What My Hospice means is different to each individual and family we serve. For Lou Alvarez, it meant being able to advocate for a cause he believed in until his final days. As Medicare’s first coordinated care model, we must protect the services under the hospice Medicare Hospice Benefit for heroes like Lou.

As a first responder on 9/11, NYPD Detective Lou Alvarez knew there was a risk to his life when he worked 12-hour tours for three months at ground zero, but he refused to let that stop him from his duty to protect and serve the people of New York City.

But in 2016, the toxic air exposure led to a stage four cancer diagnosis. As Lou fought his illness, he also fought for funding for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, which led him all the way to Congress.  Here, Lou’s family shares how hospice helped Lou fight until the end.

We invite you to keep promoting the power of hospice by joining the My Hospice campaign. Please consider sharing this post with your family and friends on Facebook and Twitter, or share your My Hospice story with us.