AUTUMN 2026 A NEWSLETTER FOR DONORS AND FRIENDS OF HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE FOUNDATION
WHAT’S INSIDE Honoring a Lifetime Together
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I Wanted Him Home
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Living Life on the Go
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What your gift makes possible
How you helped one family say goodbye How you open doors
What Our CEO
WANTS YOU TO KNOW Dear Friends, Outside of work, I enjoy playing complex strategy board games. The games have intricate rules and hundreds of pieces, but what fascinates me is how every decision connects with the next one. That same way of thinking shapes our work at Hospice of the Chesapeake. Success doesn't come from reacting to what's in front of you. It comes from making thoughtful decisions with the right people by your side. That philosophy has guided Hospice of the Chesapeake since our founding in 1979, when a group of volunteers recognized a need for compassionate end-of-life care and built something our community never had before. Nearly 50 years later, we continue to ask the same question: What will our community need next?
When Is the Right Time to Call? When someone you love is living with a serious illness, it's natural to wonder what comes next. Many families are surprised when they learn we can help long before the final days. Calling early gives you time to ask questions and understand options, including whether hospice is right for your family. Families rarely tell us they called too early. More often, they tell us they wish they had called sooner. Start here: 877-462-1101
Maryland's population is aging. More families care for loved ones living with dementia and other serious illnesses. People need guidance long before hospice care begins, and emotional support and guidance that continues throughout. As those needs evolve, so must we. Our responsibility is to be ready. Welcoming Partners In Care into our community of services is one way we're preparing for the future. Together, we're strengthening support for older adults aging in our community. Every plan begins with the people we serve. Families need someone who will be with them through uncertainty. Even as our services evolve, compassion remains at the heart of everything we do. I see the difference your partnership makes every day. Because of your generosity and trust, we're expanding dementia services and caregiver support, investing in therapies that bring peace and connection, and strengthening programs for grieving children, adults, and families. As we approach our 50th anniversary, I’m grateful to our founders who had the vision to build this organization for generations to come—and to supporters like you who continue that legacy. Every generation of investors has helped us prepare for the future. It's our turn to carry that vision forward while never losing sight of people who count on us today. The best decisions ensure no patient or family has to face life’s challenges alone. That’s the future we’re building together. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping shape what comes next. With gratitude,
On the cover: Bill and Rose Lovelace share why they volunteer for Hospice of the Chesapeake. 2
Becky Miller President & CEO
Thank you to all the families featured in this edition who so generously shared their stories with our readers.
With our thanks
DECADES OF COMMITMENT When a Lifetime of Giving Comes Full Circle For a woman who built a career at NASA and was the first female executive in the Manned Space Program, the changes were worrisome. Doctors confirmed Bill’s suspicions: his soft-spoken, brilliant wife had Alzheimer’s disease.
Bill and Rose pose for a photograph at their Annapolis home.
Bill places lunch on the dining room table. Plates, silverware, glasses. He makes sure Rose has what she needs, gently reminding her to eat. Rose is living with dementia, and Bill is caring for the woman he has shared his life with for more than six decades. Bill and Rose Lovelace built a life centered on family, friends, and service to others. But years ago, Bill began noticing changes in Rose. She was losing her short-term memory. She had trouble focusing. Then, she became more confused about daily decisions.
By early 2026, Rose was losing weight and her dementia was worsening. In April, she was receiving care from Hospice of the Chesapeake. Nurses visit Rose weekly. They check her physically, provide medical supplies, and offer guidance to Bill about what to expect. “For me, it’s reassuring because I have people to fall back on when I need help,” he says. “It’s comforting to have resources to make this time easier.” Bill knows what hospice can do. Decades ago, his parents and two brothers received hospice care out of state. He saw what that experience meant. So, in 1999, Bill and Rose asked Hospice of the Chesapeake’s then CEO, Erwin Abrams a question: “What can we do to help?”
Thank you, Bill and Rose, for your heartfelt care and compassion for patients and families
Have Questions or Need Help? What does a dementia diagnosis mean? You’re not alone if you are unsure about resources and support, especially as your loved one’s condition progresses. Find help to navigate dementia and caregiving every step of the way.
