s memory.

They quickly chose the Hospice of the Rapidan because of their experience with hospice groups and because of the needs of the non-profit.

In seven years, Garrett and her roommates have helped raise nearly $50,000 for the organization by raffling off two games worth of their Redskins season tickets.

“They’re unbelievable,” Garrett said of the Hospice of the Rapidan. “They just call to check on me. They never even knew Jessie but they have been so kind to all of us.”

The HOTR focuses on bringing a more holistic, caring approach to people experiencing terminal illnesses, an approach that considers patients and their families.

The organization hosts three events each year designed to assist people in the community experiencing grief related to the death of loved ones.

The Tree of Lights, set for Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at StellarOne in Culpeper, the Service of Remembrance and the Butterfly Celebration are attended by hundreds looking to help remember their fallen friends and family members.

“I think they do an unbelievable service for people in a terrible time of their lives,” Garrett said. “I couldn’t be more excited (they were honored by the Chamber) because they don’t seek publicity.”

The hospice’s modesty is one of the reasons many are unaware of their existence, but those who have experienced their warmth know there are people who can help in times of grief.

To learn more about hospice care, grief support, or becoming a volunteer call Hospice of the Rapidan at 825-4840 or visit online at hotr.org.