Celebrating 45 Years of Caring for Life.
For 45 years, Blue Ridge Care has walked alongside individuals and families through some of life’s most complex moments—offering compassion, dignity, and connection when it matters most. What began on February 14, 1981, with the admission of Blue Ridge Hospice’s first patient, has grown into something much larger: a coordinated system of care that adapts to real lives, real needs, and real moments. This anniversary honors where we’ve been—and invites our community to help shape what comes next.
I never dared to imagine, when we admitted our first patient on Valentine’s Day in 1981, what Blue Ridge Hospice would go on to become.
Helen Zebarth
In our first year, we served 25 hospice patients. Today, we care for more than 500 people and their families on any given day. Over 45 years, our care has touched hundreds of thousands of lives across the community.
The 45th Anniversary Celebration isn’t just about looking back. It’s also about getting ready for the next chapter of care. And at Blue Ridge Care, we see a future where healthcare is easier to navigate and surrounds people with all the support they need. We are transforming how care is delivered, helping people stay in the comfort of their homes, receive the care they need earlier, and surround families with the support they deserve.
Share Your Story
For 45 years, Blue Ridge Care has been part of thousands of moments big and small, joyful and difficult, unforgettable and deeply personal.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re inviting you to share your story with us.
Thank you for taking a moment to reflect and share. We are honored to listen.
The Origin of the Butterfly
“I’m from South Dakota, and I worked with the Native Americans of the Lakota Tribe.
The tribe had a saying that said: “If a butterfly lands on your shoulder, you are the closest to God you’ll ever be until you go to heaven.”
When the time came to create a logo for Blue Ridge Hospice, I knew I wanted it to have a butterfly.”
— Helen Zebarth, M.Ed., RN (Ret.), Founder and Board Member Emeritus
January 27, 1981
This article in Winchester’s local newspaper was published a few weeks before Blue Ridge Care enrolled its very first patient into hospice on February 14, 1981.
My mother, Lynn Allen, was a patient of Blue Ridge Hospice, before the name change, for several years prior to her passing. Mom was very reluctant to sign up with hospice, but did so upon the strong encouragement of my sister and me. We are so grateful for all the support from nurses, aides, chaplain, music therapist, and volunteers during a time of slow decline and up to the very end of Mom’s life here on earth. May you be blessed and continue the work, which is grueling at times, but so very much needed by the families you serve!
Monica Dennison
IN MEMORY
Gail Read Rodgers
1931 — 2012
The death of her father in 1974 showed the need for a hospice in the Winchester area, and with Helen Zebarth, Gail helped to form Blue Ridge Hospice.
IN MEMORY
George Burdette Caley III
1939 — 2023
George was a visionary leader, dedicated healthcare executive, and a foundational force behind Blue Ridge Hospice. As a close friend of founder Helen Zebarth and a leader at Winchester Medical Center at the time of our founding, George played an instrumental role in helping bring the organization to life. His guidance, insight, and unwavering commitment shaped Blue Ridge Hospice in its earliest days and continued to influence its growth for decades, remaining deeply devoted to our mission. His legacy lives on in the care we provide and the countless lives touched because of his leadership and compassion.
March 7, 1991
Celebrating 10 years of Blue Ridge Hospice: “On Saturday, March 16, Ridge Hospice will celebrate its 10th anniversary at an awards banquet at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club.”
Care That Multiplies Across Generations
1981: 25 patients served
2025: 2,369 patients served
Multiply each patient by the caregivers and families who walk alongside them, and the impact of Blue Ridge Care spans hundreds of thousands of lives across generations.
When [my mom] entered the final stage of her life, Hospice was incredibly helpful, caring, and supportive. They were available to us 24/7 and took their time during each visit to make sure we understood what was happening and what to expect. In addition to caring for my mother, Hospice continued to check on us as a family after her passing. We are truly grateful for all the amazing and compassionate work Hospice provided to our family during one of the most difficult times of our lives.
Connie Plaugher
Do you have a story to share, too?
We would love to hear from you!
Please submit your story below or get in touch with us via Communications@BlueRidgeCare.org.
