Every child deserves comfort, compassion, and joy

Tracey Dobson, President & CEO, Mountain Valley

When people hear the words pediatric hospice or palliative care, they often think only about illness. As compassionate human beings, it’s difficult to imagine a child facing a serious medical condition, and many families don’t realize that specialized support is available to help them through that journey.

But that’s exactly why programs like Mountain Valley’s Love’s PEAK exist. (The PEAK acronym stands for Providing Empathy and Assurance for Kids.) These programs are few and far between, and are so important to the families they serve. Nationally, pediatric hospice programs are scarse, with only a small percentage of hospice organizations offering formally established pediatric teams.

At Mountain Valley, we believe every child deserves to experience as much comfort, joy, and quality of life as possible. We also believe every family deserves compassionate guidance, encouragement, and support as they navigate challenges no parent ever expects to face.

Pediatric hospice and palliative care are about so much more than medical care. They are about helping children continue to be children. They are about helping families create meaningful moments together, celebrating milestones, easing symptoms, answering difficult questions, and walking beside parents, siblings, and caregivers every step of the way.

Every family’s journey is different. In every situation, our role is the same: to meet families where they are, listen carefully to what matters most, and provide care that reflects their goals, hopes, and wishes.

Why specialized pediatric hospice care matters

Love’s PEAK is built on both clinical expertise and extraordinary compassion. In the two short videos below, you’ll hear from two members of Mountain Valley’s pediatric team. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Glenn Golaszewski explains why pediatric hospice and palliative care are so important—and why specialized programs like Love’s PEAK remain so rare. Then, Farrah Thompson, RN, shares what that compassionate care looks like through the eyes of the families we are privileged to serve.

One of the most moving observations Dr. Golaszewski has heard from parents is their fear that, after losing a child, others will eventually forget that their son or daughter ever existed. One of the unexpected gifts of pediatric hospice is that families know they are surrounded by caregivers who truly knew and loved their child—and who will always remember them. That kind of presence, compassion, and remembrance is one of the defining qualities of Love’s PEAK.

What compassionate pediatric care looks like

Dr. Golaszewski’s comments remind us that pediatric hospice is about much more than managing symptoms. It’s about ensuring that children are known, loved, and remembered while helping families create meaningful moments together. Those moments are at the heart of Love’s PEAK and are reflected every day in the work of Mountain Valley’s pediatric team.

One of the things that makes Love’s PEAK so special is that the care extends far beyond the child. Our team also supports parents, siblings, grandparents, and other loved ones, recognizing that serious illness affects the entire family. We understand that every family experiences this journey differently, and we are committed to providing care that is as unique as the children we serve.

At Mountain Valley, we often say that every moment matters. That belief is especially meaningful when caring for children. Whether it’s helping a child feel well enough to enjoy a favorite activity, creating opportunities for families to spend precious time together, or simply providing comfort during a difficult day, our goal is always the same: to make each moment as meaningful as it can be.

No family chooses this journey. But no family should have to walk it alone.

Through Love’s PEAK, Mountain Valley is honored to walk beside children and families with compassion, expertise, and hope—helping them make the most of every moment together.