More than $230,000 Raised to Support Hospice Care Across the South Coast Region

On Wednesday, April 29, Southcoast Health hosted its annual Ilumina el camino event at the Century House in Acushnet. The evening of compassion and hope brought together community members, donors, and caregivers to honor and remember those who received hospice services through Southcoast Health at Home while supporting patients and their families currently receiving this care.  

This year, the event raised more than $230,000 for Southcoast Health at Home’s Compassion Fund. Since its creation in 2020, the fund has supported over 300 families by providing additional hours of care for patients in need. 

“Tonight, we are gathered in memory of our loved ones to help current patients and their families with the gift of additional care, respite and companionship,” said Dr. Jay Schachne, Southcoast Health System Trustee. “As the founding donor to the Compassion Fund, I am humbled to be here with all of you and honored to see the advancement of the fund in its mission to help our friends, families and neighbors.”

In addition to the funds raised at the event, the Neto Foundation generously contributed a $100,000 gift to establish a permanent endowment for the Compassion Fund, ensuring this critical service will be available for years to come.

“Through our program we are happy to form partnerships that support causes we believe in,” said Manuel Fernando Neto, Founder and President of the Neto Foundation. “Hospice care is a very personal service and having access to it in our community is essential. We are proud to partner with Southcoast Health to bring this specialized care to patients in need in our community.”

“We are grateful for the support of all our donors and appreciate our partnership with the Neto Family. The value of hospice care in our region can’t be overstated, particularly when it is delivered with sensitivity, compassion and cultural understanding. We are proud to provide this essential resource to our community. This endowment will benefit numerous patients and their families receiving hospice care from Southcoast Health at Home when they need it most,” said David O. McCready, Southcoast Health President and CEO.

Hospice care is specialized end-of-life care that helps provide comfort and emotional support while managing physical symptoms for patients facing a life-limiting condition or illness. In addition to caring for the patient, hospice services often offer emotional support to family members and caregivers as well.

Throughout the evening, the space was illuminated by candles dedicated to the memories of loved ones. These luminaries served as a physical reminder of the exceptional care and service the Southcoast Health at Home team provides to patients and their families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

For more information about hospice services provided through Southcoast Health at Home please visit https://athome.southcoast.org/.