This spring, Hospice of the Panhandle is celebrating a very special milestone—45 years of compassionate care, heartfelt connections, and unwavering community support. Since our founding in 1980, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside families during some of life’s most tender moments, providing comfort, dignity, and hope when it’s needed most.

For more than four decades, our mission has remained the same: to offer care that not only meets medical needs but also nurtures the emotional and spiritual well-being of our patients and their loved ones. From our early days to the organization we are today, we’ve grown alongside this community—always guided by the belief that every life matters and every journey deserves to be honored with compassion and respect.

Thanks to the dedication of our incredible staff, volunteers, and supporters, Hospice of the Panhandle has been a steady presence for thousands of families across Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan, and Hampshire counties. Each story shared with us, each hand held, and each life touched has become a part of our legacy.

As we reflect on these 45 years, we look ahead with heart, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. Our future is grounded in the commitment to continue meeting the evolving needs of our community through care that is both innovative and deeply personal. We aim to reach more families in rural and underserved areas, ensuring equitable access to high-quality hospice and advanced illness care. By embracing new technologies and expanding in-home service options, we strive to enhance the comfort and support of patients and caregivers alike.

We are also dedicated to educating the community, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their care during serious illness. Additionally, we plan to strengthen our grief and caregiver support, offering more counseling and resources to help families navigate loss and healing. As we grow, we do so with intention—ensuring our services remain sustainable and aligned with the values and needs of those we serve.

To our community, thank you! Your belief in our mission and your continued support have made these 45 years possible. We are deeply grateful for every opportunity to be part of your lives and for the trust you’ve placed in us during life’s most personal and meaningful moments.

I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff and volunteers. Your kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication are truly the heart of what we do. You bring our mission to life every single day, and it is an honor to work alongside each of you.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, I invite you to be part of what lies ahead. Whether it’s by sharing your story, volunteering your time, or simply helping others understand what hospice care truly means, you are helping us build a stronger, more compassionate future together.

Here’s to 45 years of making a difference—and to continuing that legacy for generations to come. Thank you for allowing us to walk this journey with you.

Nikki Bigiarelli, CEO of Hospice of the Panhandle for the past two years, brings over 15 years of nursing and leadership experience to her role. Since joining the organization in 2010, she has advanced care delivery through her work as Chief Clinical Officer and now as CEO. Deeply committed to expanding early access to hospice and serious illness care, Nikki continues to be a driving force in transforming compassionate care in the region. To find out how Hospice of the Panhandle or Panhandle Palliative Services can help you or your family, call (304) 264-0406 or visit us online at www.hospiceotp.org.