Announcing Launch of The Hospice of the Western Reserve Foundation

In December 2020, our Board of Directors unanimously approved the launch of The Hospice of the Western Reserve Foundation, a separate 501(c) (3) nonprofit public charity that will provide financial support to programs benefiting patients and their loved ones. Funded through donations from friends of HWR, it will be operational later this year. 

“We believe this new structure will allow us to engage with civic and community leaders who share our mission to relieve suffering and value personal choice and dignity at the end of life,” said Laura Rayburn, who has joined the organization as President of The Hospice of the Western Reserve Foundation. 
Laura, who holds an MBA from John Carroll University, comes to the Agency from Saint Martin de Porres High School, where she served as Vice President of Advancement. She has also held fundraising leadership roles at both the Great Lakes Science Center and the Cleveland Orchestra. 

“I am excited to lead such a talented team of development professionals as we pursue this new chapter in the Agency’s history,” she said. “So many of our programs supporting the deeper work of hospice - such as art and music therapy and children’s summer grief support camps - receive no funding from Medicare or commercial insurance. The foundation will bring together community leaders who share our passion so we can continue innovating and providing exceptional care for generations to come.”  

Signing on as the inaugural foundation board member is Alfred F. Connors, Jr., MD, Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and a member of the Emeritus Medical Staff at The MetroHealth System. Dr. Connors is also a former HWR Board Chair and long-time supporter.

“Our goal is to make sure Hospice of the Western Reserve is here for the next 50 years and thereafter, so all families can receive the same expert and compassionate care that mine did,” said Dr. Connors.

For more information about foundation board opportunities, contact Laura at 216.633.2171.