Announcing the Dorion Family Pediatric Center: A New Home for Compassionate Pediatric Care

The Foundation for Community Hospice & Palliative Care Announces Dorion Family Pediatric Center

Groundbreaking #1 – From left to right: Fontaine LeMaistre, Patrice Austin, Tabitha Furyk, Mary McElroy, Susan Dubow, Annie Tuttle, Dottie Dorion, Liza Dorion, Mark Dorion, Helen Dorion, Fernando Acosta-Rua, Phillip Ward, Kevin Robbins

January 28, 2025 (Jacksonville, Fla.) – The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care is proud to announce the establishment of the Dorion Family Pediatric Center. This transformative initiative aims to improve outcomes for pediatric patients and their families while expanding access to care for children living with complex illnesses in our community.

The Dorion Family Pediatric Center will elevate the Community PedsCare® program, providing a tailored environment designed to meet the unique needs of children and their families. This new space will allow for an expanded range of therapies and support services in a dedicated, pediatric-friendly setting.

The new center will offer a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where pediatric patients and their families can find comfort and connection. By fostering socialization among children with similar conditions, the center aims to reduce the isolation often experienced by families. Additionally, the centralized location will significantly reduce travel time for the clinical team, who spent countless hours traveling to patients’ homes last year. This change will enable specialists to spend more time delivering direct care and support to families.

The facility will also provide comprehensive therapeutic recreation activities to promote community integration and normalization for children with varying abilities. This inclusive approach will help build a supportive community for children with life-limiting medical complexities. Moreover, the center will serve as a sanctuary for families navigating the emotional challenges of pediatric illnesses, offering a space for parents, patients, and siblings to find solace and strength.

The Dorion Family Pediatric Center is named in honor of the Dorion family, who are steadfast advocates for compassionate care. Their visionary leadership played a pivotal role in establishing the organization, and their enduring generosity has now come full circle with this transformative gift. Their legacy of compassion and dedication will continue to shape the future of pediatric care in our community for generations to come.

The Dorion Family Pediatric Center will offer a broad range of services, including caregiver support programs, psychosocial care, spiritual care tailored to the needs of families, and regularly scheduled events that foster community and provide moments of respite. Educational opportunities will be available to help families and caregivers learn and grow, while on-site activities will give caregivers much-needed breaks from their responsibilities.

For more information about the Dorion Family Pediatric Center and ways to support this vital initiative, please visit campaign.thefoundationcares.org.