In 1991 I met my first hospice nurse when my grandmother was approaching end of life. To this day I remember what she looked like, what she said and how she supported my grandmother, my family and me. 

In 2018, I started working for Avow. While Avow offers other services (including Avow Kids, The Center for Grief Support, and non-hospice palliative care) our primary area of care is hospice. 

It's at Avow I learned to value each and every day of life. I go to work every day thankful for the hospice heart that exists in all members of the team. When I wear my name badge in public, people stop me to share appreciation and gratitude. Quite often they name someone from our nursing staff or another member of a team that supported their loved one. I believe in our people, our mission and our services. 

This week we fundraise for Avow's areas of greatest need, in celebration and in honor of Avow's nursing staff. Donations to areas of greatest need allow Avow to weather this current storm and continue to build our current services. 

I'm presenting a few challenges to encourage support of our fundraising efforts. 

1. I will match the first $77 donation to my fundraising campaign. The average length of care for an Avow hospice patient is 77 days. 
   
   
2. I am hoping (maybe wishful thinking) that a generous donor (or two) may consider giving $1,783. In 2019, Avow served 1,783 patients. 
   
   
3. If I reach my goal of $1,783 -- donors who give to my campaign will be invited to vote on my "First Day (back) at the Office" outfit. 

Thank you for joining me and Celebrating Avow Nurses!