Donor and Scholar Stories

In 1980, my journey into the realm of hospice and palliative care began unexpectedly. Amidst my father’s battle with acute leukemia, my hospital sought a medical director to pioneer their hospice program. Initially, I brushed aside the opportunity, consumed by my father’s illness and the challenging decisions surrounding his end-of-life care. However, after witnessing firsthand the importance of honoring his wishes and easing his journey, I reconsidered the offer. 

Soon after stepping into the role of Medical Director, I became acquainted with the Academy and attended my first Annual Meeting in Atlanta. It provided a profound sense of camaraderie among fellow professionals passionate about hospice medicine and an opportunity for educational programming. 

As I transitioned into retirement, I made it a priority to continue supporting educational initiatives, ensuring a lasting impact through my charitable contributions. My commitment to giving to AAHPM stems from a desire to bolster its education efforts, community-building, and mission as a whole.  

Reflecting on the evolution of the field from its infancy to its current thriving state reinforces my belief that supporting the Academy will result in a long-lasting impact on the field. I envision my donations contributing to the continued growth and advancement of hospice and palliative care, ultimately benefiting those we serve. 

I believe every member has a stake in promoting the interests of medical professionals in the HPC field. By giving to the Academy, we uphold its mission and ensure the provision of high-quality care for patients and families facing serious illness. Together, we can foster a community dedicated to advancing compassionate care.

Our daughter and sister Alyssa was extraordinary in her passion, sensitivity, care, and courage. Like countless others who have lost a loved one, our family dedicated itself to creating a legacy to honor Alyssa’s lifelong values, character, and personal struggles as she faced death from more than 20 years of anorexia nervosa. Establishing the Alyssa L. Bogetz Educational Fund within AAHPM is Alyssa’s legacy.

Alyssa passed away in the summer of 2021 at the age of 36. In her last few months, Alyssa came to understand and accept that she could no longer live with her disease. As she continued to lose weight, each member of the family struggled to reflect on her courage and accept her decisions. Alyssa was directed to outpatient palliative and home hospice care under the hospice rubric which was very rare for those with mental illness – even one where death is due to its medical consequences. The care was compassionate, but it lacked nuance in understanding the unique aspects of death from a primary mental illness.

As our family discussed Alyssa’s legacy, it was clear that we needed to engage her values and dedication to medical education with her life experience, particularly Bogetz Family at its end. Our daughter, Jori, a member of the Academy, recognized that the fund’s purpose dovetailed with AAHPM, its members, and the patients it serves. The Alyssa L. Bogetz Educational Fund provides for at least 10 years of AAHPM educational activities that catalyze through, discussion, debate, and learning about the role of hospice and palliative care in the context of those suffering from mental illness.

Our family is honored that this is the first such fund at AAHPM. The Academy welcomed our family and the legacy we wanted to create. In less than 4 months, the fund was created and supported through the generosity of our family, relatives, friends, members of AAHPM, and others who knew Alyssa. It was Alyssa herself who wanted these discussions to begin so that those unfortunate enough to follow in her footsteps might benefit.

A pivotal conversation with my husband made me realize the extent of my impact could reach beyond individual patients: He challenged me to question the status quo and urged me to become involved in making a difference in the field of hospice and palliative care. 

After joining the Academy’s membership, I stepped into a room filled with like-minded individuals who shared my passion and goals, which was both inspiring and overwhelming. It provided the foundation for my career with a community that will assist me in my goals and my aspirations. 

Eventually, it was a natural progression for me to start giving back to the Academy. My husband and I have always believed in supporting causes we are passionate about, and hospice care was no exception. We recognized the responsibility of leadership and the importance of leading by example. Together, we decided on an amount to donate, understanding the impact it could have on advancing the field we hold dear. 

The focus on leadership development within AAHPM resonates deeply with me, as I have personally experienced the transformative power of leaders with their mentorship and support. Leaders like Dr. Keith Fernandez and Rodney Tucker have guided me through difficult times and reignited my passion for this work. 

Through my donations, I hope to contribute to the continued growth and success of AAHPM. I envision a future where every patient receives the highest quality of hospice and palliative care, and where medical professionals are equipped with the resources and support they need to thrive. 

