One of Just Two in the Nation

If you missed it this summer, Gilchrist was honored with the prestigious Circle of Life Award from the American Hospital Association. How prestigious of an award is this? There are roughly 6,000 Medicare-certified hospice agencies in the United States and Gilchrist was one of two organizations recognized in 2025. That national spotlight is a reflection of something those of us in Maryland already know well: Gilchrist is a model for what compassionate, patient-centered end-of-life care should be. And over the past several years, they’ve worked to make that model available to more people, expanding across Maryland, into southern Pennsylvania, and now, through a new partnership with Inova, into Northern Virginia. That matters because hospice helps people live as fully and comfortably as possible during their final chapter, while also aligning care with what truly matters to the patient and family. Letters like the one I am about to share from a grieving mother highlight just how special the people of Gilchrist are. As I read the letter, I was filled with pride to be associated with such a tremendous organization. Keep shining, Gilchrist! 

Dear Gilchrist Center,

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional care and compassion your team provided to my beloved son during his stay at your facility. During one of the most challenging times in our lives, your staff's unwavering dedication and kindness brought us immense comfort and peace.

From the moment we arrived, we were met with warmth and understanding. Every member of your team, from the nurses and doctors to the support staff, demonstrated an extraordinary level of professionalism and empathy. They not only attended to my son's medical needs with the utmost skill but also offered emotional support to our entire family, making us feel like we were part of a caring community.

Three days prior to son's passing, I was able to host an appreciation fish fry for the entire staff and invited family members to meet and experience the love of your staff. It was a heartwarming event where my son was able to feel the love and support of everyone around him. This moment, where he experienced the collective warmth and compassion of your team and our family, will forever be etched in my heart.

The genuine love and concern shown by your staff were evident in every interaction. They took the time to get to know my son, to understand his preferences and needs, and to ensure that he was as comfortable as possible. Their gentle words, reassuring smiles, and thoughtful gestures made a world of difference to him and to us.

I am particularly grateful for the way your team respected my son's dignity and individuality. They treated him with the highest level of respect and compassion, honoring his wishes and providing him with the best possible quality of life during his final days. This level of care extended beyond the physical, encompassing his emotional and spiritual well-being as well.

Your hospice center is truly a place of love and healing. The environment you have created is one of peace and solace, where families can find comfort and support during the most difficult times. The dedication and compassion of your staff have left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we will forever be grateful for the care you provided to our son.

Thank you once again for your extraordinary service and for being a beacon of hope and compassion. Your work is invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of everything you have done for our family.

With heartfelt gratitude,

A grateful mother 

COMMENTS

**Shelley Duruson commented on 12/2/25 at 17:17:**
I have often heard of the compassionate care given to the patient as well as the family members at Gilchrist. It's good to know that the tradition lives on.

    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    They are the best!

**Jana Heinbuch commented on 12/2/25 at 09:51:**
Hi G.,

I myself experienced the amazing care and compassion our Gilchrist Center staff bestow upon their patients and families years ago when my mother was at the end stages of Creutzfeldt Jakob. As you can imagine that experience, (once a diagnosis was achieved at University of Maryland), was a whirl wind of emotions and decisions. She passed away 13 days after being diagnosed.

One item I did not need to contemplate was where I wanted my mother to spend her final days. GBMC is my home and I wanted her here. The staff was very thorough at educating me of the signs that signified the changes in her condition and what to expect each step of the way. Her stay was brief, but I was with her every step of the way until she took her last breath. Due to the knowledge gained from the staff, I KNEW when she was at the end and was able to run down the hall to bring my brother to the room (this was during the night so we were all sleeping) for my mother's transition.

I will forever be grateful to Gilchrist for making an unbearable event, just a little bit easier.
Jana

    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thank you, Jana, for sharing such a deeply personal experience. Your story is a powerful reminder of the compassion and excellence our Gilchrist team brings to every patient and family.

**Robert Cole commented on 12/2/25 at 09:51:**
I experienced their care when my late wife passed away in 2019, 2 days after one of my 2nd cousins who was also there passed away.

    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thanks for sharing Robert. I am glad they were able to support you during what sounds like a very challenging time for you.

**Leslie Goldvarg commented on 12/2/25 at 07:55:**
Good Morning Dr G...
    I want to 'Thank YOU' for taking the time in your VERY busy schedule to write your 'Better Together' posts. Since you started writing/sending them to US I literally have read each one. They have been encouraging and 'helping a lot of us' on the floor & in the field' STAY focused on what we are really doing...Helping others to LIVE [quality of life] until they don't!  THANK YOU sooo much - Take care of YourSelf and your family!

    **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
    Thank you Leslie!