When Tina Grice first entered the world of hospice care, she didn’t realize how profoundly it would shape her life or how deeply she would touch the lives of others. What began as a response to personal grief became a calling rooted in empathy, compassion, and resilience.

Tina’s journey began in 2008, when her mother received hospice care during a difficult time for their family. The experience left a lasting impression. The team’s kindness, patience, and thoughtful support helped her mother and also uplifted Tina and her father in ways she would never forget. Years later, when her partner entered hospice, she again witnessed the power of compassionate end-of-life care.

Motivated by these experiences, Tina felt called to give back. She began volunteering in 2012 with Hospice Hawaii (now Navian Hawaii) and later with another on-island hospice organization. In 2023, she returned to Navian Hawaii, where she continues to serve patients and their families with care and commitment.

Today, Tina volunteers by providing respite for caregivers, offering them the time to recharge or tend to their own needs. Her visits vary depending on the patient. Sometimes she’ll talk story or watch TV with them, other times she’ll help with light household tasks or meals. For patients with little family support or who live in care facilities, her presence offers meaningful companionship and a reminder that they are not alone.

For Tina, the most rewarding part of her role is giving caregivers a chance to step away from the emotional and physical demands of care. She also cherishes the opportunity to hear patients’ life stories. But often, it’s the quiet moments that stay with her most: holding a hand, exchanging a smile, or simply sitting together in silence. These small gestures, she says, are priceless.

To anyone considering volunteering at Navian, Tina shares this advice: “Let go of what you think hospice is. It’s not just about caring for the dying but about providing the best quality of life for the patient and supporting families through the process. It’s not always easy, but it’s not about you. Often, all we need to do is be present, listen, and remember to meet the patients where they are, not where you want or expect them to be. The volunteer experience can be the most gratifying thing you will ever do.”