Spiritual Care Opens Pathways to Peace

By James “Jim” Andrews
Suncoast Hospice’s Director of Spiritual Care



Jim Andrews

One of the founding principles of the hospice movement is that caring for people faced with life-limiting illnesses requires attention to not only their medical needs but their psycho-social and spiritual needs as well. Suncoast Hospice is fortunate to have compassionate, highly-trained hospice chaplains dedicated to addressing those spiritual needs. 

I recently became the director of spiritual care for Suncoast Hospice. Before that, I served as one of our hospice chaplains for more than 12 years. It was a privilege and honor being a companion on the journeys of our patients and families.

One Man's Spiritual Pain

Whether you’re a religious person or not, facing a serious illness inherently brings up spiritual questions of meaning, purpose, comfort, forgiveness, relatedness and hope. I remember meeting one patient named "Connor" who lived inside a beautiful building in an exclusive part of town. The building's elevator had one stop on his floor and it opened in to his enormous, impeccably decorated home. I was greeted by a paid caregiver who took me back to the living room and introduced me to Connor. Before we finished shaking hands, Connor broke down in tears. 

We sat quietly together side by side on his couch, and after some time passed Connor was able to speak and share his story with me. On the surface, it sounded like the great American success story. He had started out selling door to door and over the years had worked his way up from regional sales manager to marketing vice president for an international corporation. He had more money than he knew what to do with and every creature comfort that his heart desired. Yet, he was filled with regret. 

Connor explained to me, “Jim, I spent my whole life chasing after the all-mighty dollar and I totally neglected what matters most in life.” I asked him what that was to him and he responded, “Faith, family and friends.”

He went on, “As a young man, I was very involved with my church and got a lot out of it. But I haven’t darkened the doorway of a church in decades. I cheated on my wife and never spent time with my children, so I’m estranged from all of them. I was always too concerned that my friends were just out for my money. So here I am facing the end of my life and there’s not a soul on the planet who really loves me and cares about what I’m going through.” 

Finding Peace Within

Connor faced some deep questions of faith, forgiveness and meaning, however with some support and guidance he was able to come to a sense of peaceful closure about his life and relationships. The chaplains and specially-trained volunteers of Suncoast Hospice and other hospices across the country provide a compassionate presence and a safe, gentle place for people to wrestle with their unanswered questions and pain in their souls. 

It’s an honor to work with our hospice’s incredible group of spiritual caregivers.

Are you or someone you love living with a serious illness?

Call us to find out about our services at 727-467-7423 or visit us online to request services.

*The patient's name was changed for privacy protection.

Volunteer Connects the Bereaved to Grief Support

Mary "Missy" Wolf

Mary “Missy” Wolf reaches out to support those who've had loved ones die in our care. As one of our bereavement support volunteers, Missy makes 12 to 15 calls monthly from her home to the bereaved six or nine months after the deaths. She finds out how they're doing and lets them know we're here to help.

“I love that Suncoast Hospice care is all inclusive helping patients and the families. A lot of times people want to talk after a death but others around them don’t want to talk about it. They may feel isolated or lost. We give them an open invitation to receive our grief support if they want to participate,” Missy said.

Missy works full time for a commercial realtor’s office and has children. She began her volunteer service with our Suncoast Hospice Foundation in 2004, including doing ambassador calls to thank donors and special events, which help support the care and services we provide. She then joined us doing patient and family support and bereavement support.

She makes many bereavement calls on weekends when she feels people are in more relaxed settings and may follow up with them during the week. She enjoys making that connection.

“Most people I speak with are so appreciative of the care their loved ones received from Suncoast Hospice and appreciate that I’ve called, even if they don’t feel they need any help at that time. I find it rewarding to check in with them so they know they’re not forgotten. After my mother died and having a baby, I didn’t really have the ability to talk to anyone professionally and I was left to deal with my grief alone. It’s nice for people to know that someone is going to call them and ask how things are going,” she said.

Interested in becoming a bereavement support volunteer? Submit an online volunteer application or call 727-586-4432.

Are you hurting from the loss of a family member or friend? Join us for support at our groups or workshops.

Suncoast Hospice Celebrates National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

By Deidra Woods, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, CMD
Suncoast Hospice Medical Director

Dr. Deidra Woods

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month: Hospice. Care on Your Terms. Palliative care is the medical specialty focused on the relief of symptoms associated with serious illness and hospice care is palliative care applied to patients nearing the end of life.   

I’d like to share what a privilege it has been for me to devote my medical career to this very special group of patients. The first reaction of my medical colleagues is usually, “Hospice does such a wonderful job. I appreciate all your organization does for my patients.”  But then they lean in closely, grab my arm tightly and whisper, “I don’t know how you could do that work.” I sincerely answer, “I can’t imagine doing any other work.”

