The family of Charlotte Jones lit the trees in honor and memory of all those touched by McLeod Hospice.

McLeod Hospice celebrated its 34th Annual “A Light for Someone You Love” Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 5, at McLeod Regional Medical Center. More than 450 people attended the event which raised a record breaking $80,000 to support programs and services provided by McLeod Hospice.

During the ceremony, the family of Charlotte Jones lit the trees. On behalf of the family, her son, Dr. Webb Jones, offered remarks on how much McLeod Hospice meant to them after their mother’s stroke. He talked about how much their mother loved Christmas and that she attended the tree lighting event a couple of times. Dr. Jones added that in her final days the family was able to spend time with her at the McLeod Hospice House where they provided excellent care and ensured she was comfortable while also offering compassion and comfort to her children and grandchildren.

Each year, during the tree lighting ceremony, Joan Pavy, Administrator of McLeod Hospice, recognizes an individual or group for their dedication to McLeod Hospice by honoring them with the Spirit of Hospice award. Pavy explained that the quality of the McLeod Hospice program does not rest with any one individual or volunteer. Instead there are many individuals and groups who give generously of themselves.

“Each one is important, but all are united by a single goal: their commitment to compassionate Hospice care. There are those, however, who have gone the extra mile and who have continually been a faithful supporter of Hospice. It is with this in mind that McLeod Hospice created the Spirit of Hospice Award in 2001,” said Pavy.

Pavy then announced the 2019 recipient of the Spirit of Hospice award, Roxanna Prezioso. The Fund Development Officer with the McLeod Health Foundation, Prezioso was honored for her dedication and management over the past 15 years to the tree lighting ceremony.

In addition to the lighting of the trees, a musical presentation was provided by the Ashley Taylor who was accompanied by Dr. Lynn Clary. Other participants included Marie Saleeby, Senior Vice President and Administrator of McLeod Regional Medical Center, who provided the welcome and Dr. Tarek Bishara who spoke on behalf of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees. In addition, Ashley Lucas recognized the donors who sponsored the tree lighting, McLeod Hospice Chaplain Glenn Carter led the lighting of the candles and Pastor Michelle Law-Gordon offered the closing prayer.

Proceeds raised through the tree lighting directly benefit McLeod Hospice. “The Light for Someone You Love” program is sponsored by the McLeod Health Foundation to directly fund items needed for the McLeod Hospice House, to help patients remain comfortable in their homes, provide bereavement care for families being served as well as others in the community, and to offer the children’s grief support program, Camp Jessie’s Kids.

McLeod Hospice serves patients in Florence, Darlington, Dillon, Horry, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Sumter and Williamsburg counties.

While the lighted trees will brighten the community this season, the gifts they represent will help bring the light of hope to McLeod Hospice patients and their families all year long.