Search Results

Reviewed by: Suzanne Grafals, LCSW - Grief Counselor with VIA Health Partners A Movie Review - The Life List: A Journey Through Grief, Purpose, and Rediscovery Grief doesn't come with a roadmap; but sometimes, it comes with a list. In this emotionally grounded film, we follow Alex, a young woman navigating the first raw year after her mother's death from cancer. Instead of receiving traditional inheritance money or a company title, Alex is given something far more personal: a list of childhood goals and a final request to rediscover the person she once dreamed of becoming. To receive each heartfelt video message her mother recorded before passing, Alex must first complete a goal. In doing so, her grief transforms into a journey of healing, self-reflection, and unexpected joy. Each completed task peels back a layer of who Alex used to be and who she might still become. What makes these moments powerful is their imperfection. They are simple, real, and full of heart, reminding us that healing doesn't happen all at once. Sometimes, it comes in small, messy steps forward. Rather than offering neat resolutions or polished storylines, the film embraces the nonlinear reality of loss. It reminds us that moving forward doesn't mean letting go. It means carrying love with us into whatever come next. There's no dramatic makeover; no tired cliche about "everything happens for a reason." Instead, there's a quiet, honest truth: you're still here and that matters. Once of the film's most moving themes is reconnection, not just with those we've lost, but with the parts of ourselves we thought were gone with them. There's no forced optimism or empty comfort. Just the reminder that life after loss isn't about finding a silver lining; it's about honoring the love that remains by choosing to keep living. This is a film for anyone learning how to live again in the wake of loss. Tender, raw, and deeply human. It's an honest companion for those walking through grief. Question for Processing Grief and Rediscovery: Think back to your childhood dreams. What's one goal or passion you had as a kid that you've left behind? Could it still have a place in your life? How do you stay connected to those you've lost? Are there rituals, places, stories, or traditions that help keep their memory alive? If you were to leave behind a message for someone you love, what would you want them to remember most about you? What would you want them to carry forward? How are you experiencing healing right now, not as an end goal, but as a living, ongoing process? We're here to support you - We listen . We support . We care . - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113  or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form . You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar .

By: Jasmine Blue, MA - Grief Counselor with VIA Health Partners When the Holidays Hurt: Grieving Through the Season For many, the holidays are wrapped in joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for those carrying grief, the season can feel like standing outside in the cold, watching a party you can't seem to join. Grief doesn't take a break for the holidays. If anything, the season can sharpen the ache, highlighting every empty seat at the table and every missing laugh. It's the quietest moments: the decorating, the shopping, the stillness after the festivities end, where loss often screams the loudest. Yet, there is no rulebook for grieving during the holidays or any season meant for celebration. There is only this truth - you are allowed to experience the holidays differently now! Here is what grief during the holidays really looks like: Feeling disconnected, even when surrounded by people. Smiling outwardly while aching inwardly. Feeling pressure to "keep it together" for the sake of tradition. Wanting to skip everything and feeling guilty about it. Remembering "what was" while wrestling with "what is." As you go through this holiday season, remember that grieving during the holidays is not a failure of the "holiday spirit," it is a continuation of love expressed in tears, silence, memories and/or the stubborn courage it takes to show up at all. As you navigate your grief this holiday season, here are 5 gentle reminders : You are allowed to change traditions. If the old ways feel too painful, create something new or do nothing at all. You don't owe anyone your presence. Say "yes" only to what feels safe and supportive. Decline what feels overwhelming. Honor your grief openly. Set a chair. Light a candle, Share a story. Let your loved one's absence be seen and felt. Build in breathing room. Leave space between events. Step outside. Drive alone if you need the freedom to leave early. Find tiny anchors of peace. A warm drink. A handwritten note. A walk at sunset. Small, steady acts of care that carry you through. Remember, you are not behind. You are not broken. You are simply living through a season that asks your heart to stretch in ways others may not understand. This holiday, your grief is not a disruption; it's a testament to love that refuses to be silenced. Grief doesn't ruin the holidays. It reshapes them. It asks us to make room for sorrow and celebration to sit at the same table. We're here to support you - We listen . We support . We care . - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113  or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form . You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar .

