Melbourne, FL (June 3, 2004) -- Hospice of Health First announced its new Palm Bay-based hospice house will be named the William Childs Hospice House, in memory of long-time Brevard County resident William Childs.

Childs' widow, Madeline, a 31-year resident of Melbourne, felt her husband received extraordinary care from Hospice of Health First during his final days, thus donating a generous monetary gift in his memory.

"When I needed them most, Hospice of Health First was there for me," said Childs. "People donate money for cancer research and Alzheimer's research, but, to date, no one has discovered a cure for death. Until they do, the need to care for the dying and their families will always exist."

Childs added, "More than anything else, this gift comes out of a sense of total gratitude; if I had more to give, I would give it."

Childs recently celebrated her 30-year anniversary with Harris Corporation. Once she retires, the planned donation will generate income for her retirement and leave Hospice of Health First with a generous donation upon her death.

"With the completion of the William Childs Hospice House, we will be adding another level of care for hospice patients in Brevard County," said Roberta Van Dusen, Hospice of Health First executive director. "This facility will offer a secluded home-like atmosphere for terminally ill patients to spend their final days relatively free from pain, surrounded by family and friends."

Scheduled for completion at the end of August, the William Childs Hospice House will sit on a five-acre tract on the north end of the Palm Bay Community Hospital campus. The first of its kind in Brevard County, the hospice house will free-standing in patient facility that will provide a nursing staff and skilled hospice professionals around the clock.

For information on Hospice of Health First, contact Roberta Van Dusen at (321) 952-0494; for information on fundraising opportunities for the William Childs Hospice House, contact Pam Bridges at the Health First Foundation office at (321) 434-7388.