Read about supporters who are dedicated to providing Full Life Care for All.
Candy
Candy and Curt’s romance began as a long-distance connection, one filled with hope and new beginnings. But shortly after Curt moved to Florida to be with Candy, their story took an unexpected turn when Curt was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
As Curt’s condition progressed, Empath Health’s hospice team stepped in with expert, compassionate care, honoring his dignity and supporting Candy every step of the way. That experience left a lasting impact. Today, Candy channels her grief into purpose, becoming a passionate advocate and fundraiser for hospice, helping others receive the same meaningful care that touched her life.
Helen’s Crew
Helen and Scott shared a beautiful life. Helen worked as a bookkeeper. Scott drove a tractor-trailer. They raised two daughters, Jenn and Ashley, creating a life filled with love and beautiful memories.
Sadly, Helen’s lung collapsed after years of smoking. She quit and enjoyed good health for a few years. Then they got the news—chronic lung disease.
Read more of their story
After multiple hospital visits, Helen was fitted with a machine to assist her breathing.
“We thought she would go home at that point,” Ashley said. “They were talking about her going home.”
But Helen didn’t want to live that way. She just wanted to be comfortable. She was admitted to Suncoast Hospice North Pinellas Care Center.
Her room was anything but gloomy.
During the holiday season, her husband, Scott, and daughter, Ashley, filled the room with warmth and joy, decorating it with festive cheer to brighten Helen’s days.
“We had the room set up nice,” Scott recalled.
Helen’s health fluctuated. But the Suncoast Hospice care team provided continuous support.
They encouraged Helen’s family to make themselves at home, even serving Scott homemade cookies and offering comfort in every way they could. Ashley shared, “They explained the whole process.”
These are some of the many ways Suncoast Hospice, a member of Empath Health, is here for all stages of care, for all areas of well-being, and for all aspects dear to one’s life.
The care team gave loving support to Helen and her family during an incredibly challenging time.
Helen’s family was by her side for her final moments.
“I was in bed with her. It was 10:30 pm, and all of a sudden, I looked over and thought, ‘Yeah, she’s going,'” Scott remembered.
Soon after, Helen took her last breath. She passed away just before Christmas at the age of 72.
Your continued generosity enables us to deliver this level of compassionate care and support to thousands of patients and their loved ones every day, making a profound difference in their lives.
Ashley was inspired to give back to Suncoast Hospice after experiencing extraordinary care during her mother’s final days.
In memory of Helen, the family organized a team, Helen’s Crew, to walk in the Suncoast Hospice Beach Stroll and has done so each May since her passing.
“We will continue through the years to donate to hospice in one way or another because it means that Mom’s legacy lives on,” Ashley said.
Since 1977, Empath Health has provided compassionate care for all. Your gift enables us to serve everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
Ashley shared, “By supporting hospice, we ensure her spirit of compassion and care touches the lives of others. Each contribution helps provide comfort and dignity to someone else’s mom, sister, friend, or wife, just as Suncoast Hospice did for our family.”
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