Volunteer Named MVP by Patriots
One of the New England Patriots' Most Valuable Players has never played football.
She has instead volunteered for nearly two decades at VNA Care Network & Hospice supporting care for the terminally ill in Eastern and Central Massachusetts. Robin F. Spaulding serves as chair of the board of directors of VNA Care Hospice, guiding the agency's specialized care for those facing the end of life.
Hospice offers physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical support with an emphasis on pain and symptom management for patients. The hospice team also provides support to patients' families and loved ones. Care is provided in patients' homes, the agency's three residences (Chilton House, Cambridge; Rose Monahan Hospice Home, Worcester; and Tippett Home, Needham), nursing homes, and assisted living and other facilities.
Spaulding played an instrumental role in the construction of the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, a homelike place where terminally ill patients may live and receive hospice care. Her involvement included leading the volunteer division of the capital campaign in raising $50,000 to build the residence's kitchen. This kitchen is now the site of Robin's other volunteer work — cooking meals most Thursdays for patients and families.
(Pictured, left to right) Robert and Myra Kraft, owners of the Patriots, presented the Community MVP finalist award to Spaulding during a recent luncheon at Gillette Stadium with Andre Tippett, Patriots' community affairs director, in attendance. The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation also donated $1,500 to VNA Care Network & Hospice in Spaulding's honor.
For more information about hospice, call VNA Care Network & Hospice at 800-728-1862.
Posted: June 27, 2008