For me, the Leadership Development Program within AAHPM resonates most deeply. It is through programs like these that future leaders are cultivated, ensuring the longevity and vitality of our field. 

As my professional journey transitioned towards palliative care, recognizing its pivotal role in improving patients’ lives, I sought membership in the Academy. I perceived it not only as a platform for networking but also as a conduit for learning from seasoned practitioners, exchanging insights on optimizing patient care strategies. 

Witnessing a younger colleague express interest in my journey served as a poignant reminder of the imminent workforce shortage in the field. This realization fueled my determination to amplify our message to ensure that shortage could be avoided or minimized. Financially supporting the Academy emerged as a natural extension of this commitment, ensuring its visibility as a valuable resource for both colleagues and the broader public. 

A pivotal moment reinforcing my dedication occurred during the Annual Assembly in Montreal in 2023. Surrounded by a community of dedicated medical professionals, I felt a profound sense of encouragement and warmth, reaffirming my resolve to contribute to the cause. Additionally, witnessing the expansion of scholarship opportunities through the Academy underscored its commitment to nurturing future leaders in palliative care. 

Through my donations, I aspire to foster greater awareness and understanding of our field, envisioning a future where palliative care is embraced on a global scale. I hope for a future change like residency rotations focused on palliative medicine, recognizing the transformative impact they can have on shaping future healthcare professionals. 

Among the myriad programs offered by the Academy, the International Physicians Scholarship resonates deeply with me. By facilitating educational opportunities, it paves the way for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration, enriching the landscape of hospice and palliative care worldwide. 

In 2024, I initiated a monthly recurring gift to signify my enduring commitment to advancing the Academy’s mission and championing the cause of high-quality care. I believe every member has the power to effect change, not only locally but also at the state, national, and international levels. Together, our collective contributions can create meaningful progress in enhancing the lives of those we serve. 

While we excel in our respective local contexts, it’s imperative to broaden our horizons and leverage our collective influence to effect systemic change. Every donation, no matter the size, holds the potential to drive impactful transformations that resonate far beyond individual clinics or communities. 

As soon as I heard the opening remarks for this year’s Kathleen Foley Research Retreat, I felt like I was home. I was able to attend the retreat as an American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Research Scholar. I expected to build my palliative care research network with a national cohort of peers and mentors committed to advancing the evidence base of palliative care. What I didn’t expect were the deep personal connections and the shared mission.

Being in the room with the senior scholars who created palliative care research and junior scholars who will be stewarding the next phase was powerful and inspiring. I met other American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) Research Scholars, American Cancer Society Grantees, and NPCRC Kornfeld Scholars. The talent and heart of this group were remarkable—as was the diversity: PhDs, MDs, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, and many others were among our ranks studying palliative care across the lifespan from the perinatal period to centenarians and beyond.

The breadth of topics and methodologies presented over the two and a half-days reminded me of how deep our pool of talent and passion is in palliative care—and of the incredible potential for collaboration in advancing our field.
Meeting my fellow AAHPM research scholars was incredibly powerful.

The opportunity that my AAHPM Research Scholarship provided was one of the richest experiences I’ve had professionally. The information sharing was exciting. The sense of community and identity was even more valuable. Being in a group of people across career stages, disciplines, and institutions who shared a deep passion for palliative care research was a pivotal experience for my identity formation as a palliative care investigator. I returned home with new ideas, new collaborations, and a deepened sense of my professional self. I’m incredibly grateful to the AAHPM for the Research Scholars program that made it possible for me to come here, to the mentors and colleagues I met and learned from, and to our palliative care community that continues to grow and innovate.

In 2007, I began an incredible 13-year journey both personally and professionally as the CEO of AAHPM. I was familiar with hospice and palliative medicine early in my career from working for other medical specialty societies and the Alzheimer’s Association as well as from gerontology courses in college.

I started with AAHPM just as hospice and palliative medicine was being recognized as a subspecialty and fellowship training programs were being developed. Within a few year years, the field would certify more than 7,000 physicians and create slots for 350 trainees per year. It was a time of incredible growth, visibility, and success. The AAHPM team grew during that period as well.  Despite all this success, there continues to be a need for more professionals in hospice and palliative care. I am inspired and encouraged by the many amazing volunteer leaders who created and facilitate our Leadership Forum and other Academy leadership programming.

