At Ohio’s Hospice, we believe that working for our mission is a calling. This is true for our nurses, doctors, chaplains, and social workers. We often hear that our staff are “angels” who help patients and families facing a life-limiting illness with kindness and warmth.

This calling is also felt by our volunteers who generously lend their time and expertise to our mission. Michael Boland serves as the chair of the Ohio’s Hospice Foundation Board. As an established business consultant, Michael understands that while skill is important, what really makes an organization strong is when the people are at the heart of the mission.

Q: What drew you to the mission of Ohio’s Hospice?

A: My wife, Emilee, was in the care of Ohio’s Hospice from July 2016 until May 2017, receiving palliative care, and she spent the last month of her life at the Hospice House at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. We had a nurse and a personal care specialist by our side during those final days and hours. They were miraculous. It was a beautiful and peaceful passing. I don’t know what we would have done without the staff.

We received such amazing care that we wanted to pay it forward. So, we donated and designed a playroom for children in the Hospice House in Emilee’s name. She was a director of a childcare facility for 20 years; it was her ministry. The children’s room was just one way I could honor Emilee’s legacy of caring.

Q: What would you say to anyone interested in supporting Ohio’s Hospice Foundation through donations or volunteerism?

A: When you are wondering what you can do to help — do something, whatever you can. Ohio’s Hospice has such a hunger for helping. They do so much to care for members of the community and for those in need in the future.

There are so many organizations that look in the rearview mirror, but Ohio’s Hospice helps the here and now. We can contribute to the design of the future and what the future of aging looks like. We can pay it forward with gifts to Ohio’s Hospice.

Thank you to Michael for his service to our board and contributions to Ohio’s Hospice. If you would like more information on how you can support the Ohio’s Hospice mission in your community, please visit: www.OhiosHospice.org/Give