About
The story of the Foundation begins in a most humbling way. When local Hammond businessman Richard Murphy was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1982, he wanted to live his remaining days in the familiar surroundings and comfort of his home.
Since the area did not have a bona fide hospice provider, Richard’s family, friends and medical team learned about hospice care and established the first hospice network in Hammond, Louisiana.
Following his death, and the exposure it created for hospice care, the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation was established to create a funding mechanism for families of the terminally ill who wanted hospice care, but did not have the insurance or funds for hospice care.
The Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of community and business leaders who have been touched by hospice care for their family members or friends.
Today, the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation has grown to one of the largest non-profit foundations in Southeast Louisiana. Each year through its fundraising efforts, the Foundation provides funding for hospice care for terminally ill patients who do not have the means to pay. It is the mission of the organization to ensure that everyone who has a desire for hospice care will receive the care they deserve during their final days.
In 2006, the Foundation expanded its efforts by building and operating the first independent (non-hospital owned) Hospice House in Louisiana. The Richard Murphy Hospice House provides the opportunity for terminally ill patients to receive hospice care in a comfortable and homelike setting when otherwise the patient has an insufficient dwelling or inadequate homecare to make it possible.