Their philanthropy built the Lovelace Learning Lab, created a sanctuary at the Rebecca Fortney Inpatient Care Center, and supports staff scholarships and helps fund the veteran’s program, all in memory of Bill’s brother and parents. Bill is also an emeritus member of the Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation board. Among his most cherished experiences are the more than 300 Honor Salutes he has led, honoring veterans receiving hospice care. “It’s important to be there for the veteran and family,” he says. “You cannot buy the personal gratitude you receive from someone who thanks you from the heart.” Now, after years of ensuring hospice care for others, Bill and Rose are receiving that care. Rose cannot be left alone. He’s thankful for volunteers who keep Rose company when he needs to leave the house. “They are so good with Rose,” he says. “They provide Comfort Touch massage, play cards and dominoes, and use coloring books to challenge her artistically.” As her dementia worsens, Bill will rely even more on the hospice care team to help manage the disease’s emotional, cognitive, and physical changes. “Start early. It’s so important to have help when you’re facing this,” he says. For decades, Bill and Rose helped make hospice care available to other families. Now, thanks to donors like you, that care is here for them, too.
Start here: 877-462-1101 3
The heart of care
I WANTED HIM HOME Finding Hope, Healing, and a Song For 17 years, Sarah Wright’s world revolved around her son, Sean. Born with severe autism and complex heart problems, Sean needed around-the-clock care. There were complications, doctor visits, and hospitalizations. Eventually, the day came when doctors could do nothing more. She could keep Sean in the hospital or bring him home under hospice care. Home means everything to Sarah. Over the years, she’s opened her Glenn Dale home in Prince George’s County to more than 250 foster children. “Each is my child,” she says.
Thanks to donors like you, that care meant more than medicine. Social workers led an art session, complete with a family handprint project. A volunteer brought a pet therapy dog. A photographer took photos. Then came something no one expected. One day, volunteer Alexander Strachan arrived with his violin for music therapy. “Do you know any Michael Jackson?” the family asked. Soon the room filled with “Beat It” and then “Thriller.” Sean grinned with his familiar“heh-heh-heh” sound. “We couldn’t believe it,” she said. Alex brightened the days for Sean, his mother Sarah, and the whole family as he played Michael Jackson songs, visit after visit. Those moments became precious as Sean’s illness progressed.
Sarah knew hospice. She remembered how Hospice of the Chesapeake cared From left, Sarah Wright and her son for her mother. And Sean sit with Alex Strachan after he On her son’s final she remembered the played during one of his visits. day, Sarah leaned loss. “I never thought I close and whispered, would smile again.” “It’s okay to go.” Sean, 17 passed away She credits counseling from Chesapeake April 7, 2019. Life Center for helping her begin to heal and find hope. Sarah has never forgotten what hospice gave her family during one of the hardest Sarah brought Sean home. The care team times in their lives. Last year, Sarah arranged Sean’s hospital bed, made sure attended Hospice of the Chesapeake’s his medications arrived, and helped the Sip & Savor event and saw Alex again. family understand what to expect. “When The reunion brought back memories of someone is in hospice, the whole family is music, laughter, and moments of joy. in hospice,” Sarah says. Thanks to donors like you, Sarah and her family found hope, healing, and a song when they needed it most. 4
Watch Sarah and Alex’s reunion
An Afternoon to Savor Show your love of community and support Hospice of the Chesapeake at Sip & Savor: A Taste of Prince George's. Make memories and enjoy great food from local chefs and caterers, cocktails and mocktails, music, and more. Whether you attend, sponsor, or underwrite, you'll write the next chapter in stories like Sarah's. Sunday, November 15 1 p.m. Newton White Mansion Mitchellville, Maryland
events@hospicechesapeake.org
443-837-1531
Care in action
CELEBRATE HEALTHY AGING Because of You, Dolores is Still Going Places Then Dolores discovered Partners In Care, now part of the Hospice of the Chesapeake family of services. Donor support helps make its program Ride Partners possible, connecting older adults with trained volunteers who provide reliable transportation to medical appointments, errands, and the places that keep them connected to their communities. "It was wonderful knowing I could arrange a reliable ride," Dolores says. "I just make one call." Thanks to Ride Partners, Dolores can go to doctor appointments and run errands without worrying about transportation.
