Hospice of Santa Cruz County

National Nurses Week is a time to recognize the nurses who show up every day with skill, compassion, and unwavering presence. In hospice and palliative care, nurses are often the steady hand and calm voice in life’s most vulnerable moments. They manage complex symptoms, support families, and bring comfort and dignity to every patient they serve. To our nurses, thank you for the care, strength, and heart you bring to this work. Our community is better because of you.

Administrative Professionals Day feels like the right moment to say this out loud: Nothing we do works without you. From the first phone call to the thousand small details that keep care moving forward, you make it all happen. You bring order to chaos, warmth to every interaction, and heart to this work. We’re better because of you. Thank you.

Our CEO Cathy Conway and members of our team had the privilege of accepting the award for Organization of the Year from the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce last week. This recognition belongs to our entire community, including the staff, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible every day. We’re grateful to be part of a community that values compassion, dignity, and care for all. 💙

We’re proud to celebrate our volunteer Kim Topp for being recognized with the “Be the Difference” award by the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Kim’s compassion and dedication truly make a difference in the lives of the patients and families we serve. 💙 Forbes Ellis, our Director of Community Programs writes of Kim, "Kim Topp, PT, PhD, has been an exemplary Volunteer Visitor at Hospice of Santa Cruz County for almost a decade. During that time, she has said "Yes!" to a multitude of volunteer assignments including: mentoring new volunteers; being at the bedside for patients last breath; bringing her dog Boomer for Pet Therapy visits; assisting with Advanced Healthcare Directive workshops and Death Cafes; assisting with memorial events and other fund raising activities, and volunteering to be at the bedside for our Kidwise program, serving youth who are on hospice. In total, Kim has provided our patients and families with 1,159 hours of service and driven 8,339 miles to do so! One of Kim's super powers, is her ability to walk into a patient's home and assess the needs of the patient and their family with no judgment and provide comfort and care attentively. Recently, at a visit with one of her Kidwise patients, as Kim was getting ready to go, the patient said: "I love you Kim", with their fingers forming a heart shape. Kim has dedicated her life to a path of service, and has also been recognized as Professor and Chair Emeritus at UCSF Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science Department." Thank you Kim for giving so much to our patients and the Santa Cruz community. You inspire us!

Today is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a reminder of how important it is to make your wishes known before a medical crisis happens. Having an advance healthcare directive in place gives you a voice, even when you can’t speak for yourself. It also brings clarity and peace of mind to the people who care about you. If you’ve been putting it off, you’re not alone. We’re here to help. Join our free workshop to learn how to create your advance healthcare directive and make informed decisions about your care: https://lnkd.in/gXuQMkFk Taking this step now is a simple act of care for yourself and for those who love you.

A big thank you to Horizon Oxygen for supporting Fairways for Kids 2026. Because of partners like you, we’re able to create meaningful opportunities for children who have experienced loss to find connection, support, and a sense of belonging through Camp Erin. We truly appreciate your commitment to caring for our community. 💙 If you would like to join us for a wonderful day of golf and giving back sign up at https://lnkd.in/gAAqmgry

Counseling offers something many people need but rarely ask for: a safe place to speak honestly about what hurts, what confuses us, and what we are carrying. Counselors help people navigate grief, anxiety, trauma, and life’s hardest transitions. They listen without judgment and help people find the strength and clarity to move forward. In hospice care, counselors support patients and families through profound emotional moments, helping people process loss, find meaning, and feel less alone. This month, we recognize the counselors who show up with compassion, patience, and deep care for the people they serve. Our community is stronger because of you. 💙

Register for our incredible Expressive Arts Workshop. This workshop will use creative activities to tenderly encourage expression, insight, and growth in a supportive environment. Members will be offered new ways to tell their story, express emotions without words, and feel connected and supported as they creatively honor their grief and loved ones. No previous art experience is necessary. Call to (831) 430-3000 register. If you have any questions, please email us at griefsupport@hospicesantacruz.org or call (831) 430-3000

Today we recognize the physicians who care for patients and families with skill, compassion, and deep dedication. In hospice care, doctors help guide difficult medical decisions while honoring what matters most to each person. Their work brings comfort, clarity, and dignity during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. To the physicians who serve our community, thank you for the care and humanity you bring to this work every day. 💙

Thank you to Canyon View Capital for being a sponsor of Fairways for Kids 2026. Your support helps make this event possible and directly benefits Camp Erin, giving children who have experienced loss a place to connect, heal, and just be kids. We’re grateful to partner with organizations like yours that believe in showing up for our community in meaningful ways. 💙 If you would like to join us for a wonderful day of golf and giving back sign up at https://lnkd.in/gAAqmgry