Published on July 23, 2026
As part of Alive 24/7 Giving Day, we’re honored to share this open letter from John Marshall, whose wife, Beth, received care from Alive.
In his own words, John reflects on Beth’s remarkable life, the care they received, and why he believes no family should face the end of life without the support of hospice. We hope you’ll take a moment to read his letter and consider joining him in supporting Alive’s mission of providing compassionate care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Dear Friends,
My wife Beth used to say, “Hospice is not about the end of life. It’s about living to the end of life. It’s about being alive.”
Beth and I were no strangers to Alive. Years ago, before we ever imagined we would need their services ourselves, we volunteered at the very first regatta. Beth understood the mission long before it became our story.
She passed away earlier this year after a journey with ovarian cancer. But this letter is not about how she died. It is about how she lived — and how Alive helped her do exactly that.
When Beth’s doctors told us it was time to consider hospice, we knew exactly who to call. We didn’t hesitate, because we already knew what Alive stood for. They didn’t just care for Beth in her final months; they gave her the dignity, comfort, and independence to live fully on her own terms. They allowed her to remain my Beth — not a patient, not a diagnosis, but the extraordinary woman who planned her own funeral service, organized her affairs, and even completed detailed interior design plans for our new home.
Beth faced the end of her life with the same grace and intention she brought to every day of it. All made possible thanks to Alive.
Alive does not keep business hours.
When a family calls at 1 a.m. because a loved one is in crisis, someone answers. When a patient needs comfort in the middle of the night, a nurse is already on the way. When a caregiver is exhausted and doesn’t know where to turn, support is available around the clock — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
That is why July 24 matters. Alive 24/7 Day exists to celebrate and sustain this commitment to continuous care. This day belongs entirely to Alive and the families we serve.
Last year, this community raised over $30,000. For 2026, our goal is $50,000. Every dollar will help ensure that no family in Middle Tennessee has to face living to the end of life alone, afraid, or without support — no matter the hour, no matter the need.
Beth’s legacy lives on in every person who receives care from Alive. She believed in this mission before she needed it. Now I am asking you to believe in it too.
Please consider making a gift on July 24. Whatever the amount – $24, $240, $2400, or any gift that feels meaningful to you, your support will help Alive continue to be there — truly there — when families need them most. To give, simply visit AliveHospice.org/247.
My grief has not gone away. I don’t expect it to. But there is a difference between losing someone and losing someone well — surrounded, supported, and at peace. Alive gave Beth her final months on her own terms, and it gave me something I didn’t know to ask for: the certainty that we did this the way she wanted. That certainty lets me mourn her in peace.
With gratitude and hope,
John A. Marshall
Husband of Alive patient, Beth Marshall
P.S. If you have already made a gift in Beth’s memory through the regatta or another tribute, please know how deeply that has touched our family. This letter is simply an invitation to join us in supporting the place that made all the difference for Beth — and for me.
