For some volunteers, giving back becomes a deeply personal experience. For Ted Kenny, hospice has been exactly that.
Ted’s interest in hospice grew after watching his best friend, John, face a rare cancer diagnosis in his 40s. Losing his friend in mid-life had a profound impact on Ted. During John’s two-year illness, Ted became more comfortable talking about life and what mattered most to someone living with a serious illness. Several years later, he followed his heart and began volunteering at a hospice in Denver.
In 2017, Ted brought his passion for hospice care and a desire to make a difference in the lives of patients and families to Florida, serving as a board member and patient visitor for Treasure Coast Hospice.
Today, Ted volunteers as a patient visitor at Treasure Coast Hospice’s Inpatient Unit, where he describes his role as a mentor and cheerleader. Whether encouraging fellow volunteers, supporting staff members, or offering a comforting presence to patients and families, he brings care and compassion to every interaction.
What keeps him coming back week after week?
“I don’t need motivation. Every time I visit patients at the Inpatient Unit, I see the good, the positive impact on both the patients and their families.”
Having volunteered with different hospice organizations in other parts of the country, Ted has developed a unique perspective on end-of-life care. Those experiences have strengthened his appreciation for the care and scope of services provided by Treasure Coast Hospice.
For Ted, quality end-of-life care is everything.
“Hospice is more than just medical care. It’s about people caring for people, bringing comfort, and helping families navigate one of life’s most profound transitions.”
As a patient visitor, Ted knows that sometimes the most meaningful thing he can do is hold a hand or sit quietly with a patient or family member. For those who want to talk, it may mean being comfortable discussing anything from the philosophical to the humorous. And sometimes, it means simply listening to someone’s life story. It was moments like these with his friend John many years ago that led Ted to hospice.
“Hospice is simply my passion,” said Ted. “I can honestly say I have never done work more meaningful than this.”