ROME — Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. named Frank P. DiBerardino of Rome as this year’s recipient of the Hospice & Palliative Care Association of New York State’s (HPCANYS) Carol Selinske Volunteer of the Year Award for his outstanding contribution of supporting hospice patients in the community.

DiBerardino has been a hospice volunteer for 27 years, most recently with Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. (HPCI) which serves Oneida, Herkimer, and eastern Madison counties. He continuously goes above and beyond providing respite and companionship to patients and their families.

DiBerardino has also contributed his volunteer expertise by giving input on training and recruitment of volunteers, serves on Hospice committees including the Ethics Committee and is a bright shining light to all those he meets, hospice staff said.

“Frank accepts his patients exactly where they are, no matter their circumstances or needs,” said Jerry Plows, Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.’s volunteer coordinator. “He is quick to take on any assignment and is invariably humble and gracious. We are honored and proud to have Frank as a member of our exceptional volunteer team.”

He said DiBerardino “instinctively knows the best way to meet the individual needs of the patients he meets. While one family may need hours of respite time, another patient may be overjoyed to receive a serving of much-loved chicken wings, even though they must be pureed. There is no wish that Frank will not at least attempt to grant from obtaining autographed photos of a favorite sports team, to a nostalgic drive down a country road.”

Those who have collaborated with DiBerardino at Hospice & Palliative Care said the volunteer has always been interested in his patients’ lives and wants to be a part of their journey.

“He is kind and thoughtful and creates lasting bonds with people by connecting with them emotionally, offering his support from a place of deep appreciation and respect,” Plows said. “Frank takes time to learn about his patients and what brings them joy. Recently, Frank took it upon himself to learn greetings in another language and a song that he and a patient sang and danced to. Such a beautiful moment of time during a difficult path of life.”

The HPCANY’s Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes hospice volunteers for the outstanding work they do. The Volunteer of the Year Award goes to an individual who demonstrates a considerable commitment to hospice, by making a notable difference by enhancing the lives of patients and families and serves as an inspiration to others.

“It’s my pleasure to be there for others when I’m needed,” DiBerardino said.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Hospice & Palliative Care, contact Jerry Plows, volunteer coordinator, at 315-735-6484 or at jplows@hospicecareinc.org.