Published on May 8, 2026
A letter from Claire Cowart Haltom, Alive Board Chair and Donor.
It happens every time.
The moment I mention my connection to Alive — at a dinner party, in a meeting, in passing conversation — something shifts. People pause. Their faces soften. And almost without fail, they share their own story: a mother cared for with extraordinary dignity, a husband whose final days were filled with peace, a family who could not have made it through that season without Alive by their side.
Fifty years of that. Fifty years of earning that response, one family at a time.
A nurse’s steady presence. A chaplain’s prayer. A social worker’s guidance. A grief counselor’s comfort. A volunteer’s compassion.
Alive has touched thousands of patients – and thousands of families – in ways that echo through generations. That is what a legacy looks like.
I think about my own family’s experience with hospice a lot in this role. I was blessed with long, meaningful relationships with all of my grandparents. They were remarkable individuals who spent their lives contributing to their communities – veterans who proudly served our country, educators who shaped young minds, church leaders, business owners, committed volunteers. Their impact didn’t end with their careers; it lived on through the people whose lives they touched.
And, at the end of their long, meaningful lives, we were fortunate that each had the opportunity to pass with dignity under the care of hospice. The compassion they received at the end of life has helped our family honor their memories – and carry their legacies forward.
I believe that being part of a legacy is equal parts inheritance and responsibility. You may inherit the hard work and dedication of those who came before you, but you carry the responsibility to grow, strengthen, and sustain what they built.
That belief is why I said yes to serving on the Alive Board of Directors. An organization that occupies such a sacred place in the hearts of this community deserves a commitment from the next generation to carry this nonprofit mission forward.
What I’ve seen from the inside has galvanized my commitment to this organization long-term. Alive is experiencing real momentum. Our leadership team is exceptional – thoughtful, bold, and deeply committed to this region. We are reviving the Alive Institute, strengthening investments in clinical excellence, and launching programs and services designed to serve more Middle Tennessee families than ever before.
Sustaining a legacy like Alive’s – a legacy built through thousands of tender, irreplaceable moments – takes a community willing to invest in its future. Fortunately, there are multiple ways you can do that.
A gift to our annual fund ensures every family who needs our services can access Alive, regardless of their ability to pay.
Your time as a volunteer brings our mission to life in ways that cannot be measured. And for those of you who wish to leave a legacy of your own, including Alive in your estate plans is one of the most profound gifts you can make for the future of healthcare in Middle Tennessee.
However you choose to give, know this: you are part of a legacy that has mattered deeply to this community for 50 years — and one that, with your support, is being built to carry another 50 with strength, compassion, and purpose.
With gratitude, from my family to yours,
Claire Cowart Haltom
Board Chair and Donor, Alive
More From Alive’s Newsletter
Honoring the Heart of Care: Our Nurses
At Alive, our nurses are at the heart of everything we do. They are the steady presence at the bedside, the calm voice in difficult moments, and the compassionate guide for patients and families navigating the end of life. Their work goes far beyond clinical care—it is rooted in connection, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to being there when it matters most.
The Heart Behind the Care
Recently we celebrated National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), and we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible individuals who give their time, compassion, and hearts to Alive.