Story of Hospice Care: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Unwavering Compassion

By Kim Forsten

In November 2022, I lost my brother to liver failure while he was awaiting a liver transplant at Georgetown Hospital. Although the hospital teams were amazing—professional, compassionate, and caring—his passing in that hospital bed lacked the warmth, comfort, and familial support that every person deserves at the end of life. Had I known then what I know now, I wonder if I could have helped create an end-of-life experience for him that was entirely different—one that was positive and full of love. Little did I know that in the next 24 months, hospice care would become a beacon of hope during some of the darkest hours of my family’s journey.

My first introduction to hospice care came as an unexpected lifeline. My Dad had fought and won several times an 11-year battle with pancreatic cancer. In April 2023, however, his cancer returned and spread to his liver. With only a few short weeks left, he made a heartfelt wish to spend his final days in the comfort of his beautiful home in Fauquier County. We flew him home immediately, and hospice care stepped in right away—guiding us through every tender moment during the two weeks until he peacefully passed on May 4. Hospice gently educated us, provided constant support, and ensured that every one of his needs was met with warmth and professionalism, surrounding him with everyone who loved him.

The compassionate care didn’t stop there. In July 2023, we received the devastating news that my mother had been diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. After a brave battle, she lost her fight in September 2024. Once again, hospice was by our side. They helped us bring her home, allowing her to be surrounded by the love of family and friends. For three precious weeks, hospice tailored her care, soothed her pain, and eased our hearts with steadfast emotional support.

Then, in January 2025, my dear aunt—who had been suffering from dementia—also passed away. Thanks to hospice, she too was able to leave this world in the familiar embrace of home, surrounded by those who loved her most.

With the amazing support of hospice, I was able to be there, hand in hand, with each of my loved ones as they took their final breaths. The comfort of knowing they could rest in a place they cherished, surrounded by caring faces in a warm, supportive environment, is a gift I will never forget.

I am deeply grateful for the loving caregivers at hospice. Their unwavering commitment to our family during our most difficult moments embodies the true meaning of compassion and dignity in care.

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Join Me for a Fundraising Event in Support of Hospice of the Piedmont

I invite you to join me on Friday night, April 25, for a special fundraising event dedicated to supporting our local Hospice of the Piedmont. Together, we can help spread the word about the incredible value of hospice care in our community and ensure that families facing life’s hardest moments continue to receive the compassionate support they need.

Event Details: April 25th
Spin with Sarah and Kim – 2 Class Options
• Session 1: 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
• Session 2: 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm

Limited bike space – reservations are required. Visit https://otacfitness.com/hospice to sign up for a spin class, donate and/or RSVP to the cocktail hour.

Happy Hour: 5:45 pm – 7:45 pm

You may choose one class, both classes, or simply join us for happy hour. Feel free to bring a friend!

If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to Hospice of the Piedmont. We ask for a minimum donation of $25, but there are no rules—give what you feel you can.

Your support can help ensure that hospice care continues to provide comfort, dignity, and hope when it’s needed most.