SPOKANE, Wash. — The Regence Foundation announced today it awarded a $20,000 grant to Hospice of Spokane to support palliative care for terminally ill patients. Asuris Northwest Health employee Kimberly Thielman nominated Hospice of Spokane as part of Asuris’ second annual employee-nominated Transformation Grant program.

“My introduction to hospice was when my husband’s grandfather passed away,” said Thielman, Asuris sales manager. “The support they provided him and our family at the end of his life was invaluable. I nominated Hospice of Spokane for a Regence Foundation Transformation Grant because of their commitment to helping individuals through what is one of life’s most challenging periods.”

Hospice of Spokane was one of the first hospices in the nation and has served the greater Spokane area since 1977. It helps individuals and families navigate through the medical, emotional and spiritual issues that arise as they near the end of their own – or a loved one’s – life journey. Specifically, this grant from The Regence Foundation will help extend hospice care to those who might not qualify under Medicare guidelines and will enhance the Hospice of Spokane’s work in the field of palliative care.

“We believe that quality of life and personal comfort are as important for ill people as for those who are well,” said Michael Alexander, Regence Foundation board chair. “We wholeheartedly support the work Hospice of Spokane is doing in this area. In fact, later this year The Regence Foundation will be opening a new funding track geared specifically toward end-of-life issues.”

For more information about Hospice of Spokane, visit www.hospiceofspokane.org.