A veteran’s final days deserve more than medical care alone.
Through donor support we provide specialized veteran services that complement hospice care. We preserve stories, recognize service and connect veterans with volunteers who understand their experiences firsthand. These moments remind veterans that their service mattered and will not be forgotten.
The impact of that care often reveals itself in small but meaningful moments.
Some stories begin with a hat.
A veteran’s last words.
Ron was a Korean War veteran. Before he would agree to hospice care, he had one question. Could he still wear his hat?
At Hospice of Marion County, the answer is always yes.
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When Ron’s family told him a bed was ready at the hospice care center, he didn’t ask about medicine. He asked if he could still wear his Korean War veteran cap, bring a flag, and listen to a patriotic song. His daughter, Debbie, told him yes.
Two nights later, with his cap still on and tears in his eyes, Ron spoke his last words to the family gathered around him.
“Thank you. Thank you for letting me die this way.”
This is what we do for those who serve.
Most people don’t know that hospice care includes specialized support for veterans. It doesn’t happen automatically, and neither the hospice benefit nor insurance covers it. It happens because donors like you make it possible.
Recognition Ceremonies
Trained veteran volunteers perform formal recognition ceremonies for hospice patients who served, with a flag, a salute, and a few words of honor. Because a lifetime of service deserves to be seen.
Veteran Volunteer Visits + Veteran Legacy Projects
Veterans caring for veterans. Our volunteer veterans sit with patients, listen, and offer an understanding which only comes from shared experience. Many help record fellow veteran stories for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. We recognize and believe their service and stories should be preserved long after they are gone.
A Care Environment Focused on Honoring Service
A hat. A flag. A patriotic song. We treat the things which matter to a veteran as essential to their care, not optional. Because who someone is doesn’t stop mattering at the end of their life.
Staff Who Know When It Counts
Ashley is a hospice care center manager and a Marine Corps veteran. She doesn’t always immediately share about her own service. But she knows when it matters.
“Semper Fi.” Two words. One Marine to another.
Your gift goes further than you might think.
Today, more than 1.4 million veterans live in Florida. Many will face their final chapter without the recognition they deserve. Every bit of it is made possible by donors like you.
Will you help us keep showing up?
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For Ron and every veteran who deserves compassion and recognition
The Hospice of Marion County Foundation is one of four Empath Health foundations carrying this promise across Florida. When you give, you are making every one of these moments possible.
“For some, giving back may be as simple as writing a quick check. I choose to give back by showing up: visiting them, putting a pin on them, and filling them with pride and respect as they’re ready to say goodbye to this life. It’s priceless.”
-Vicky Moore, Empath veteran volunteer
Donate by mail by sending a check or money order to:
Hospice of Marion County
PO Box 4860
Ocala, FL 34478-4860
Phone: (352) 291-5143
Website: https://hospiceofmarion.org/donate/
CH74429 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE
