Family Caregivers November 19, 2026 | 6:00 pm -7:30 pm (Arizona Time)
Healthcare professionals often share information about hospice and palliative care, but the voices of family caregivers are not always included. Medicine relies heavily on family members and other loved ones to provide much of the care through the end of life. This panel of family caregivers will discuss the benefits of hospice care for patients and caregivers, the challenges they faced, lessons learned, and what they wish they had known beforehand. This session is intended for current and future family caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone who supports people facing serious illness or end-of-life care.
Our Speakers
Cathy Castillo
Over the years I have used hospice, palliative care, and just plain “make it up as you go along” to be a caregiver for my husband, my father, my sister and several friends. My husband was cared for in a wonderful residential hospice at the end of his life. My father had in-home hospice assistance during his final illness, and my sister took advantage of some palliative care services during her long battle with cancer. I have used lessons learned through these experiences to help several friends facing serious medical issues. Hospice and palliative care are the key support tools for caregivers who in turn are important members of every seriously ill patient’s care team.
Martha Celaya-Martinez
My mother was diagnosed with endometrial cancer back in 1984. She underwent a full hysterectomy, radiation treatment and chemotherapy over a 3-year period after the cancer had metastasized to her lungs. I took early summer leave from my school employment as a social worker so that I could take care of my mother for the last 3 months of her life. Unfortunately, our small town did not have a hospice program, so I was the sole caregiver for her. I arranged to move her to a town where hospice was available, but she passed away before that could happen.
My father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer right after he turned 102 years old in 2010. We immediately enrolled him in hospice care. They provided guidance, medical care, compassion and support during a very difficult time. I was his primary caregiver, and he moved into my home. He did not suffer long and passed away peacefully 1 month after his diagnosis. Hospice continued to reach out even after his death to check on how the family was coping.
Walking with each of my parents through the final chapter of their lives taught me that no caregiver should have to face the journey alone. Hospice helped preserve their dignity, eased their suffering and reminded me that caring for the caregiver is just as important as caring for the patient.
Sherri Vanover
My journey into caregiving began when my husband was diagnosed with dementia. He first started telling me of processing troubles 3 years before he needed hospice. He was on hospice, of various levels, for the last 2 years of his life up to comfort care in his final days. During that challenging time, I quickly discovered that my greatest source of guidance, wisdom, and strength came from the caregiving community—both online and face-to-face. I truly believe that by sharing our unique stories and asking questions together, we can conquer the moments that feel completely impossible.
Register to Attend
Ways to Give
Honor a special person in your life with a gift to Roots & Roads Community Hospice Foundation.
Family Stories
Read the stories of families who have been supported by Roots & Roads Community Hospice Foundation.