An Unexpected Path

Maribeth Gallagher’s life took an unexpected turn that led her directly to a rewarding career, although it was an undeniably emotional and painful journey. She went from being a successful professional singer to a caregiver and then a program director in a span of a few years.

After her mother-in-law’s life-altering diagnosis of dementia, Dr. Gallagher and her family found themselves in a new reality, one that they were ill-equipped to handle. Given their new family dynamic, the help and human perspective that Hospice of the Valley brought to her mother-in-law’s journey shone through. As a caregiver,  Gallagher came to rely on and cherish the assistance granted free of charge by the Phoenix-based nonprofit. While spending her days surrounded by support and kindness at Hospice of the Valley, passion ignited in Gallagher.

“It was the whole experience of becoming a dementia care partner. And then, to see what Hospice of the Valley was able to do was so transformative for me, that I completely changed directions and decided that I wanted to go into the field of dementia care. Hospice of the Valley was so impressive and everybody that we met was so kind and capable, that my sights were set,” said Dr. Gallagher.

Gallagher returned to school, where she received her bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in nursing. She is now Dr. Gallagher, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, who is determined to improve dementia care and offer families the same sense of calm and reassurance she was gifted through Hospice of the Valley. 

“My life was full of every emotion that you could think of, from really feeling that passion that energizes you. It's so meaningful and purposeful, in a world that sometimes seems pretty superficial,” said Dr. Gallagher.

Even after proudly serving 20 years as the director of the dementia program, Dr. Gallagher wants her community to know that her job is nowhere near done. She wishes to guide the next generation, whether they are nurses or volunteers.

“If there's any inkling that stirs within you, even some curiosity, listen to it. Come to us! We're going to provide you with all of the education, the materials, (and) the emotional support that you need,” Dr. Gallagher said. “It will enrich your life in more ways than you can possibly imagine.”

Dementia is a difficult subject. Many people are afraid of the unknown and fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing in the presence of a patient or loved one. The stigma surrounding this illness drives many away from simply trying, though the only real requirement to volunteer is an open heart. Volunteering is an act of kindness, not of expertise.

“We've got your back on this, and we’ll support you with the courage and the heart to just give this a try,” said Dr. Gallagher.

HOV provides education and training and welcomes volunteers interested in making a difference in someone’s life. “Even in moments when we don't know what to do, we are all experts in being human and knowing how to show up with kindness and compassion for one another. That's what people living with dementia need,” shared Gallagher.

You can start today. Volunteer here to spread compassion and lend a hand to those who need it most.

Written by the ASU Cronkite Agency