“It’s a privilege to reimagine hope where none may have existed and see possibilities. Being invited into a patient’s personal story and providing compassion and support is so rewarding.” –Rebecca Miller
As Hospice of the Chesapeake commemorates its 45th anniversary this year, the organization will not only reflect on its past achievements but also celebrate its tremendous growth—from a small, all-volunteer organization to a regional leader of hospice and grief care. Founded in 1977 as Arundel Hospice by four like-minded individuals who wanted to change the community’s perception of the end-of-life journey, the organization, which was officially incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1979, has dramatically transformed the landscape of hospice care.
“We have been caring for families for 45 years,” says Sandie Dillon, director of communications for Hospice of the Chesapeake. “We began from humble beginnings, and the volunteers who founded the organization were true innovators. Hospice looks different for everyone and involves customized care. We are proud of our team-oriented, holistic approach, which involves physicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, counselors, and chaplains and focuses on the mind, body, and spirit. Most important, we include the patient’s family throughout the journey.”
Serving Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and Prince George’s counties with locations in Pasadena, Prince Frederick, Waldorf, and Largo, the mission of the organization is “caring for life during illness and loss.” And although it officially changed its name to Hospice of the Chesapeake in 1992, its mission remains the same.
From four patients served in 1979 to more than 6,100 served in 2023, Hospice of the Chesapeake has successfully emerged as the largest nonprofit independent hospice organization in Maryland. Since its inception, the organization has served just over 59,000 hospice patients and more than 100,000 family members.
Dynamic Leadership, Dedicated Volunteers
In addition to commemorating a milestone year, Hospice of the Chesapeake also celebrates its 45th anniversary under the direction of a new executive leader. Rebecca Miller, MSW, was named president and chief executive officer, effective February 23, 2024, by Hospice of the Chesapeake Board of Directors. A licensed clinical social worker, Miller began her career in the hospice industry as a patient care volunteer and has held positions at Hospice of the Chesapeake since October 2021.
“I am honored to continue to serve Hospice of the Chesapeake in this new role and help patients live each day comfortably,” Miller says. “It’s a privilege to reimagine hope where none may have existed and see possibilities. Being invited into a patient’s personal story and providing compassion and support is so rewarding.”
“Celebrating 45 years of [service to] our community is a tremendous milestone,” adds Nancy Smit, chair of the board of directors of Hospice of the Chesapeake. “We are fortunate to have a very talented, professional team, a new executive leader, and volunteers [who create] meaningful experiences for patients and their families.”
From visiting patients to completing administrative tasks, volunteers make a profound impact, offering care and support and enhancing quality of life. In 2023, 135 volunteers provided 7,100 hours of care—a testament to the community’s dedication to “caring for life.”
Sharon Downey, who lives in Crofton, was impressed by how Hospice of the Chesapeake supported her friend during a recurrence of breast cancer and made her and her family feel comfortable during her final days. When Downey’s husband passed away three years ago, she turned to Hospice of the Chesapeake for grief counseling. She soon decided that she wanted to help others and has been a volunteer ever since.
“I primarily work with patients at the inpatient care center, where I may see five to 10 patients a day,” Downey says. “I provide compassionate care, including comfort touch, a type of massage of the hands, arms, and shoulders, and I also work at the front desk once a week, which allows the care team to focus on the patients. Volunteering is such a great way to give back to the community and support patients and their families. I really enjoy volunteering, and it has made a huge difference in my life.”
“I am in awe of the four original volunteers who vowed to change the way our community experiences end of life,” Smit says. “I believe the organization we see today has far exceeded their vision at that time, and we are now building on that vision, incorporating new and exciting approaches [to support] those living with serious illness and their families.”
45th Anniversary Events
In honor of its milestone anniversary, Hospice of the Chesapeake encourages members of the community to join the celebration, which honors its patients and their families and helps create meaningful memories. The organization will host several special events to celebrate life, including the following:
Caring for Life 45th Anniversary Celebration: May 11th, 5:30–10 p.m., Fluegel Alumni Center, Annapolis.
14th Annual Fashion for a Cause: June 7th, 6–9:30 p.m., Fluegel Alumni Center, Annapolis.
21st Annual Golf Tournament: September 26th, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Queenstown Harbor Golf Course, Queenstown.
Blue Crab Fun Run: October 5th, 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf.
To learn more, visit hospicechesapeake.org.
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