David A. Ralicki Chairman

David C. Fielding President and CEO

Dear Friends,

Continued open access to care and strategic preparation for the furture were our areas of focus during the past year. With an emphasis on ensuring that everyone who needs and wants our services receives them, we were able to care for nearly 7,200 patients last year. Yet patients are not the only people impacted by the Hospice of Palm Beach County Team. Through our care and support for patients and families, assisting others in the community with bereavement services, as well as meeting the needs of our healthcare partners, we touched the lives of more than 75,000 people.

Our summer startegic planning sessions began with a new vision — "To create a world where everyone receives great service at the end of life, and no one is afraid of dying" — to guide us in reaching out to all. This may seem a monumental task. Our patients and families, however, often share that we do in fact diminish and eliminate their fears, replacing them with understanding, comfort and peace. This serves as a constant reminder and fuide as we aspire to realizing our vision.

As we look toward the future, we will continue to reach out to all who could benefit from hospice and palliative care, and to improve patients' quality of life for a longer period of time with earlier access to our program. It is with your continued support and belief in our vision and mission that we remain a leader in hospice and palliative care and model provider for others.

Sincerely,

David A. Ralicki, Chairman

David C. Fielding, President and CEO