New Advisory Board Chairman for Hospice

11/30/2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Laura Hubbard

903-7700

NOVEMBER 30, 2005

New Advisory Board Chairman for Hospice

North Wilkesboro, NC- The chairmanship of the Hospice Advisory Board changed hands Friday, November 11, 2005. Outgoing Chairman Gary Stone officially passed the position to Jim Shumate, a long time Wilkes County resident and active Hospice volunteer.

Mr. Shumate has been involved with Hospice of Wilkes Regional Medical Center (WRMC) since 2000. The care Hospice provided during his wife's battle with cancer inspired Jim to become involved as a Hospice volunteer. He became a member of the Advisory Board in 2004. During his years with Hospice, Jim has coordinated numerous services for patients and their families. On many occasions he has resourced funds for wheel chair ramps and assisted in their construction, mowed yards and chopped firewood, to name a few services he has rendered for Hospice patients.

Jim is retired from Luwa-Bahnson, where he was Vice President of Human Resources and Safety. Luwa-Bahnson is an international air engineering company located in Winston-Salem. He attended the University of North Carolina, where he graduated in 1962 with a BS degree in Industrial Relations.

Jim moved back to Wilkes in 1997 with his wife Ann, who lost her battle with cancer in May, 2000. He has one daughter, Judith, who lives in Wilmington, NC.

The mission of Hospice is to provide comfort and care to patients who have a prognosis of six months or less, and for Life Transitions, one year or less. A team of counselors, nurses and volunteers provide medical, emotional and spiritual care for both the patient and their family.

Hospice makes it possible for terminally ill patients to remain in the comfort of their own home during their final days.

Hospice of Wilkes Regional Medical Center is a United Way agency. Referrals can be made by anyone by calling 903-7700.