Personal Stories Reinforce Hospice’s Vital Role in Supporting
Patients and Families Through Life’s Most Difficult Moments
MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., Nov. 11, 2026 – Powerful personal stories about compassion, dignity and peace of mind highlighted Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc.’s Seventh Annual Community Breakfast, where speakers emphasized the importance of understanding end-of-life care, discussing family wishes before a crisis and recognizing Hospice’s vital role in supporting patients and their loved ones.
The event, “Real Stories. Real Impact. Discover the Heart of Hospice,” drew 130 attendees to the Barn at Villa Venezia in Middletown. The program featured a panel discussion exploring how Hospice helps patients live their remaining days with comfort and dignity while providing families with guidance, reassurance and support.
The Nov. 5 discussion was moderated by Eric Gatsik, President and CEO of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, and Josh Sommers, President and CEO of Focus Media, whose father received Hospice care before his passing three years ago.
“When someone here is facing a serious illness, we want them to know that care is close by. That someone will answer the phone. That someone will listen. And that they won’t have to figure everything out on their own,” Gatsik told attendees. “By helping with the most personal parts of care, our team can protect a patient’s dignity and take some of the pressure off the person they love. That leaves more room to hold a hand, share a story or simply sit together. Those moments matter.”
Carla Randazzo of Wallkill, whose parents both received Hospice care, described the overwhelming emotions families experience when confronting end-of-life decisions – and the vital reassurance Hospice provides.
Following an initial meeting with Hospice staff, Randazzo recalled turning to her brother and saying, “They’ve got this.” That confidence never wavered as the family navigated her parents’ final months, including care her mother received at Hospice’s Kaplan Family Hospice Residence in Newburgh.
“I can’t express the calmness they give you,” Randazzo said of Hospice caregivers. “We never regretted it with either of my parents. They give you such peace of mind; you walk away feeling that they really have you, from top to bottom.”
Randazzo urged families to discuss their wishes before serious illness forces difficult decisions. “Talk to your parents, grandparents, spouse,” she advised. “Have a plan, even if it’s basic.”
Leshia Rivera-Chen, who works for Hospice at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, emphasized the importance of educating patients and families about their options and ensuring their wishes are understood and respected.
“If you don’t give the opportunity to be educated about the end of life, they lose time,” Rivera-Chen said, explaining that Hospice can help patients manage symptoms and spend more meaningful time with loved ones. She also stressed that Hospice supports the entire family, including through the availability of a nurse by telephone 24 hours a day and continued support after a loved one’s death.
Kim Warner, a licensed clinical social worker, recently retired from Hospice after more than 11 years as Director of Social Work, Bereavement and Veterans Programs. She addressed common misconceptions about Hospice. Enlisting Hospice does not hasten death, she explained. Instead, earlier involvement can improve comfort, provide opportunities for important family conversations and help patients enjoy a better quality of life, she said.
Warner described the importance of asking patients a simple but meaningful question: “What’s most important to you?” The answers help Hospice professionals provide individualized care that respects patients’ wishes and supports their families.
She also highlighted Hospice’s grief counseling and bereavement services, including assistance for families struggling to explain death to children. Through counseling, support groups and chaplain visits, Hospice helps families understand and cope with loss, she said.
Throughout the discussion, panelists encouraged families to overcome the reluctance and stigma often associated with discussing death and dying.
“Let’s get comfortable talking about end of life when we’re healthy, not when we’re scared and trying to make decisions,” Rivera-Chen said.
Randazzo agreed, noting that families who understand the full scope of Hospice’s services are better prepared to make informed decisions. “I have no regrets,” she said of choosing Hospice for her parents. “It’s the best thing I could have done.”
Gatsik noted that more than 90% of Hospice care is provided in patients’ homes, allowing individuals to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving medical, emotional and spiritual support. Care also is available at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence.
Hospice’s interdisciplinary team of nurses, physicians, aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers works together to care for the whole person and support loved ones throughout the experience.
“It’s not really sad work; it’s satisfying work,” Warner said. “You’re helping families. If you can make a difference, make it a little easier, that’s the satisfying part.”
Gatsik encouraged community members to support Hospice through volunteerism and donations, noting that volunteers
contribute an especially valuable resource: their time.
At the conclusion of the program, New York State Assemblyman Brian Maher presented Gatsik with a military challenge coin that Maher earned during his recent military tour of service, recognizing Gatsik’s leadership and Hospice’s commitment to the community.
“We appreciate your leadership,” Maher said, expressing his gratitude to Gatsik and the Hospice team.
About Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Inc.
Since 1988, Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties has provided compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families across the Hudson Valley. Guided by our mission of honoring life with dignity, comfort and compassion, we support individuals wherever they call home and help families navigate life’s most meaningful moments. Learn more at www.hospiceoforange.com.
