Beacon Hospice graduates 4 volunteers from program

BANGOR – Beacon Hospice Inc. announced its most recent graduates from the Bangor office’s volunteer training program. Four graduates completed a seven-week volunteer training and orientation program on Nov. 13 and will now embark on a variety of volunteer roles at Beacon Hospice.

Kristen Sutherland of Brewer, Shannon Alexa of Orono, Richard Gallant of Bangor and Mary Small of Milford are new graduates.

“I am so proud of these new volunteers,” said Roanne Austin, volunteer coordinator for Beacon Hospice’s Bangor office. “They are all caring, compassionate, sensitive and loving people who are going to be wonderful additions to our team. Each volunteer is well-trained and passionate about the work they will be doing for Beacon Hospice patients. Beacon could not provide the services it offers without the amazing volunteers we are so fortunate to have working with us.”

Beacon Hospice provides end-of-life care to local terminally ill patients and relies on volunteers to ensure the delivery of care to these patients. Volunteers provide much needed support to patients and their families including visiting with patients on an ongoing basis, sitting vigils, organizing craft projects and working in the Beacon Hospice office.

Those interested in becoming a Beacon Hospice volunteer or learning about upcoming volunteer training sessions may call Austin at 942-2920.

Beacon Hospice staff recently embarked on a three-week relay walk over 420 miles from Mystic, Conn., to Bangor.

The route for “Lighting the Way” was inspired by the agency office locations throughout New England. Money raised will benefit Lighthouse Hospice Foundation, an autonomous, nonprofit corporation committed to supporting terminally ill patients and their families in New England by providing funding for items not covered by Medicare.

Beacon Hospice CEO Betty Brennan, originally from Bangor, had the idea to undertake the 420-mile walk.

The foundation provides funds to hospice patients to pay for “quality of life” items such as dentures, eyeglasses, clothing, toiletries and household care items. The foundation also helps patients’ financially stressed families with expenses such as utility bills, transportation, fuel and gas, rent, pet care and funeral arrangements.