‘Run for The Health of It’ Raises More than $50,000

Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk (VNSHS) hosted its 26th annual “Run for the Health of It” 5K on Saturday, bringing together over 500 participants from across Suffolk County in support of hospice care and community wellness. The event raised over $50,000 to support hospice programs and Hospice House, a cherished space that has provided comfort and remembrance for patients, families, staff and volunteers for more than two decades.

“The turnout at this year’s ‘Run for the Health of It’ is a testament to the incredible spirit of this community and the meaningful work being done every day by the staff and volunteers of VNS and Hospice of Suffolk. Medicare and insurance do not cover the services that our end-of-life patients and their families need. The funds raised at the 5K help provide portable oxygen tanks for hospice patients, memorial services, bereavement programs, acupuncture for pain management and symptom control, and capital projects to ensure the comfort and safety of our patients, their families and our staff. We are deeply grateful to every participant, volunteer, and donor who came out to make this event a success,” said Silvia Cota, Chief Executive, Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk.

The race drew a strong turnout of runners and walkers united by a shared commitment to VNSHS’s mission, ensuring that patients and their loved ones have access to compassionate, high-quality care during life's most difficult moments. Since its founding in 1952, VNSHS has served as an independent, not-for-profit health care agency dedicated to patients and families throughout Suffolk County.

The organization provides a comprehensive range of services, including visiting nurse home and hospice care, inpatient Hospice House care, rehabilitative therapy, medical social work, home health aide care, nutritional education, diabetic counseling, and community programs. For more information about Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, visit www.visitingnurseservice.org.

About Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk (VNSHS) was established in 1952 as the first home nurse service in Suffolk County. In 2004, the organization expanded its mission with the opening of Hospice House, the first independent, freestanding hospice facility in New York. For 74 years, VNSHS has provided the highest quality health services while promoting individual, family, and community well-being. We are committed to supporting people living as independently as possible, offering compassionate care, and preserving quality of life—including for those facing terminal illness and the challenges of bereavement. Today, VNSHS makes more than 70,000 home visits every year. We care for nearly 2,000 home health care patients and 800 hospice patients annually. For more information about Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, visit: visitingnurseservice.org.