Vanessa Rocchio, Member of the Cowichan Hospice Legacy Circle
When Vanessa let us know she was leaving a gift to Cowichan Hospice in her will, we asked her why she made this decision. This is what she shared.
“When my mom was diagnosed with dementia I became more aware of the places people spend their last days and the ways some of us have to die. That was the impetus for me to give more to Hospice. I think we all want to leave this life with a heart attack or a stroke in the middle of the night at 92 but most of us aren’t that lucky. Cowichan is so fortunate to have Hospice House and hospice support companions. For a small community it’s truly amazing!
I’m surprised more people don’t know about Cowichan Hospice and everything it offers. The resources they provide are available to everyone. Grief doesn’t have a start line or a finish line and it’s different for each one of us. When my mom was diagnosed I started grieving and for the five years she suffered I grieved. Knowing there is hospice support can help manage grief whether it’s long or short term. It’s your choice as you navigate through this emotional time. Cowichan Hospice is so much more than our beautiful Hospice House facility.
When I named Cowichan Hospice in my will there was no question. We have an exceptionally committed hospice group. The volunteers and staff are remarkable. Because of them we have a remarkable Hospice House facility. I’m truly not sure I will have much money when I leave this world but if it’s there it will have impact and it will benefit others. In promoting Legacy gifting my hope is people understand it doesn’t matter how big or small your ‘Legacy’ gift is, it will make a difference.”
Vanessa is a recently retired Realtor, a “wannabe artist” and dedicated Hospice supporter. She has lived in Cowichan for 25 years.
The Legacy Circle is a group of supporters who have left a gift to Cowichan Hospice in their wills. If you would like to learn more about the Legacy Circle, please reach out. You have more power to make a difference than you realize.
