Literature Review

Small but mighty: 5 lessons from smaller teams delivering high-quality palliative care CAPC; by Megan Hesketh; 12/16/25 ... High-quality palliative care isn’t defined by program size or budget—it’s defined by consistency, collaboration, and a shared commitment to patients and families. Across the country, smaller palliative care programs are demonstrating what’s possible when teams focus on training, teamwork, and outcomes that matter. In summer 2025, CAPC spoke with twenty smaller organizations—community hospitals, critical access hospitals, independent hospices, and small practice groups serving fewer than 150 beds—to understand how they sustain their commitment to high-quality palliative care. Their experiences highlight what makes these programs effective: clear structures, intentional learning, and a deep sense of accountability to their communities.

[Europe] Muslims often don’t trust palliative care. A new charity aims to change that  Hyphen; by Weronika Stryzyzynska; 12/15/25 Al-Amal, founded by a doctor and a chaplain, is informed by the Muslim view of a good death — something they say is lacking in mainstream care. A new charity to support Muslims navigating palliative care is preparing to launch after Ramadan. As well as providing an emotional support telephone line, Al-Amal will also offer practical advice on accessing culturally and religiously appropriate care.  The Muslim view of what a good death looks like is informed by values beyond the medical. … This can affect the way Muslim patients include their families in the decision-making process or their approach to pain management.

Chapters Health System announces national rebranding of grief support camps for children PR Newswire, Temple Terrace, FL; by Chapters Health System; 12/12/25 Chapters Health System, the nation's leading chronic illness innovator and largest nonprofit hospice provider, proudly announced a unified grief support camp name, Camp Brave Heart, and logo for programs across the country starting in 2026. Each camp program will remain tailored to the needs of the local community and the longstanding tradition of providing a supportive place for children to process and share.

Award-winning documentary chronicles hospice nurse’s final 39 days Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) and TGBeyond, Washington, DC; Press Release; 12/1/25Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) and TGBeyond today announced the release of A Butterfly Has Been Released, an award-winning short documentary, alongside a new professional continuing education program, From Caregiver to Patient: Hospice Nurse Allyson’s Final 39 Days. Pre-purchase is available now, with formal release in January 2026. The 36-minute film follows Allyson, a hospice nurse with more than 20 years of experience guiding patients and families through death and grief, as she navigates her own final 39 days after a life-limiting diagnosis. Through candid kitchen-table conversations, a 150-person living funeral, and a natural green burial, Allyson demonstrates what she spent decades teaching others: live with purpose, presence, and connection until the very last day.Editor's Note: Is the concept of a "living funeral" new to you? I've seen this moving film several times, with a group discussion among healthcare professionals led by its producers Jason Zamer and Barry Koch. Click here for its 2-minute trailer.

Solvay gets nearly 45K from Super One’s register round-up Fox 21 Local News, Duluth, MN; by Jadie Jones; 12/10/25 Super One raised nearly 45 thousand dollars for Solvay Hospice House. These funds were raised during their recent register round up campaign where customers could choose to round up their change or donate more when checking out. This campaign was at 19 regional stores. Solvay has been a register roundup participant for 18 years now, raising more than 373 thousand in total.

Local business’ Round-up Drive raises $10,000 for Hospice of Santa Barbara Noozhawk; by Wavecomm for Hospice of Santa Barbara; 12/9/25 Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has completed the October Round-Up Campaign, hosted by the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center, raising $10,000 for HSB. Over the course of the 33-day campaign, customers were invited to round up their purchases at checkout or make an additional donation, directly benefiting Hospice of Santa Barbara’s services.

Veterans are invited to connect over coffee at the library Rome News-Tribune; by Emily Bradshaw; 12/6/25 Starting Thursday, Dec. 11, at 9:30 a.m., Transitions Hospice Care will kick off a new monthly event at the Rome-Floyd County Library, aiming to provide a sense of community and connectivity for local veterans. ... Transitions Hospice Care decided to put this event together to foster a sense of camaraderie while also providing resources, she said. Their first meeting will be casual, gauging interest in various resources attendees may want to discuss. From there, these monthly meetings will build to incorporate aspects that pique guests’ interests and needs.

