Former Clinical Lab Director at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, Jackie Lesperance of Green Bay, Wisconsin has been a resident of Boyle County for over 30 years and for the last 13, a volunteer at Heritage Hospice. But her work and passion for Hospice doesn’t start there. Prior to moving to The Bluegrass State, Lesperance volunteered with Hospice in Wisconsin.  She toured and learned about Hospice practice on a trip to France which piqued her interest in serving in that capacity.

When asked why she volunteers for Heritage Hospice, Lesperance says, “I volunteer [for Hospice] because I wanted to give back to the community and I had a good experience with Hospice and being in patient care just seemed like the right avenue to take.” While she has served inpatient care for Hospice, Lesperance has also dabbled into nearly all aspects of volunteer services. From stuffing envelopes, quilting, bereavement mementos, office work, and assisting with events such as Tea and Treasures, an annual fundraiser that allows Heritage Hospice to provide above-and-beyond measures to the patients they care for, she has done a little bit of everything.

Working in Hospice is not easy for everyone, but Lesperance finds fascination in the end-of-life process and how to help patients and their families through the journey. She constantly studies about the end of life and has read numerous books to gain further knowledge on the topic. Lesperance finds the motivation to volunteer and research by knowing that she is participating in a worthwhile activity, all while knowing her efforts have a large impact on those she is able to serve.

While patient care has been a central part of Lesperance’s life, it’s neither the only thing that drew her, nor only thing she can offer to Hospice. Lesperance has been crucial in the operation of the annual event, Tea and Treasure. While it was online last year and scheduled to be the same this year, it doesn’t change the amount of work for the team to complete. While the event being virtual isn’t the same as when everyone could gather in person, it still has an incredible impact, and Lesperance looks forward to when everyone will be able to gather for tea, finger foods, and fundraising again.

Heritage Hospice, Inc. is ranked in the top 100 hospices nationwide, and that accolade doesn’t come unwarranted. Home to quality, compassionate care since the late 1970s, Heritage Hospice, Inc. enhances life by empowering patients and families to better cope with physical, emotional, social, and spiritual concerns in the final stages of life. Heritage Hospice, Inc. provides services to patients in their homes and nursing facilities as a non-profit organization.

If you’re interested in contributing to Heritage Hospice, Inc., the 8th Annual Tea and Treasure Online Auction Fundraiser will be held November 5-14, 2021, at https//www.vipauctionky.com. This event is hosted by the volunteer department and will consist of silent auction items and some tabletop settings. If you’d like to get involved in a volunteer capacity, there is training on an as-needed basis. To learn more or to set up an appointment, please call Wendy or Renee at (859) 236-2425.