Drawn to Hospice

Prior to working in hospice care, I practiced in Naples, Florida in a geriatric practice that supplied physician services to long term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. After about a year, a hospice nurse approached me in a nursing home and asked if I’d be interested in becoming a full time hospice physician. At that time in 1994, I wasn’t familiar with the concept of full time employment for physicians in hospice care. But her enthusiasm for her organization and conviction that I was suited for that work swayed me to interview for the position and I’ve been a hospice physician ever since. 

Rewarding Field 

The ability to relieve suffering and address the important issues and meaning of end of life are the greatest rewards in medicine. To my colleagues who are concerned that my work may be depressing, my answer is never. It’s ultimately the greatest feeling to know that I’ve helped a patient or family to have a meaningful experience as death approaches, with the patient as comfortable as possible.  

The loving care that families provide to hospice patients is an inspiration to us in our daily work. Our volunteers who provide countless hours of care and companionship to our frail elders remind us of the goodness and generosity of people. The courage that our patients and families demonstrate as they face the reality that life is finite and each day is a gift makes us thankful for our own blessings.   

The lessons I’ve learned at the bedsides of people whose lives are drawing to a close are the most valuable I’ve ever learned and have enriched my life immeasurably. Being allowed to share such intimate moments with families is a real gift.   

The practice of medicine itself is a very special career, made even more special when devoted to patients in hospice and palliative care. Please help us celebrate National Hospice and Palliative Care Month by visiting the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization website, nhpco.org.   

Have you been touched by hospice and palliative care? Tell us your story.

Women’s Group Sews for a Cause – Comforting Patients

It’s a drizzly September afternoon outside the St. Petersburg Woman’s Club, but upstairs a room is buzzing with patterning, stuffing and sewing of neck pillows. Several members of the club’s sewing group are producing these pieces with great care.

The tight-knit group meets weekly 11 months a year and has a member working from home on comfort items for adults and children served by several local organizations, including Suncoast Hospice. Many of their sewing supplies are donated by the community. They also collect and donate personal care items, toys, Easter baskets and more to the organizations.

The ladies began volunteering making the pillows for Suncoast Hospice patients around 2000. They’ve also done crochet and quilted lap robes and specialty bibkins (half adult bibs/half napkins) designed by Mildred Gardner, a former group member and longtime Suncoast Hospice supporter. They like creating special holiday items and patriotic items, which are given to and appreciated by our patients who are veterans. It’s a rewarding operation.

“We have a lot of fun doing this. Suncoast Hospice performs a wonderful service,” said Marjorie Joiner, assistant chair and longest-serving member of the group. 

Want to volunteer to help our mission? 

Join our volunteer recruitment and coffee socials this month at our St. Petersburg and Clearwater community service centers and Mid-Pinellas Care Center.

Want to make a donation to the Suncoast Hospice sewing club? Call (727) 822-4982.

Resale Shoppe Volunteer Gives All-Around Support

John tries out the DVD player.

John Zaccagnini zips around our Suncoast Hospice Resale Shoppe in Clearwater pitching in wherever he can. He answers the phone, tests a DVD player, helps a customer and starts cleaning the break room in preparation for closing.

John has been a dedicated volunteer at the store for four years. He works three days a week and sometimes on his days off doing the mechanical testing of items and practically anything else that needs to be done.

“I’m retired so I’ve got the time. I do everything. One of the greatest things about working here is you never know what’s going to come through those doors,” John said.

One of the beautiful pieces that John admires.

John has a background in hard work and an upbeat attitude. He’s a former, longtime police officer who raised a big family. He also previously served in another volunteer position at a soup kitchen.

Hospice has touched his life. His mother was cared for by a hospice in Massachusetts, which he’s grateful for because she didn’t suffer. He finds satisfaction volunteering for Suncoast Hospice.

“I work with a good bunch of people. I like to help and talk with the people who come in,” he said.

John and fellow volunteer Betty Hertlein sort inventory.

Want to help at at our resale shoppes in Clearwater, St. Petersburg or Tarpon Springs?

Call 727-467-7423 or visit our website to find out about our positions and apply.

Proud of Our Rich History of Volunteer Service

It’s amazing when a community comes together to care for each other. A small group of Pinellas County, Florida residents cared deeply about improving the quality of life for the dying and their families in the community, and made a giant leap to do it. In 1977 this group of volunteers gave birth to one of the first community hospices in America, the Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Hospice (today known as Suncoast Hospice). 

Our hospice started out small and humble with 50 volunteers operating from a one-bedroom bungalow in Largo. They carried out a mission of end-of-life care that was centered around patients and families. They cared for patients in their homes, giving them comfort and support physically, emotionally and spiritually. They also supported family members as they cared for, lost and grieved their loved ones.


Visionary Leadership, Innovative Care
Soon many more volunteers and employees joined in the mission, including the late Mary J. Labyak, who went on to lead the organization for more than 30 years. Innovative, specialized programs were launched as well, including hospice care for children and AIDS patients and a teen volunteer program.

President & CEO Rafael Sciullo

Suncoast Hospice has grown into one of the nation’s leading hospice and palliative care providers. Our new President and CEO Rafael Sciullo started this past February. He’s a mission-driven, visionary leader with close to 30 years of end-of-life care experience.

Rafael shared, “I believe our organization’s care should encompass the three founding principles of hospice: openness, mind matched with heart and uplifting the spirit. Those principles ignite the passion in what we do. When you uplift the spirit of someone you’re caring for, you transform the person, the experience and yourself.”

Under Rafael J. Sciullo's  leadership, our programs and services continue to expand and touch those who are affected by advanced and chronic illnesses, end of life and grief. This work wouldn’t be possible without the support of the more than 3,200 volunteers who serve. He greatly values all volunteers for their dedicated service.


A Founder Carries On Mission
Volunteer Mary Jean Etten, Phd, one of the Suncoast Hospice founders, is very proud of the organization’s mission. She continues to serve on three boards. Last year, she was honored for her outstanding, longtime service with the dedication of the Dr. Mary Jean Etten Center for Caring at our Mary J. Labyak community service center in Clearwater.

Dr. Mary Jean Etten

“It has been a precious gift to be a founding member of this organization and to watch it grow. Having cared for the dying for many years prior to coming to Florida, it became evident when I was teaching nursing here that there were many lonely, suffering and unattended deaths and families who received little or no support with their grief. The hospice movement brought hope, comfort and peace to our community. Together with our board members, staff and volunteers, we have made a dramatic 

difference in how people live and die in Pinellas County,” Dr. Etten said.   

Interested in becoming a Suncoast Hospice volunteer? Click here.     

Celebrating Volunteers In Recognition of National Volunteer Week

This week is National Volunteer Week and we’re celebrating our fantastic volunteers and the many staffers who work with them.

Our volunteer coordinators and other employees supervise and support volunteers who serve in many areas, including in our resale shoppes, community service centers and care centers and with our care teams, providing comfort, assistance and companionship to our patients and families. Our volunteers are loved and appreciated for their dedicated service.

Several staffers have expressed their pleasure of working with our volunteers. “It’s wonderful to nurture teen volunteers and hear how their hospice experiences have enriched and changed their lives,” said Laura McGary, a teen volunteer coordinator. Jill Pelletier, a finance department administrative assistant shared, “One of the things I love here is our wonderful volunteers. I really enjoy interacting with them. They do a lot for us.”


Showing Appreciation

Janet Pattison, a volunteer coordinator with one of our south Pinellas care teams, has been touched by her volunteers’ support to our patients and families. “I have the privilege of hearing their stories. They’re doing amazing things,” Janet said.

Picnic Time

Janet along with three other south Pinellas care team volunteer coordinators hosted a volunteer appreciation picnic at Sawgrass Lake Park in St. Petersburg last week. The volunteers enjoyed their special celebration and some delicious food grilled by a psycho-social team leader with one of the teams and her husband.

Please check out our debut issue of Suncoast Hospice Spotlight online magazine showcasing our volunteers and the many ways they support our mission. Click here to read it.

Do you want to make a difference as a volunteer? See our many volunteer opportunities.

Suncoast Hospice Care Center South Pinellas Celebrates 1st Year Serving Community

Celebrating One Year of Service

Our Suncoast Hospice Care Center South Pinellas recently celebrated its one–year anniversary with a gathering at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg. Several Suncoast staff and volunteers, hospital staff and community members attended.

Our care center's care team is proud of its incredible first year providing care, comfort and support to patients and their families.

Cathy Palmer, the care team’s leader, shared, “It’s just amazing when you think about the many people we’ve cared for. What a great year it has been building this together. I have so much respect for my team.”

Dedicated Volunteer

Volunteer Barbara Thornton

Barbara Thornton is one of the many terrific volunteers who serve on the care team. She’s committed to supporting patients and families.

“My priority as a volunteer is to be with the patients and provide whatever’s needed.  I enjoy talking with the patients and families,” Barbara said.

Barbara’s very impressed by the team’s high quality, tender care. “It’s such a caring, kind and calm environment. It’s the feeling of a family helping others. It’s a place that I would want my family to be.”

Have you had an experience at our Suncoast Hospice Care Center South Pinellas? Please share your story.