SIDNEY — With a vision for hospice care Martha Ernst and Tom Boecker started a hospice program at Wilson Memorial Hospital in 1987. Because of their vision and foresight, thousands of families have benefited from hospice care over the last 30 years. Wilson Hospice Care was the ninth Medicare Certified hospice agency in Ohio.

In 2017, Wilson Health is celebrating the 30th anniversary of providing hospice care to families in Shelby and surrounding counties. Many things have changed over the years but one thing remains the same … the compassionate care.

November is National Hospice & Palliative Care month. In conjunction with the event, the 30th anniversary of hospice will be recognized.

On Nov. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Cameo Theater in Sidney a 30th anniversary celebration — a “reunion” of sorts — will be held. The public is invited to attend as well as past patient families, past and current employees and supporters of Wilson Health Hospice. This is a day to celebrate, share stories from the past 30 years and to give thanks to those that have help make it all possible. The program will begin at 1:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be served. Hospice services could not be provided without the support of volunteers and the community.

A Light up a Life service is traditionally held in the fall. The event has been a combined annual memorial service and a hospice awareness event. Going forward these two events will be separate. Several hospice memorial services will be held throughout the year at different churches in the hospital’s service area. Starting next year Light up a Life will consist of hospice awareness events with fun, kid friendly, activities. This will occur each November in celebrate of National Hospice & Palliative Care Month.

The next hospice memorial service will be held on Nov. 5, 2017, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ located at 707 N. Ohio Ave. in Sidney. Music by Scott Oglesbee will start at 2 p.m. with the memorial service at 2:30 p.m. This service is open to the public and all are welcome.

If you would like to attend, contact Wilson Health Hospice at 937-498-9335.