Billo Hickman donates $50,000 to Delaware Hospice
PRESS RELEASE: June 1, 2009 For Immediate Release
Billo Hickman donates $50,000 to Delaware Hospice
Ocean View, DE: Billo Hickman donated $50,000 to Delaware Hospice on Friday, May 29th, at a reception in his home in honor of his late wife, Dollie Hickman, in appreciation for the care she received from Delaware Hospice’s care team.
This generous contribution will benefit the not-for-profit organization’s capital campaign, which supports the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, where seriously ill individuals and their families can find 24-hour specialized hospice care for symptom management in a peaceful, home-like environment.
Together, Billo and Dollie gave generously to the community, and together they faced Dollie’s failing health with the help of Delaware Hospice.
“Billo and Dollie Hickman were always helpful to others and tried to do something generous every day,” said Doug Albert, Delaware Hospice Chaplain. “They loved people and provided those in need with food, money, lunch or even jobs whenever they could.”
Dollie began hosting an annual crab fest at their home 35 years ago to thank the community with bushels of crabs, music, drinks, and plenty of food. Politicians, neighbors, friends, and family would fill their tents every year on that special day in August.
Billo and Dollie met one evening when they were out with friends and they enjoyed 47 years together. They loved horse racing and traveling to Florida each year.
Al Morris, Delaware Hospice Transitions Coordinator, said, “The Hickmans were really a nice couple, good for each other and always happy together.”
Two years ago, Dollie was struggling to recover from a stroke when Billo happened to meet Al Morris in his store in Ocean View and mentioned her weakened condition. Al suggested that they might benefit from Delaware Hospice’s Transitions Program. Transitions assists non-hospice individuals or families who have a serious illness and need a helping hand. Billo agreed, and the Hickmans’ relationship with Delaware Hospice was set.
Billo said, “From the beginning, Delaware Hospice people have been wonderful to us. We appreciated having staff members call or stop by to check on us. Then, when Dollie was diagnosed with cancer and was admitted as a patient, Delaware Hospice’s care team took over and always gave 110%.”
“For one and a half years, we’ve had Delaware Hospice near us. You imagine that in every organization you’ll come across one bad apple, but not with them. Every single person has just been wonderful.”
With the realization of how grave her situation was, Billo just wanted to keep Dollie at home and give her the best care. He said, “I couldn’t have done that if it wasn’t for Delaware Hospice. And now that she’s gone, they haven’t neglected me. I’m being helped a lot through this difficult time with bereavement visits and the chance to meet other widowers at a bereavement group luncheon.”
Billo said, “I know Dollie would have wanted us to make this donation to Delaware Hospice, and it helps me feel better to do this in her honor.”
The Delaware Hospice Center is a home-away-from-home for patients in need of brief stays for symptom management. Specialized care is available 24 hours a day, giving caregivers needed support and quality time with their loved ones. At the Center, they find privacy, comfort, and comprehensive services in the 16 family suites, with family, kitchen and dining areas as well as a children’s playroom. The Center also houses the Family Support Center, which offers programs for caregivers and survivors, and the Community Conference Room, which provides a meeting place to local organizations.
Billo Hickman donates $50,000 to Delaware Hospice
Ocean View, DE: Billo Hickman donated $50,000 to Delaware Hospice on Friday, May 29th, at a reception in his home in honor of his late wife, Dollie Hickman, in appreciation for the care she received from Delaware Hospice’s care team.
This generous contribution will benefit the not-for-profit organization’s capital campaign, which supports the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, where seriously ill individuals and their families can find 24-hour specialized hospice care for symptom management in a peaceful, home-like environment.
Together, Billo and Dollie gave generously to the community, and together they faced Dollie’s failing health with the help of Delaware Hospice.
“Billo and Dollie Hickman were always helpful to others and tried to do something generous every day,” said Doug Albert, Delaware Hospice Chaplain. “They loved people and provided those in need with food, money, lunch or even jobs whenever they could.”
Dollie began hosting an annual crab fest at their home 35 years ago to thank the community with bushels of crabs, music, drinks, and plenty of food. Politicians, neighbors, friends, and family would fill their tents every year on that special day in August.
Billo and Dollie met one evening when they were out with friends and they enjoyed 47 years together. They loved horse racing and traveling to Florida each year.
Al Morris, Delaware Hospice Transitions Coordinator, said, “The Hickmans were really a nice couple, good for each other and always happy together.”
Two years ago, Dollie was struggling to recover from a stroke when Billo happened to meet Al Morris in his store in Ocean View and mentioned her weakened condition. Al suggested that they might benefit from Delaware Hospice’s Transitions Program. Transitions assists non-hospice individuals or families who have a serious illness and need a helping hand. Billo agreed, and the Hickmans’ relationship with Delaware Hospice was set.
Billo said, “From the beginning, Delaware Hospice people have been wonderful to us. We appreciated having staff members call or stop by to check on us. Then, when Dollie was diagnosed with cancer and was admitted as a patient, Delaware Hospice’s care team took over and always gave 110%.”
“For one and a half years, we’ve had Delaware Hospice near us. You imagine that in every organization you’ll come across one bad apple, but not with them. Every single person has just been wonderful.”
With the realization of how grave her situation was, Billo just wanted to keep Dollie at home and give her the best care. He said, “I couldn’t have done that if it wasn’t for Delaware Hospice. And now that she’s gone, they haven’t neglected me. I’m being helped a lot through this difficult time with bereavement visits and the chance to meet other widowers at a bereavement group luncheon.”
Billo said, “I know Dollie would have wanted us to make this donation to Delaware Hospice, and it helps me feel better to do this in her honor.”
The Delaware Hospice Center is a home-away-from-home for patients in need of brief stays for symptom management. Specialized care is available 24 hours a day, giving caregivers needed support and quality time with their loved ones. At the Center, they find privacy, comfort, and comprehensive services in the 16 family suites, with family, kitchen and dining areas as well as a children’s playroom. The Center also houses the Family Support Center, which offers programs for caregivers and survivors, and the Community Conference Room, which provides a meeting place to local organizations.
PHOTO CAPTION: Billo Hickman (center) presents a check for $50,000 to Delaware Hospice representatives: (left) Doug Albert, Chaplain, Susan Lloyd, President and CEO, (right) Al Morris, Transitions Coordinator, and Larry Ganster, Team Leader and Bereavement Counselor, in honor of his wife, Dollie Hickman, and in gratitude for the care they received from Delaware Hospice’s care team.
MEDIA CONTACT: Beverly Crowl, Public Relations Specialist, 302-547-1816, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
About Delaware Hospice
Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided exceptional care and support to 30,000 patients and their families. Its mission is to help each patient, each day, live the fullest, most comfortable life possible. Delaware Hospice is the largest and only licensed, nonprofit, community-based hospice serving New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware and southern Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call 800-838-9800 or visit our website, www.delawarehospice.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Beverly Crowl, Public Relations Specialist, 302-547-1816, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
About Delaware Hospice
Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided exceptional care and support to 30,000 patients and their families. Its mission is to help each patient, each day, live the fullest, most comfortable life possible. Delaware Hospice is the largest and only licensed, nonprofit, community-based hospice serving New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware and southern Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call 800-838-9800 or visit our website, www.delawarehospice.org.
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Delaware Hospice is accredited by The Joint Commission.