If there's a Bingo game, movie night, or ice cream social at Dolores Lewis's Odenton apartment community, chances are she knows about it. Likely, she organized it. At 83, Dolores has no intention of slowing down. A retired preschool teacher, Dolores has always been active in her community. But after a cancer diagnosis 10 years ago, and eventually losing the ability to drive, something as simple as a doctor’s appointment or lunch with a friend became difficult for her. She tried other transportation services, but scheduling was frustrating. Buses arrived late or sometimes not at all. Private transportation was available, but the cost added up.
Volunteer drivers help passengers in and out of the car, walk beside them through curbs and elevators, and stay with them throughout the trip. For Dolores, the rides offer more than transportation. They offer companionship. "I like to consider the drivers like family," Dolores says. "They're kind, patient, and always willing to help." For Dolores, dependable transportation means she can keep living the life she loves. Now Dolores encourages her neighbors to use the service, too. Because of generous donors like you, older adults like Dolores can keep getting where they need to go—and keep saying yes to the people and activities they cherish. "I want people to know they don't have to stay home alone. They can get out and go," Dolores says. “For me, Ride Partners and Partners In Care have been a godsend."
What Your Generosity Makes Possible When you donate to Hospice of the Chesapeake, you’re helping people in your community who need us the most. Your gift makes possible:
• Access to care, regardless of
insurance coverage or financial means.
• Supportive care for symptom
management, emotional support, and improved quality of life.
• Compassionate hospice care for patients and families.
• Grief support including
counseling, support groups, and activities for all ages, including Camp Nabi for children and teens.
• Dementia services for patients
and caregivers at every step of the way.
• Integrative arts programs such
as music therapy, pet therapy, and wellness programs to enhance mind, body, and spirit.
• Veterans programs to honor those who served and their families.
Because of people like you, we care for more than 5,000 patients and their families each year. 5
What your gift makes possible
PAWS TO COMFORT When a Wagging Tail Says What Words Can’t
For Bob Riera, sharing his dog Aggie with patients and families has been a meaningful part of his three years of volunteering. Together, they visit Camp Nabi each year, as well as the Rebecca Fortney Inpatient Care Center and senior living facilities. “It’s rewarding to come in and see faces light up,” he says. A Navy veteran, he remembers one patient telling him: “When we come into a facility, we leave our pets behind. It’s so uplifting to be with a dog—even for a short time.”
Building Hope and Healing 1. Give today: Cash, check, monthly giving,
and appreciated securities can provide support now. 2. Plan a gift for the future: Include Hospice
of the Chesapeake in your will or trust, or name us as a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy. 3. Give from your IRA: If you are 70½ or
older, you can make a qualified charitable distribution directly from your IRA to Hospice of the Chesapeake. If you are required to take minimum distributions, your QCD may count toward your RMD. Please contact us today. foundation@hospicechesapeake.org 443-837-3385 Click for details
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A ball of fluff named Effie was a big hit with the youngest children at Camp Nabi this August. Whenever they could, Pearl, Everly, Morgan, Nathan, Conner, and Ethan gathered around the two-year-old therapy dog. Her visit was part of a weekend that gave young people a place for hope and healing after losing someone they loved. Donors like you make Camp Nabi possible for children ages 6 to 18, where grief counseling is woven into days filled with swimming, games, and new friendships. This year, Effie and three other certified therapy dogs joined campers and volunteers. “The dogs encourage young people to feel better and feel safe enough to be themselves,” says Alena Dailey, Integrative Arts & Chesapeake Life Center Manager.
