Tree lighting opens Holyoke VNA fundraiser

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The Holyoke Visiting Nurse Association began its annual fundraiser on Thursday, with its traditional tree lighting at the Holyoke Mall.

The Holyoke VNA hopes to raise at least $15,000 for its Hospice Life Care program. The VNA's Meghan Deitz said that their hospice program helps more than 250 families every year.

Lani Sattler told 22News that she is grateful to the Holyoke VNA nurses who helped her 91 year-old mother spend her last days at home, and for comforting Sattler's grieving son.

“He was comforted, and it made it that much easier dealing with my mother's death, and we were very proud of him. He was able to speak at the funeral,” Sattler said.

22News anchor Rich Tettemer once again served as master of ceremonies for the event. Rich has hosted the event every year since it began almost ten years ago.