As my time was transitioning from a leadership role with the Academy to one with the Association Management Center, I wanted to give back to AAHPM and show my gratitude and commitment to the field. People asked how they could thank me for my years of service as I was preparing to transition into a new role. I asked them to join me in supporting the AAHPM Leadership Scholars Fund.

So many people in hospice and palliative care have forged their own leadership pathways. Several generous foundations funded leadership development at critical stages of the field’s early years and I saw firsthand the impact that had on people within the field throughout their careers. Many said they would not have been successful without that support. I wanted that to continue so that others could benefit from mentorship, programming, and connections through AAHPM.

I believe many of us have been forever changed by the experiences we’ve had within AAHPM. There are times in our lives when we “receive” and times when we “give.” The Academy is a unique medical specialty society because its members care deeply and genuinely about not just what they do but also one another. It is the home for a special group of people who provide exceptional care to individuals living with serious illnesses. This work and organization is so very important now and in the future.

When I became a Hospice Medical Director in 2002, it marked a pivotal moment for me. It was a leap towards fulfilling my lifelong passion for alleviating suffering and providing compassionate care. As the demands of our program grew and we launched an inpatient palliative care service in 2006, I recognized the need to fully dedicate myself to the field of hospice and palliative care. This led me to embrace hospice and palliative care exclusively, transitioning from a blended primary care and palliative care practice to become a full-time Hospice and Palliative Care Medical Director. 

My active involvement with the Academy began in 2004, attending my first meeting, an experience that ignited a steadfast commitment. From serving on committees to assuming leadership roles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the Academy’s power to advocate for the vision I hold dear for the field of HPC. Aligning with their values and vision, I saw an opportunity to leverage my participation and contributions to nurture and develop this young field. 

My decision to begin giving to the Academy stemmed from a belief in the importance of building resources to support the field’s growth. By investing in the Academy, I saw an opportunity to not only impact the domestic landscape but also contribute to the global advancement of hospice and palliative care. Despite challenges and uncertainties, my pledge to continue giving stems from a desire to ensure ongoing contributions with long-term effects, translating my intentions into meaningful actions. 

Witnessing the enthusiasm of International Scholars and the tangible impact of my contributions reinforces my commitment to giving. Knowing that my donations contribute to the development of future leaders and the expansion of hospice and palliative care globally fills me with a sense of purpose and satisfaction. 

For me, the Academy’s commitment to leadership development and global outreach resonates deeply. I believe that every member should consider giving to the Academy, as it plays a pivotal role in advancing our shared vision for the field. By giving to what matters most to us, we can collectively work towards a future where compassionate care is accessible to all who need it. 

My passion for this profession and my firm belief in its transformative power is what keeps giving to AAHPM every year. Reflecting on a poignant moment that reinforced my commitment to giving, I recall a recent donation I made to the Alyssa L. Bogetz Educational Fund. Mental health, an area often clouded by stigma, resonates deeply with me. I believe that understanding and addressing mental health issues is crucial for providing holistic care. 

The significance of mental health in the realm of hospice and palliative care cannot be overstated. Providing emotional and psychological support to patients and their families during such critical times is essential for comprehensive care. My contributions to AAHPM are driven by the desire to enhance these aspects of care, ensuring that mental health is given the attention it deserves alongside physical health. 

The impact I aim for with my donations is best captured by a song: 

“If you save a life, you save the world.” 

– “Save a Life” by Debbie Friedman, derived from Talmudic text 

I believe that by empowering even just one person with knowledge or resources, we set off a ripple effect that can touch countless lives. 

Supporting AAHPM also means fostering a community of professionals who are dedicated to continual learning and improvement. By investing in the education and development of our peers, we not only advance our own skills but also contribute to the collective growth of our field. This shared progress ultimately enhances the quality of care provided to patients and their loved ones, aligning with the core values of empathy, compassion, and excellence that define our profession. 

Donating to the Academy means investing in the betterment of our profession, and ultimately, in the well-being of those we serve.