Compassion that never wavers: The heart of Mountain Valley’s charity care
Sometimes, it only takes a moment in a special place to remind us of what truly matters.
At Mountain Valley’s recent Oyster Roast and Low Country Boil fundraiser, joined by friends, colleagues, and hospice supporters at the beautiful Shelton Vineyards, I was reminded of the power of community – of what can happen when compassion and generosity come together in service of something greater than ourselves.
Mountain Valley has been walking alongside families in our community since 1983. For more than 40 years, one promise has remained unshakable: we have never turned anyone away because they couldn’t pay. Not once. And we never will.
That promise is made possible through Mountain Valley’s Charity Care Program, which ensures that every patient receives care with dignity, regardless of their financial circumstances. Beyond that, it allows us to offer the deeper, compassionate moments of hospice care: the chaplain who prays with a family in their final hours, the social worker who sits with a grieving child, the volunteer who simply holds a hand in quiet moments.
Insurance doesn’t cover those things. You do.
Every gift, large or small, sustains this mission. Each act of generosity represents not just dollars, but dignity, peace, and love for families who need it most.
In the video below, families and team members share what that care truly means. A grateful family member reflects, “Mountain Valley was so good to us. They provided comfort and compassion for mom—for us.” A patient, Faye Schneider (pictured) shared, “I just felt like living again. They just gave me life. The people at Mountain Valley treated us like we were family.” Their words remind us that hospice care isn’t only about medicine – it’s about moments. Moments of grace, of being seen, of being loved when it matters most. Every moment matters.
You’ll also hear from our team members who carry this mission forward every day. Together, they share how last year alone Mountain Valley provided $500,000 in charity care to patients who couldn’t afford services. As Tracey, our president and CEO, explains, “We meet people where they are, and everyone’s needs are different. Some have a lot, some have none… but everyone gets the same care, in the place they need, at the time they need, with no questions asked.”
For our pediatric patients—many of those whose care isn’t fully covered by insurance—charity care means even more. These are some of our most vulnerable families, and your generosity ensures that every child receives the same compassionate, comprehensive care as anyone else.
Mr. Steve Johnson (pictured) shared, “My wife came down with a very aggressive cancer… Mountain Valley was there for us when we needed help. I wanted to give something back, in memory of her.” Those stories of gratitude are what sustains this mission and inspires others to give.
As we shared that afternoon, surrounded by good food, music, and the beauty of the vineyard, one message rang clear:
“Here’s to compassion that never wavers, to community that never fails, and to the promise that no one walks this journey alone.”
I invite you to take a few moments to watch this video and reflect on the impact of your generosity. Thank you for standing with Mountain Valley, for standing with our patients, and for reminding us what community truly means.
🎥 Watch the video below to experience the passion and heart that spur Mountain Valley’s Charity Care Program.
