Message from Matt

Co-anchor, NBC TODAY and Ambassador at Large for Hospice of Palm Beach County, expresses his admiration and appreciation for the services provided.

"If you had come up to me ten years ago and asked me to explain what Hospice was all about, I probably would have said something like 'it deals with death and I really don't want to talk about it.' Hospice has always had a rather dark connotation to me. It was a bit frightening and depressing and I think I can safely say I wasn't alone with that feeling. But, today I'm a little older, hopefully a little wiser and I now have a personal story, a very personal story and a reason to feel differently about the meaning of hospice and the amazing work performed by the people of Hospice of Palm Beach County.

My dad was a resident of Palm Beach County for many years. He moved there after he retired, but unfortunately at the age of 73 he became seriously ill. He developed lung cancer and fought an incredible battle over the course of the following two years. In and out of hospitals, in and out of surgery, until it became apparent that this was not a battle he was going to win.

I'll never forget the day the doctors told my father that his condition was terminal. He was in the hospital and I was here in New York so I called him that night, and for the first time in our lives together, we had an honest discussion about death. My father made it very clear that he wanted to be home and he wanted to live his remaining days with as much dignity as was possible. I admired that courage and we wanted to do whatever possible to see that his wishes were carried out.

It was then that my opinion on hospice changed dramatically. Hospice of Palm Beach County cared for my dad night and day for the next couple of months. They were there for my father and the rest of the family whenever they were needed. They fed my dad, they washed him, they gave him his medication, and sometimes they just joined us in simply holding his hand. In short, they were his and our support system.

What impressed me the most was their kindness. The hospice workers became so much more than medical assistants. They actually became friends and even part of our family. My dad used to look forward to their visits and in typical fashion, he became as concerned for their well being as he was for his own or others were for his own. When they asked him how he was feeling, he would smile and he'd say he was fine, but never failed to ask them how they were doing. He liked them, they were part of his family, and he appreciated everything they were doing.

Those people were not lifesavers, but they were life enhancers. They made an enormous difference in our lives at one of life's most difficult moments, and it's for that reason that I'm asking for your help in supporting these dedicated people. I hope you'll join me in celebrating Hospice of Palm Beach County."

Mr. Lauer is the honorary chairperson and participant in the annual Jay Robert Lauer Golf Tournament held in November at The Breakers Palm Beach, to support patient care programs of Hospice of Palm Beach County. For information contact the Resource Development Department (561) 227-5157.

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