Hospice Experiences Inspire Lifelong Giving for Massage Therapist

For over 30 years, Peg Winczewski has supported patients and families through MultiCare Home Health & Hospice as a donor and an employee. Her passion stems from a family connection, as both of her parents received hospice care.

Peg remembers her mom’s cancer diagnosis and the pivotal moment that inspired her career.

“When I turned 26, my mom was diagnosed with cancer,” she shares. “We had the benefit of having her at home. Being able to spend time with her and seeing the hospice team bring these great benefits to her to help with her pain physically, spiritually and emotionally and just take loving care of her — that really imprinted on my mind as a 26-year-old what I wanted to be when I grew up.”

Following her mother’s passing in 1987, Peg earned her master’s degree at University of Washington and began her career as a social worker with MultiCare Home Health & Hospice in 1990. Several years later, she earned her massage license and began providing gentle massage to hospice patients through MultiCare’s Comfort Therapies program. The program provides complimentary massage, aromatherapy, reiki, therapeutic music and other services not covered by insurance to improve patients’ quality of life.

“The most rewarding part is introducing gentle massage to a patient who may be anxious and fearful and within five minutes seeing them relax and wanting to know when I will be returning,” Peg says. She adds that families are also relieved to see loved ones well cared for.

A Legacy of Giving Back

Last year, Peg and her wife, Kris, went through the Thompson & Associates values-based estate planning process, which helped them start thinking about the future and their legacy.

“Meeting with an estate planner, there’s no obligation — it was low pressure,” Peg shares. “I received a lot of information, and it gave me peace of mind to know that I have a plan in place.”

Peg’s passion for hospice inspired the couple to donate part of Peg’s retirement to sustain vital services like comfort therapies at MultiCare.

“We are all in this together. Even if you grow up well taken care of, there is always somebody who helps you out — even with things money cannot buy, like emotional support,” Peg says. “Hospice really helped me and my family get through a tough period, and I feel blessed and grateful.”

There are many ways you can leave a legacy honoring your experience like Peg and Kris. To learn more, contact our gift planning team at 253-403-1264 or plannedgiving@multicare.org.