US President Joe Biden has sent a letter of acknowledgement to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, thanking them for their support and encouragement of his presidency.
President Biden has a long association with the Foundation, having turned the first sod at the Mayo Hospice in 2017. Providing specialist palliative care services, the Mayo Hospice was developed and paid for by fundraising income by Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and is a result of the great support received from the people of Mayo and Roscommon.
Writing to CEO Martina Jennings and Chairman Mike Smith, President Biden said: "Hospice care is about dignity, support and respect. Because of your empathy and care, I know the people of Mayo you help will be treated with the utmost decency and humanity during their time of greatest need.
"You understand what it means to love and care for your neighbour as yourself. I knew this was true when I turned the sod in 2017 – created as an act of love by the community, for the community. I also know my cousin, Laurita, dedicated herself to realise the vision of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice, and I am grateful for all of your efforts.
"It is an honour that my son Beau’s soul lives in the fabric of this special facility. God bless you and those whom you care for with love and dignity at Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. On behalf of the whole family, thank you.”
Chairman Mike Smith said: "We’re delighted patients are now able to avail of inpatient Hospice services in Mayo and we cannot thank the community and our supporters enough for all the help they’ve given us into shaping the hospice into what it is today. We’re so grateful for all of Joe Biden’s support to date and we look forward to welcoming him back to see the finished facility when he returns to Ireland in the future.”
CEO Martina Jennings said: "It is a testament to our support groups, volunteers, fundraisers and donors that we are on the cusp of completing our second hospice in Roscommon later this year. Despite the challenges Covid 19 has posed, we have continued to fund palliative care services, along with the build of the Roscommon Hospice. We are truly grateful to all our supporters."
Anyone who wishes to make a donation to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation can do so by logging on to www.hospice.ie or by phoning 094 93 88666 or by calling to the Mayo Hospice office on the Main Street in Knock.
