A Lasting Legacy of Love: Seven-Figure Estate Gift To Health First Foundation Bolsters Hospice Care in Brevard

Terry Forde: “It’s a gift rooted not just in memory—but in mission.”

Madeline Childs’ generous bequest honors her late husband—and strengthens Health First’s inpatient hospice programs, ensuring comfort and dignity for families when it matters most.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Health First Foundation is honored to announce a transformational seven-figure planned gift from the late Madeline Childs to support the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay and Hospice of Health First’s inpatient hospice programs.

Madeline’s final act of generosity reflects a commitment that began more than two decades ago. In 2002, her husband, Bill, received hospice care during his final days. The experience was brief, but it left a lasting imprint on her.

Out of that moment of personal loss, Madeline chose to give back by establishing an irrevocable estate gift that would ultimately lead to the naming of the William Childs Hospice House in Bill’s memory.

“Though Bill was never physically a patient in this House — it had not yet been built — Madeline made a generous estate commitment to bring this vision to life in his memory,” Valerie Kenworthy, Vice President, Outpatient Operations, Health First, said.

“Her legacy continues to shape the compassionate care provided here.”

In the years that followed Bill’s passing, Madeline served Hospice of Health First as a board member, volunteer and a compassionate presence for families walking the same difficult road she once traveled.

Her voice, her determination, and her early philanthropic commitment helped pave the way for what ultimately became the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, named in Bill’s honor.

This fall, following her passing in 2024, the Foundation realized her generous planned gift, which will strengthen inpatient hospice care and ensure that families throughout Brevard County continue to receive comfort, dignity and expert support during life’s most challenging moments.

“It’s a gift rooted not just in memory—but in mission,” shared Terry Forde, CEO, Health First.

“Hospice is a sacred kind of care. It’s not about curing, but about comforting, preserving dignity, honoring final wishes, and supporting families when they need it most. And it takes a village. Dedicated physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, volunteers—and generous supporters like Madeline—make it possible.”

November marks National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a moment to recognize the dedicated professionals who provide this specialized care each day and the community members whose generosity sustains it.

Planned gifts like Childs’ strengthen Health First’s ability to care for our community through essential programs, services and facilities. These thoughtful commitments create enduring legacies that support exceptional local care for generations to come.

The story of William and Madeline Childs highlights how generosity, whether a transformational gift, volunteer service or a memorial contribution, advances compassionate care for families facing life’s most difficult moments.

To learn more about the programs offered, visit hf.org/hospice. For more information on the Health First Foundation, which supports Hospice and other needs across Health First’s hospitals, services and patient care programs, visit hf.org/foundation.

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