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Elizabeth
Edwards presented w
ith
Person of the Year Award by National Hospice
and Palliative Care Organization at National
Conference
ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/
-- Minutes after Elizabeth Edwards was
presented with NHPCO's Person of the Year
Award, she took a moment at the podium to
look at her notes as a shout came from the
audience, "We love you!" A wide smile
brightened her face as the audience of 1,600
broke out in spontaneous applause, filling
the room with positive energy and optimism
that was reinforced by Edwards' remarks.
Edwards received NHPCO's Person of the Year
Award in recognition of her work as a fierce
advocate for improved and accessible
healthcare.
In addition, she was acknowledged for her
courage in the face of serious illness and
life's challenges and her willingness to
share lessons learned from her experiences.
J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president/CEO,
honored Edwards at the April 23rd opening
session of the organization's annual
Management and Leadership Conference in
Washington, DC.
The Person of the Year Award honors an
individual outside of the hospice and
palliative care community who is a true
supporter of the hospice cause.
"Mrs. Edwards is rallying for changes to the
healthcare system that will improve access,
quality and -- for those facing the end of
life -- comfort and dignity.
"Her
personal experience in coping with cancer,
caring for aging and ill parents, and her
professional work in the legal and policy
areas have made her a passionate proponent
for change," Schumacher said in his
introduction.
A key message Edwards brought to the
assembled leaders from hospice and
palliative care programs across the nation
was the obligation we all have of making
sure that every American gets the care they
need, when they need it, wherever they are.
Edwards stressed that an individual facing
illness should never be defined by his/her
medical condition.
This philosophy -- that puts the person at
the center of care and emphasizes the
dignity and individuality of all people --
is one shared by hospice and palliative care
providers.
A poignant moment came at the conclusion of
her plenary address when she said she knew
that one day she would need hospice care as
a patient, and she thanked the attendees and
all hospice professionals who care so
compassionately for patients and families at
the end of life.
She received a standing ovation and then
graciously spent the next two hours signing
autographs and copies of her book, Saving
Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from
Friends and Strangers.
Edwards served as the Honorary Chair of the
National Hospice Foundation gala held the
following Friday evening, which was attended
by 600 guests. NHF's annual gala is a
philanthropic event supporting efforts to
expand and improve care at the end of life.
As attention turns to the release of her new
book and her publicized appearance on Oprah,
NHPCO salutes Edwards for her efforts to
advance care and compassion.
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