VIA Health Partners to Provide Hospice Services in Cumberland County Certificate of Need approval clears path for 2026 launch CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sept. 16, 2025  — VIA Health Partners announced today that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has approved its application for a Certificate of Need (CON) to develop a new hospice home care office in Cumberland County. The decision, issued July 28, authorizes VIA Health Partners to expand its hospice and palliative care services into Cumberland County, meeting a need identified in the 2025 State Medical Facilities Plan. The approved project represents an $85,000 capital investment and follows VIA’s longstanding mission to ensure that families facing serious illness have access to high-quality, patient-centered care in their own communities. “This approval marks an important milestone for VIA Health Partners and for families in Cumberland County,” said Peter Brunnick, president and CEO of VIA Health Partners. “Our organization has served patients across the Carolinas for more than 47 years, and we are honored to bring our model of expert, compassionate care to a new region of the state.” As part of the approval, VIA Health Partners is committed to providing culturally competent care, ensuring that hospice and palliative care services are accessible to medically underserved populations throughout Cumberland County. The conditional approval outlines a timetable for implementation that includes opening the new office by spring 2026, with services expected to begin in April 2026.                                                                                              About VIA Health Partners VIA Health Partners is an independent, community-based not-for-profit provider of hospice and serious illness care, serving patients and families in thirty-eight counties across the Carolinas. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, VIA Health Partners provides exceptional, compassionate care for more than 5,000 patients and their families each day. Learn more at www.viahp.org . Media Contact: Peggy Brookhouse                        704.488.2753                        peggy@brookhousegroup.com

VIA Health Partners promises to provide exceptional hospice and palliative care, to guide you and your family on this journey, and to respect your choices. Your comfort, needs, and wishes come first. You can count on us - where you need us and when you need us. ​ That is our promise. Home-Based Primary Care Compassionate care, right at home. Equity Health offers personalized home-based primary care services - bringing quality healthcare to you. Learn more... Join us in celebrating our new name! Becoming VIA Health Partners We're bringing our family of hospice organizations under one new name. You currently know us as... Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region Hospice & Palliative Care Lake Norman Hospice & Palliative Care Lincoln County Hospice & Palliative Care Palmetto Region Hospice Cleveland County Hospice of Laurens County Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Aldersgate Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster Levine & Dickson Hospice House - Huntersville Levine & Dickson Hospice House - Wendover Testa Family Hospice House About VIA Becoming VIA Health Partners is an important change for the communities we serve... and a unifying moment for our organization. Our name change elevates our ability to achieve our mission and purpose ... ...to relieve suffering and improve the quality and dignity of life through compassionate hospice care for those at end-of-life, palliative care for those with advanced illness, and through community education . Mission Click to View Video with Sound providing exceptional care since 1978 Services Operating since 1978, we are a non-profit specialized in providing end-of-life care to 38 counties across North and South Carolina. View Office Locations >> View Hospice House Locations >> hospice care in a peaceful, home-like setting ...inpatient care The comfort of our patients is our top concern and that is why we offer hospice care wherever a patient calls home. But for instances where acute, around-the-clock care is needed, our 6 hospice houses allow for comfortable care in a peaceful, home-like setting. Learn more about our Hospice Houses compassionate end-of-life care ...hospice care Hospice is comfort-oriented care focused on quality of life for patients with a diagnosis of months, weeks, or days to live. We will bring our care to you, whether in the home, assisted living community, long term care community, or hospital. Learn more about Hospice Care support & enhanced quality of life ...palliative care Palliative care helps those living with a serious illness maintain their quality of life while also providing support to family and loved ones. Learn more about Palliative Care tailored treatment for a unique diagnosis ...specialty care We believe that each patient under our care deserves focused, tailored treatment designed to alleviate pain and symptoms unique to their diagnosis. Dementia Care Program >> Pediatric Care Program >> Veteran Care Program >> supporting you on this journey ...grief support Grief is a normal, natural response to the loss of someone or something important. It is unique to the person experiencing it and is as individual as the relationship that brought it about. Because of this uniqueness and individuality, there is no set timetable for how a person goes through the process. Likewise, what is helpful for some people may not be helpful for others. Learn more about Grief Support

