September 23, 2004

Celebration of Life event honors National Hospice Month

Almaden Valley Athletic Club [AVAC] is gearing up for the kick-off of its annual Celebration of Life event, a month-long series of activities and classes designed to increase community awareness and promote healthy lifestyles—while raising much-needed funds for Hospice of the Valley [HOV], the oldest nonprofit hospice agency in Santa Clara County.

This year, Vice Mayor Pat Dando, a strong advocate for community programs, events, and positive activities for children and families will serve as the honorary chair.

“Our community is blessed to have the services of Hospice of the Valley,” Dando says. “I have experienced first-hand the emotional heart break of watching a loved one die. They are there to offer kind, strong, and embracing support when we are at our most vulnerable. Thank you to the volunteers—for your unselfish acts of compassion and commitment to the many patients and their families.”

Since 1979, HOV has provided compassionate, end-of-life care for over 20,000 adults, children and loved ones facing life-limiting illnesses. For more information, call (408) 947-1233 or visit www.hospicevalley.org. For Celebration of Life schedule of events and lecture times, call (408) 445-4900 or log on to http://www.avac.us/.

—By Kymberli W. Brady