My Dad was a professional Santa for 49 years — until tragedy struck. Then a group of strangers gave us a miracle. HuffPost | Personal; by Melissa Melnick; 12/7/25 "When they told us their idea, I felt something crack open in me." I grew up knowing that Christmas magic wasn’t something you waited for — it was something you made. And I learned that from my dad. Most people think they know about Santa, but my sister and I were lucky enough to grow up with him. My father, Ray, started playing Santa when he was just 21 years old. ... Knowing my dad, I suspected he’d never actually stop. Then, just a few months later, our world got turned upside down. ... Within 24 hours of the story airing on TV, more than 120,000 people had viewed the clip online. Photos poured in. Old letters. Messages from parents whose children had visited my dad over the years. Stories about how Santa Ray had given their kids confidence, comfort, or joy. ... Editor's Note: Continue reading this beautiful, inspiring story.

Poinsettias bring Christmas cheer and funds for hospice The Times-News; by Tommy Murphy; 12/4/25 This week, thousands of red and green poinsettias have been hand-delivered to folks across Troup County and beyond as part of a fundraiser for Wellstar West Georgia Hospice. ... This is the 36th annual poinsettia fundraiser held by West Georgia Hospice. It’s their second-largest fundraiser of the year behind their annual Ely Callaway Golf Tournament, said Sandy Melton, volunteer coordinator for West Georgia Hospice. ... This year, they’re delivering around 3,800 poinsettias.

Hospice El Paso pediatric patient to spread joy with Toy Drive for local children ABC KIVA-7, El Paso, TX; by Armando Ramirez; 12/1/25 7-year-old Kenia Marisol Huerta Medina, a participant of Hospice El Paso's Butterfly Program, has a wish to help others this holiday season. According to Hospice El Paso, Kenia is battling diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a cancer that affects the central nervous system to include the brain and spinal cord. As apart of her holiday wish, Kenia is asking for Christmas toys and other gifts for undeserved children in the El Paso region.

Salon De Coiffeur raises $2,305 for Hospice of Orleans OrleansHub.com, Orleans County, NY; Press Release; 12/2/25 Hospice of Orleans County is pleased to announce a generous contribution resulting from the dedication of a local business owner and the enthusiastic support of the community. Terah Jackson, owner and stylist at Salon De Coiffeur, has successfully concluded her salon’s Annual Christmas Raffle, raising $2,305 for Hospice of Orleans County. For the past two months, Ms. Jackson diligently sought donations and promoted the raffle, inspiring an outpouring of support from community members and local businesses. This massive effort resulted in over 55 generously donated baskets and raffle items. Editor's Note: One person’s generosity can open the gates for many others. Terah Jackson’s leadership did exactly that. Her dedication reminds us how individual vision can inspire collective generosity.

Memorial bricks at William Childs Hospice House pave way for comfort, community and healing Space Coast Daily, Palm Bay, FL; by Space Coast Daily; 11/29/25 Under a beautiful November sky, more than 200 family members and friends gathered on a recent Saturday morning in front of the Butterfly Garden, nestled on the grounds of the William Childs Hospice House. Attendees joined the Health First Foundation’s annual Brick Paver Dedication Ceremony, a heartfelt tradition held each November during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. ... One such brick was in honor of Arthur “Lou” Larmay, 94, who passed in July while in Hospice care. During his final weeks, Lou was commended by Hospice with a ceremony honoring his military service – and his days as a jazz musician. Gathering in the garden after his passing was just what his mourning loved ones needed.

Iowa girl to light up Christmas at the Castle KELO, Sibley, IA; 11/24/25 A young girl from Iowa has an important job coming up. She’s a spunky little girl who’s full of life. That’s how Megan Travaille describes her three-year-old daughter, Margarett. “She’s got a sweet side, but she definitely has some spunk to her,” Megan Travaille said. ... Last year, little Margarett was diagnosed with stage 4 hepatoblastoma liver cancer at Sanford Children’s Hospital. Margarett’s cancer journey has included chemo and surgeries. She’s currently receiving full-time hospice care. The young girl has been selected for a big role at Sanford’s Christmas at the Castle this year. “Put the lights on,” Margarett Travaille said. As switch master, Margarett will turn on the holiday lights outside the Castle next month.