Discover the caring and compassionate physicians at VIA Health Partners. Meet the dedicated medical team providing expert palliative and hospice care. Physician Dr. Sara N. Badano Dr. Badano received her B.S. in Biology from Liceo Logosofico and obtained her medical degree from Facultad de Medicina – Universidad de la Republica Oriental del Uruguay. She completed her Internal medicine residency at the University of Illinois – Chicago and is board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Badano joined HPCCR in 2021. Physician Dr. Carley Borrelli Dr. Borrelli graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor in Science in 2015. She attended the Medical College of Georgia where she earned a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health in 2020. She completed her Family Medicine Residency at Novant Health in 2023, finished her Hospice and Palliative Fellowship at Atrium Health in 2024, and joined VIA Health Partners in 2024. Dr. Borrelli resides in Charlotte with her husband, Michael, and their dog, Layla. Physician Dr. April Caperna - Physician Dr. Kirsten D'Amore - Physician Dr. Christen (Chrissie) J. Fisher, MD HMDC Dr. Fisher received her B.S. in Biology from Wake Forest University and earned her medical degree in 2003 from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She completed Emergency Medicine residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. She initially practiced as academic faculty in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Wake Forest University teaching and overseeing residents and medical students and later practiced community-based emergency medicine in Charlotte, NC. She joined VIA Health Partners in 2016 and has earned her Hospice Medical Director Certification from the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board. She enjoys traveling internationally with her family and has had the opportunity to serve overseas in Togo, Gabon, and Madagascar. Physician Dr. Carmella (Carla) Gismondi-Eagan, MD FACP ABCL HMDC Dr. Gismondi-Eagan received her degree in Biochemistry from Brown University and her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency including a Chief Resident year at AGH/Medical College of PA - Hanneman College of Medicine. She was awarded a National Public Health Scholarship and began her career serving in a Community Health Center on the border in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She came to North Carolina in 2008 and has served in multiple roles (including Hospice and Palliative medicine) as an Internal Medicine Specialist with Atrium Health. She has board certifications in Internal Medicine and Clinical Lipidology, as well as Hospice Medical Director Board Certification. She joined VIA Health Partners in 2023. Physician Dr. Donnielle Green - Physician Dr. Bridget Hiller Dr. Hiller received her medical degree from State University of New York Brooklyn. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at North Shore University Hospital 2005 and went on to serve as Chief Resident. She completed her fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2012, became fellow for the Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2019, and also passed her Hospice Medical Director certification in 2019. In 2021 she was chosen as one of 50 women physicians as a Woman’s Wellness through Equity and Leadership (WEL) Scholar from the American Hospital Association. Physician Dr. Hunter Hoover - Physician Dr. John Peter (J.P.) McBryde Dr. McBryde graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Davidson College in 1986 and a Medical Degree from Medical University of South Carolina in 1992. He then completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL and a fellowship in sports medicine at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. He is board certified by ABEM in both. Dr. McBryde is from Charlotte and was a faculty member with the Department of Emergency Medicine at CMC for many years. He returned to the Charlotte region in late 2021 after 6 years with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. In November 2022, Dr. McBryde joined HPCCR. Physician Dr. Urvashi Mehta - Physician Dr. Kelsey Nestor - Physician Dr. Shenita Moore Dr. Moore received her B.A. in Biology from Johns Hopkins University in 2004 and Medical Degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 2009. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Carolinas Medical Center (now Atrium Health) in 2012. She completed fellowships in geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Health in 2014. She is board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She has worked in multiple roles including inpatient hospice, home hospice, nursing facility medical director, and most recently 9 years in outpatient palliative medicine in oncology. Dr. Moore is a North Carolina native (from eastern NC) and loves spending time with her family, reading, and watching football. Physician Dr. Hsiao (Janny) Soriano -

We care for your patients just as you would. Visit us to learn more about hospice or palliative care referrals. Physician Resources We care for your patients just as you would. Refer a Patient Request More Information Physician Information Physician FAQs More Available 24/7 • 365 Days a Year • Call Us Anytime: 833.839.1113 Physician Information Referring Your Patients What to Include When Referring a Patient Hospice Admissions Criteria Palliative Medicine Admissions Criteria Reimbursement for Services Community Education Hospice Care Admissions Criteria Individuals may be eligible for Hospice Care if they meet the following criteria: Individuals reside in VIA Health Partners 38-county service area throughout North & South Carolina Patients are referred and followed by their physician or healthcare provider, and have a life expectancy of six months or less. Referrals may also be made by patients or family members. Individuals live in assisted living residences or skilled nursing facilities and require end-of-life care Community Education VIA Health Partners is proud to offer our community a wide range of services and training. From end-of-life planning to grief topics, we continually provide educational opportunities to individuals and organizations within our service area. Professional Education We offer many educational opportunities free of charge to the communities we serve. Many of our presentations have been approved for continuing education units for CNAs by the N.C. Division