History of the House |
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Kansas City Hospice House was dedicated April 5, 2006, and the first patient arrived April 19, 2006. It was the culmination of years of planning, hard work, and community and donor support.
The Beginning
Several times since Kansas City Hospice began in 1980, we considered building an inpatient facility for seriously ill people who could not stay at home because their care needs were too great. In 2003, the board of directors committed to the project.
We built on the history of the hospice movement and the inspiration of Cicely Saunders, founder of St. Christopher’s Hospice in England. Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, J.E. Dunn Construction, Helix / Architecture + Design and Zimmer Real Estate Services brought this dream to reality.
Accessibility was important, so we chose a site only a five-minute drive from Interstate 435. Our vision included a homelike atmosphere, respect for patient and family privacy, views of nature and space for family members in patient rooms and nearby.
The property is bordered on the north by the famous Santa Fe Trail, with its history of great journeys beginning and ending, families coming together and families saying goodbye.
Milestones
Ground was broken on April 7, 2005, with a ceremony and a crowd of more than 200 people.
We held “Leave Your Mark on Kansas City Hospice House,” an event on October 8, 2005. Attendees wrote on the unfinished floor of the chapel and the metal studs of the chapel walls, leaving words of inspiration and hope.
On April 5, 2006, the dedication event for Kansas City Hospice House brought together hundreds of people, including employees, supporters, neighbors and public servants.
The first patient arrived at Kansas City Hospice House on April 19, 2006. By the end of 2006, the facility had served more than 400 patients.
Kansas City Hospice House has been a place for families to share special times together despite being in the midst of the challenges of serious illness. Volunteers brought a pony to the courtyard to honor a patient’s birthday wish. After a teenaged patient died, about 60 of his classmates and family gathered in the chapel for a prayer service. One patient shared her love of singing and gave a concert at the facility.
Donor Support
The existence and success of Kansas City Hospice House would not be possible without donor and volunteer support.
Dr. Keith Ashcraft, retired chief of surgery at Children’s Mercy Hospital, volunteered to chair the capital campaign to raise money for Kansas City Hospice House. Committee members extended themselves in many ways and met with friends to encourage their support.
In addition, the first annual Kansas City Hospice Hop was in August 2004 to support Kansas City Hospice House. Led by volunteers, the Hop raised more than $1 million in its first three years.
Construction of Kansas City Hospice House was partially underwritten by the Missouri Department of Economic Development Neighborhood Assistance Program.
The Future
Kansas City Hospice House has 24 private rooms. The site will eventually allow for 48 beds total if needed.
A palliative medicine clinic also was included to allow our physicians to serve anyone from the community who needs their expertise. The clinic will open in the coming months.
Ongoing activities rely on the continued support of donors and volunteers. Learn more about how you can contribute to the future of Kansas City Hospice House. |
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