Woburn area residents recognized for volunteer work on behalf of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care

VNA Hospice & Palliative Care, a Woburn-based nonprofit that cares for people facing advanced and terminal illnesses, recently celebrated the contributions of volunteers and supporters during an annual appreciation luncheon.

Members of the Woburn Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care were recognized for raising awareness of hospice care for the terminally ill and funds to support the nonprofit’s work. The volunteer group was established 25 years ago under the leadership of Doris Lynch, then a board member of the hospice.

The Woburn Friends, in partnership with the Irish American Club of Woburn and Shamrock Running Club, are gearing up for the 20th annual Step Out for Hospice on Sunday, Oct. 1. The event features a fun run for children, 3-mile walk, and 5-mile road race around Horn Pond in Woburn. The post-race celebration features live music, refreshments, and more.

Hospice volunteers were also thanked for their work with staff, patients and families of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care. Hospice volunteers may assist staff at the Woburn office. Many give their time supporting patients and families in the community, offering companionship, providing respite for family caregivers, running errands, and more.

VNA Hospice & Palliative Care offers physical, emotional, practical and spiritual support for terminally ill patients of all ages. Their loved ones also receive care and support, including bereavement services. Staff and volunteers support patients and loved ones in making the most of their final weeks together. The nonprofit’s palliative care program provides pain and symptom management for people with chronic or advanced illnesses who are seeking curative treatment.

For more information about joining the Woburn Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care, please call 888-663-3688, ext. 1362. Details about Step Out for Hospice are available at www.vnacare.org/stepout.

To learn more about hospice volunteer opportunities, visit www.vnacare.org/volunteers or call 781-569-2811.

Pictured in first photo are, standing, from left: Daiva Braunfelds, vice president of advanced illness management, hospice and palliative care, with Barbara and Dennis McElhiney from the Woburn Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care. Seated, from left: Rita Doherty, Ann Mooney, Joanne O’Brien, and Carol Flaherty, all of the Woburn Friends, and Marilyn Langley, hospice volunteer.

Pictured in second photo are, standing: Connie McGilvray and Joseph McDonough, Jr., co-chairs of the Woburn Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care. Seated: Doris Lynch (left), founder of the Woburn Friends, and Marietta Lynch.

Pictured in third photo are Diane Sawyer (left), member of the Woburn Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care, and Karen Webber, development officer.