We’ve released a Special Episode podcast today that you won’t want to miss. It’s our interview with Phil Alvarez. Phil is the brother of the late Luiz Alvarez. Lou, as he was called, was a New York police detective who served three months at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attack doing rescue and recovery. Diagnosed with stage four cancer about 16 years after the attack, Lou underwent treatment and then entered hospice when aggressive care was no long effective.
Phil Alvarez
Lou was an outspoken advocate for first responders who experienced health problems related to their work at Ground Zero. When the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund was in danger of not being refunded, Lou testified in front of the House Judiciary subcommittee to urge lawmaker to reauthorize the Fund. Lou elected hospice care not long after his testimony. Right up to his death, Lou remained a strong voice for his fellow officers and others who worked at the World Trade Center site following the 911 attack.
Lou and Phil Alvarez
In his interview, Phil talked about his journey with Lou, their time in hospice care, and the work Phil is now doing to carry his brother’s legacy forward. Phil is a retired Suffolk County police detective and works for Turley Hansen & Rosasco, LLP helping victims of the 9/11 attack. He and his sister partnered with NHPCO to make a video spotlighting their experience in end of life care. Phil encouraged hospice professionals to keep doing what we’re doing. He described their hospice experience as “a total blessing…every single person that we ran into in the hospice experience helped Lou Alvarez to have a beautiful transition and it has totally helped us with our grieving”.
Phil encouraged families not to wait too late to elect hospice, and voiced gratitude for his own hospice journey. Jerry and I are thankful that Phil was willing to share his story, and Lou’s story, with The Heart of Hospice and its listeners.
Phil and Lou Alvarez
As hospice professionals, we want to thank the Alvarez family for coming forward to talk about their experience with end of life care while they’re grieving for the loss of a beloved husband, son, father, brother, and hero.
No matter who you are, or where you are in your hospice journey, you are The Heart of Hospice.