December 2020 News
"Cherish every moment, because every moment counts."
~ Wendy Nichols
The holidays are upon us! It's the time of year when many of us give gifts to those we care for.

During this season of giving, we hope you'll consider supporting Hospice Savannah. Your year-end donation can help families like the Simmons.

Two and a half years ago, newlyweds Jason and Naomi, received devastating news: Jason was diagnosed with Melanoma.

Instead of being able to focus on their young family, they and their extended family, were suddenly spending their last days together, focused on making lifelong memories of their father, husband, and friend.  

With your help, and many others in our community, the Simmons family was able to travel, virtually, to their bucket-list destinations, giving Naomi precious memories to cherish forever. 

The virtual travel was made possible by an innovative collaboration between Hospice Savannah and the Savannah College of Art and Design's VR for Good program, a program which relies solely on donations from the community.

Please give a gift today to ensure that opportunities like these are available in your time of need.

Dr. Benton Presents at International Healthcare Summit in Qatar

We are very proud that our own, Dr. Kathleen Benton, President/CEO of Hospice Savannah, who recently presented “COVID, Palliative Care, and the Ethical Dilemma” during the ‘COVID and Palliative Care: A Bedside and Public Health Perspective’ panel at WISH, the World Innovation Summit for Health. 

The virtual conference was hosted in Qatar, Nov. 15-19, and featured over 300 speakers, including Dr. Anthony Fauci (Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), Peter Sands (Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS), and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Director General of the World Health Organization), among many others. Dr. Benton spoke on behalf of The Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life. 

The conference attracted more than 60,000 attendees, who represented more than 100 countries and 50 ministries of health. WISH 2020 also saw more than 15 policy-focused reports released over the course of the five-day summit.
You Are Not Crazy!

  • Grief is a life long journey.
  • Wherever you are on this journey is where you are supposed to be.
  • No two journeys are alike.
  • Give yourself permission to feel what you feel.
  • Honor the memories! Tell your story again and again.

The holidays can be difficult for many, but the bereavement counselors at Full Circle are here to help.

Call: (912) 303-9442 to get the help you need.
Hospice Savannah to be Featured in Upcoming Documentary Film

Last month, Hospice Savannah hosted a documentary film crew for several days. They interviewed CEO Dr. Kathleen Benton, and shadowed nurse Liz Maher and CNA Pat McPhatter, as they visited with patients.

The footage will be included in the film, "End of Life Transitioning."

The project, in partnership with Hospice of Michigan, was produced and directed by Keith Famie of Visionalist Entertainment Productions.

The film will air on PBS at some point in the future, but click below for a sneak peek at the trailer.
If you missed it this past weekend, never fear! We invite you to watch this year's virtual Tree of Light memorial program, which aired for the first time on Sunday, Dec. 6th at 5:00pm, by clicking the link below.

A collective grief response to the losses we have all experienced this year, the program features remarks by Mayor Van Johnson, Hospice Savannah Board Chairman Derek Zimmerman, and Dr. Kathleen Benton. Ann Tenenbaum remembers her parents, Arnold and Lorlee Tenenbaum, in a special tribute, and local faith leaders offer words of hope. Inspirational music appears courtesy the Savannah VOICE Festival.

Because of the coronavirus, many have been denied attending traditional funerals, family and memorial gatherings, but this virtual program offers ritual, music, and a sense of hope and comfort as we remember those we love.