This spring, we gathered in both Nashville and Murfreesboro to honor the extraordinary individuals who give so much of their time, energy, and heart to Alive. Our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheons are a small gesture of thanks for the big difference our volunteers make every day.
From comforting patients and families to sharing creative talents, administrative support, and companionship, Alive volunteers are an essential part of our mission. Their generosity of spirit helps us provide the compassionate care we’re known for—and we’re deeply grateful.
A special thank-you goes out to the Nashville Music Medics, who lit up the room with their joyful performance at our Nashville luncheon. Their music brought smiles, laughter, and a beautiful reminder of the healing power of connection.
This year, as we celebrate 50 years of caring for Middle Tennessee, we’re especially proud to recognize that it all began with volunteers. Alive began as a volunteer effort by a group of dedicated individuals who believed in a better way to care for the dying—and thanks to our volunteers, that legacy continues today.
To every volunteer: thank you. Your kindness and commitment inspire us.
Thank you from Alive staff members
“Alive has the most fantastic volunteers! They are so compassionate, creative and dedicated. It’s a joy to work alongside them serving out the mission of Alive, caring for our community, our patients, and their families. My heartfelt thanks to each and every volunteer for donating your time, skill and compassion to Alive!” – Renee Wisby, Director of Volunteer Services
“As the newest member of the Volunteer Team, and as the new Nashville Team Coordinator, I would like to compliment our volunteers for welcoming me, making me feel right at home and for being the awesome volunteers that they are! It has been amazing to watch them in action and all that they do and all that they give from their hearts for not only our patients, but by extension, to the patient’s family and friends. We have the BEST volunteers ever! They are talented, kind, compassionate, generous, giving and an honor to work with. They make days at Alive joyful! I wanted to thank them for being valuable members of our Team…I am grateful for each one of them. It is so nice being part of the Alive family!” – Julie Davis, VolunteerCoordinator
“I would like to send out a special thanks to the volunteers for help with deliveries and packages, but most importantly I would like to thank them for being there– for an interesting conversation, motivating speech, informational stuff, or, just as a third-party listener to our incredible work.” – Jonathan Nicholls, Director of Materials Management
“I would like to specifically thank the volunteers who help at our front desk in Admin East. You are so appreciated! Happy Volunteer Week to all our volunteers!” – Teresa Cosgrove, Vice President of Finance
“Thank you to Doris, Josie, Beth, and Barbara for helping me with the donation mailings! Your help is so important, and I hope you know how much I appreciate you all! Thank you to all the Volunteers at Alive!” – Jennifer Clouse, Team Coordinator
“Volunteers are the heart and soul of Alive. Their dedication and compassion breathe life into our mission!” – Tambry Brechon, Sr. Director of Advancement
“A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers! Your dedication and hard work never cease to impress, and we are all deeply grateful for your invaluable assistance. A special shout-out to those who generously share their inspiring stories, and to our volunteer photographers for beautifully capturing meaningful moments.” – Christine Stiles, Sr. Graphic Designer
“The grief center has been so lucky to have so many volunteers who have come back repeatedly to support our staff and clients, as well as, new volunteers who shine in their roles! I am so grateful for our mailing volunteers that come each month to help print, fold, and stuff the bereavement letters that go out to our Alive Hospice families through out the year. Their hard work is such a gift to our team here at the Grief Center. I also want to thank all the amazing volunteers that have helped with our family and children’s programming by coming along side our young grievers, connecting with them and making them feel safe in the spaces we create for them to process their grief and connect with other kiddos going through similar experiences. All of our volunteers give such dedication to making all these support options happen and we truly could not do it without you. Thank you so much from the Grief Center Staff!” – Paige Tocash, Family and Children’s Program Manager
THANK YOU to everyone who has volunteered in Alive’s children’s grief programming over the last year. Whether it was youth group, school-based groups, Camp Forget-Me-Not, Family Retreat, the Butterfly Release… I could go on and on. You rearranged your schedule at inconvenient times, you drove many miles, you SHOWED UP and made it possible for us to extend grief support to so many kids and families who felt your impact greatly. We could not have done it without you, and we’re excited that you continue to be a part of our team. ❤ – Stephanie Larson, Grief Counselor
At just 34 years old, a young wife and mother, Linda Cummings faced a terminal diagnosis. In the 1970s, cancer was whispered like a secret, and patients were often hidden away or forgotten entirely. Linda, however, refused to be invisible. She was determined to remain present for her husband and young children, embracing every moment with courage and grace. Read More
Alive Hospice celebrated its upcoming 50th anniversary at its Golden Gala on November 4 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. More than 400 supporters gathered to honor the organization's legacy ahead of its official anniversary on November 14, raising over $1 million and counting. Read More
