September 30, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Livingston HealthCare Celebrates 35 Years of the Tree of Life Ceremony
(Livingston, MT)— This December marks the 35th anniversary of the Tree of Life ceremony, a cherished tradition of unity, remembrance, and hope in the Livingston community. Hosted by the Livingston HealthCare Foundation and Livingston HealthCare’s Home Health and Hospice, the Tree of Life ceremony offers a space for reflection, healing and connection as we remember loved ones we’ve lost and celebrate healthcare workers who bring comfort and dignity to patients in their final days.
This year’s ceremony will be held at the Livingston Depot and will feature the lighting of a ceremonial tree and a special performance by the Livingston Community Choir, who will sing “Angels Among Us”—a song that has touched the hearts of attendees for years.
The Tree of Life was first envisioned by Julie Jardine, RN, who, along with other dedicated volunteers, founded Gateway Hospice in 1984. Since then, what began as a small volunteer-driven effort to care for the terminally ill has grown into the comprehensive Home Health and Hospice services now offered by Livingston HealthCare.
In addition to honoring loved ones and caregivers, the Tree of Life also supports vital hospice services in Park and Sweet Grass Counties. The Livingston HealthCare Foundation extends its gratitude to the Frances L. Stafford Foundation and the Alex Squillace Fund, which together make up the Hospice Endowment. This endowment provides ongoing financial support for Home Health and Hospice services, including patient care, equipment, staff training and assistance for hospice patients with significant needs.
The community is invited to attend the 35th annual Tree of Life ceremony. This event is more than just a tradition—it’s a way for our community to come together in support of one another,” says Nicki Walker, manager of Livingston HealthCare’s Home Health and Hospice Department. “We encourage everyone in the community to join us to light the tree, remember loved ones and celebrate the compassion that defines this community.”
Event Details:
- Date: December 4, 2024
- Time: 5:30 PM
- Location: Livingston Depot Center
- Featuring: Ceremonial tree lighting and music by the Livingston Community Choir
About Livingston HealthCare: Livingston HealthCare, in Livingston, Montana, is a not-for-profit, 25-bed critical access hospital with a Level 4 Community Trauma Facility, a multispecialty provider clinic, as well as rehabilitation, and home-based services. Home Health and Hospice is one of the many services we provide to ensure our community members receive the care they need, wherever they call home. Livingston HealthCare is an affiliate of Billings Clinic. www.LivingstonHealthCare.org
CONTACT:
Lindsey Pennell, Marketing and Communications Manager
Lindsey.Pennell@LivingstonHealthCare.org 406.823.6640