His Life’s Work: Jim Holston’s Message of Hope Continues

In the Fall of 2008, I was given the task of producing a program about Hospice care. I was determined to make it accessible to everyone and not let it get too depressing or overly sentimental. I thought a show about Hospice could very easily go that way. Then, I met Jim Holston, the man responsible for bringing the program, “Live Strong. Die Well.,” to the screen. He was an elegant man, charming and approachable with a gift for public speaking and a sardonic sense of humor. He spent over 2 decades in the Hospice field as a volunteer, an educator and finally as a patient. With passion and humor, he diligently spread the word about what Hospice is… and what it isn’t.

To that end, I talked to Jim extensively about his Hospice experience as well as other experts in the field who represent the Hospice team. After meeting these remarkable people, I knew that we, here at KACV, had a responsibility to present the truth about Hospice care for the benefit of not only those who are unaware of its attributes, but also for those who like Jim, work in the field as well as to the patients and families who have experienced Hospice and know what an exceptional community it is.

I asked Jim what he wanted to say with this program, what did he want people to take away from watching it. He said he wanted people to know that hospice is not a death sentence; it is not giving up, or failure, but a choice to live as long as you can on your own terms, surrounded by loved ones and without suffering. I am proud to have known him and hope after watching “Live Strong. Die Well.” You will see why.