of Facility Services. These presentations also provide social work and nurse contact hours. To schedule any of these sessions, or to inquire about additional educational resources we provide, please call us at 833.839.1113 or complete our online form to request a speaker. Community Education VIA Health Partners remains highly visible through an array of community outreach efforts. We offer community educational presentations on end-of-life planning, advance directives, grief in the workplace, and other topics to a wide variety of audiences every day. Our Education & Resource Managers are happy to visit your workplace, community of faith, or service organization to make a presentation on a variety of end-of-life topics. We have a listing of core presentations and all can be customized to your specific needs. This service is provided free of charge by VIA Health Partners. For more information or to schedule a presentation, please call us at 833.839.1113 or complete our online form to request a speaker. Two Easy Ways to Refer a Patient At VIA Health Partners, the well-being of your patients - members of the communities we support - is our top priority. You deserve peace of mind when referring patients to us, knowing that we will care for them just as you would. We have been providing end-of-life care as a singular focus since 1978. You can trust our expertise and devotion. VIA Health Partners offers your patients quality of life. Whether they need palliative care to help with serious illness or hospice care for end of life, their goals and wishes will be respected. We will provide an entire team of caring professionals who will take care of them - mind, body, and spirit. Making a referral is easy: Call us. 704.375.0100 We'll take it from there. Fax us. 704.335.3522 Use our Fax Cover Sheet to fax your patient referral . Need help? Complete a contact form with your name and phone number and we will call you to answer all of your questions. Palliative Medicine Admissions Criteria Patients may be eligible for Palliative Medicine if they meet the following criteria: Individuals reside in VIA Health Partners 38-county service area throughout North & South Carolina Individuals with a life-limiting illness desire care with a focus on comfort, pain and symptom management, and other supportive interventions Individuals have a palliative medicine referral from a physician What to Include When Referring a Patient VIA Health Partners (Main Office) 7845 Little Avenue Charlotte, NC 28226 Tel: 833.839.1113 | Fax: 704.335.3522 View all office locations here . If you are a physician, please fax the following items to 704.335.3522, along with the completed VIA Health Partners Fax Cover Sheet and Referral Form . History & Physical Form (H&P) for the patient Copy of the patients demographic sheet (face sheet) Progress notes or other patient documentation If you would like immediate assistance, please call us at 833.839.1113. Thank you for considering VIA Health Partners. During normal business hours, we will respond to your inquiry within four hours or less. For referrals after normal business hours and on weekends, please call 833.839.1113. Reimbursement for Services Covering Care Hospice care and palliative medicine services are routinely covered by Medicare and Medicaid. These services are also covered by most employer-provided health care plans, although the specific coverage will vary by plan. VIA Health Partners accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Please check with your health care plan administrator to learn more about your own coverage for hospice care and palliative medicine services. VIA Health Partners believe that a patient’s financial situation should not be a barrier to receiving quality healthcare, so we provide need-based financial assistance that is funded through community support. If you have private insurance, VIA Health Partners will contact your insurance company prior to admission to determine your policy’s specific benefits. Our Managed Care Coordinator will be available to assist you or your loved one with any questions you may have regarding your private insurance benefits. Physician FAQs Frequently asked questions Frequently Asked Physician Questions Do I have to give up the care of my patient after I refer to hospice? No. Your relationship with your patient remains our priority. When your patient comes under the care of VIA Health Partners, we become your partner. We will visit your patient, keep you updated on his/her condition, and advocate for services that he/she needs. Given your history with the patient, we will look to you for guidance about their values, preferred communication style, and medical history. What will my role be if my patient receive palliative care from VIA Health Partners? You will remain the primary care physician for your patient, but he/she will also receive consultations from a palliative care physician or nurse practitioner from VIA Health Partners. Our palliative care team will coordinate with you and your staff to jointly direct the treatment for the patient. We will facilitate communication among health care providers to ensure the best care for your patient. Will I receive updates on my patient after referral? Yes. We will stay in regular communication with you regarding your patient's condition. If an early referral is made, but my patient is not yet eligible, will VIA Health Partners follow my patient until he/she/they are hospice appropriate? Yes. We are happy to stay in contact with you about your patient's condition until he/she/they become hospice appropriate. What are the benefits to me/my staff? When your patients come under the care of VIA Health Partners, our care team will become their primary contact for care. That includes pain and symptom management, specific needs during and after business hours, emotional and spiritual support for the patient and family, help with advance care planning, and fewer trips to the Emergency Room. Our staff also helps the patient and family navigate the often-complex healthcare system.