Edmarc

Edmarc was the first hospice in the nation designed specifically for children. Over 45 years later, we are still easing the trauma of a child’s life-threatening illness or end-of-life experience. Some of our kids win their battles and are a stable discharge from our program. Some sadly are not. Either way, Edmarc is here for families for the long haul.

Kids deserve to just be kids. Unfortunately for a child requiring complex care, hospital visits and stays can become the norm. That is why Edmarc cares for kids in their homes. Providing certain nursing care reduces the need for in-office visits, allowing the child to not only remain in a familiar and comforting environment, but also provides more opportunity for that child to simply be a child. And as part of an holistic approach, Edmarc supports the family as a whole. Whether it's counseling for siblings, a meal for the holidays, or a volunteer to mow a lawn, Edmarc strives to relieve as many burdens as possible so families can focus on what's important: being a family and making memories.

Not only does Edmarc serve families during a child's illness, we are there during every stage a family needs us. Our perinatal program, Bridges of Hope, supports expectant parents when their child has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness in utero. Social workers accompany parents to prenatal appointments, prep the family for multiple different outcomes, and help transition the baby into our home health or hospice program after delivery if necessary. If a child loses their battle, Edmarc's bereavement program provides support, walking with families through their grief, for as long as they need. Families can receive as much or as little support as they want, whether through grief groups, one-on-one sessions, birthday and holiday cards in honor of their child, or a myriad of other offerings.

Families never receive a bill. Edmarc is here to support our families through whatever may come their way. And with the help generous donors, we can continue to provide hope for the journey...together.

Who We Are

Established in 1978, Edmarc was the first hospice in the nation designed specifically for children. Our mission is to ease the trauma of a child’s illness or death and reduce the disabling effects of pediatric illness, loss, and bereavement on families. Edmarc nurses go into people's homes in Hampton Roads 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help keep their children battling life-threatening illnesses out of the hospital. By staying out of the hospital to receive medications such as chemotherapy, children have a better chance of beating their battles. With compromised immune systems, children run the risk of exposure to disease and infection when leaving their home environment. Now more than ever, it is vital to keep these children at home and out of the hospital.