Another donor-supported program provides robotic pets for patients. The lifelike dogs and cats bark or meow, move, and respond to touch. For people living with dementia, the pets offer companionship and comfort. Social worker Miranda Herget remembers one patient, Mrs. D., who cried when she received her robotic cat. “She named her Fluffy,” Miranda says. “Mrs. D. keeps Fluffy in her lap and takes her everywhere. Fluffy provides a wonderful sense of security and connection.” The pets can also bring back memories. A patient may begin talking about a dog or cat from years ago. Families, Miranda says, are happy to see their loved ones smiling and engaged. That companionship—whether powered by kibble or batteries—can bring a sense of hope and peace. For every wagging tail, deep purr, and warm paw that soothes a child or adult, thank you.
LEFT: Effie was a big hit with Camp Nabi campers. RIGHT: Mrs. D shows off Fluffy, her cherished robotic cat, to social worker Miranda.
Blessed to give
CARING FOR COMMUNITY A Legacy of Gratitude and Service For Brian and Patty Giese, generosity goes beyond giving—it’s an expression of faith, gratitude, and stewardship. Through the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation, established in 2021, they support organizations in Maryland and beyond, strengthening communities, caring for people in need, and creating meaningful, lasting impact for future generations. Parents of three adult children and grandparents of three, all of whom live locally, Brian, a technology entrepreneur, and Patty, a former nurse, are intentional about supporting organizations that reflect their values and faith—and where they believe their giving can make a meaningful difference.
Learn and Connect When someone you love is aging, living with serious illness, or grieving, it helps to have information you can trust. Follow Hospice of the Chesapeake on social media, read our blog, or listen to our new podcast, “To Know Ends.” Find stories and practical information about caregiving, aging, hospice and grief, along with insights from patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Listen to the podcast now.
In this conversation, Brian and Patty share what inspires their philanthropy, what drew them to Hospice of the Chesapeake, and the legacy of generosity they hope to pass on to their children, grandchildren, and future generations. What inspired you to create the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation, and what do you look for in the organizations you support? Brian: Our faith has taught us that we’ve been entrusted to use resources in service of others. We look for strong leadership, a clear mission, and a commitment to excellence. We invest in successful organizations positioned to grow. We want to provide the jet fuel that helps good work go further. We also enjoy getting to know organizations through their fundraising events. Maybe that’s because one of my first jobs was as a concert promoter. I’ve always enjoyed bringing people together around something they believe in. Why did you choose to support Hospice of the Chesapeake? Brian: I was impressed to learn how much Hospice of the Chesapeake’s extraordinary care depends on philanthropy. Medicare and insurance reimbursement don’t cover everything patients and families need. Supporting this mission helps ensure compassionate, high-quality care remains available to everyone who needs it. Patty: Hospice has always held a special place in my heart. As a nurse, I’ve always believed caring for people at the end of life is one of the most compassionate callings in healthcare. Supporting Hospice of the Chesapeake is deeply personal because of the respect I’ve always had for hospice and the people who provide this care.
Brian and Patricia Giese believe in making a meaningful difference through their philanthropy.
Why is it important to involve your children in your philanthropy, and what do you hope they carry forward? Brian: Giving has always been a family endeavor for us. We want our children and grandchildren to understand generosity isn’t measured by what you accumulate. It’s measured by how you use your blessings to help others. We see ourselves as stewards of what we’ve been given. With that comes a responsibility to serve our communities. Patty: God has blessed our family beyond measure, and we never want to lose sight of that. If our children and grandchildren grow up understanding the joy that comes from serving others with compassion, kindness, and generosity, that will be one of the greatest legacies we can leave.
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BE PART OF SOMEONE’S STORY Hundreds of local volunteers bring companionship, comfort, and connection to patients and families. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, experiences and skill sets. All you need is a little bit of time and the drive to make a difference. Read more
Start here: 301-861-5316 As Hospice of the Chesapeake looks ahead to its 50th anniversary in 2029, we’re looking back at the people and moments that helped shape hospice care in our community. Maybe you recognize a familiar face in these photographs. Maybe you have a photograph tucked away or a story to share. If you have a memory from your time with Hospice of the Chesapeake or Arundel Hospice, we’d love to hear it. Please call 443-837-3385 or email foundation@hospicechesapeake.org